Bharti Airtel and Western Union have decided to jointly develop and pilot a Mobile Money Transfer service in India. This agreement will usher in the possibility of sending money to India via a mobile phone. The Mobile Money Transfer service is subject to regulatory approval.

“We are delighted to work with Western Union in this path-breaking initiative and be at the forefront of enabling international remittance over mobile for our 50 million mobile phone customers in India. This will help us move money via mobile in a fast and convenient way, supporting low-value transactions,” said Gopal Vittal, director Marketing and Communications, Bharti Airtel.

This programme will enable Indians living abroad to send remittances to their families in India in an easy and convenient fashion through the vast networks of both companies.

“Our association with Bharti Airtel for the Mobile Money Transfer service is an important step in expanding the range of Western Union global services to a new category of consumers across the world,” said Matt Dill, General Manager, Western Union Mobile. “This is a very exciting development, especially given the expanse and reach of mobile services in the Indian subcontinent.”