Airtel launches ebook app Airtel Books to take on Amazon Kindle, Google Play Books, & Apple Books

Surviving the continual loss of mobile subscribers, Airtel is turning to grow its software business to boost profits. The telco has now announced the launch of its new app called Airtel Books that is a marketplace for a range of ebooks. Unlike its most apps, Airtel Books will be accessible to both Airtel and non-Airtel customers. The app is now available to download on Android and iOS.

As a part of the catalogue, Airtel Books has over 70,000 titles from Indian and international authors. Many of the ebooks are powered by Juggernaut Books, a stake of which was purchased by Airtel in December last year. Airtel says it is planning to “rapidly expand” the collection of ebooks with other major publishers.

Airtel Books comes as a rival to Amazon Kindle (including Prime Reading), Google Play Books, and Apple Books – the companies that have heavily invested to procure exclusive rights from leading publishers and authors as the consumption of ebooks surges.