Reliance in 1000-store telco deal
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India’s Reliance Industries is to build a network of 1000 stores, the consumer face of a new 4G mobile phone network.
The new mobile phone network will be launched in December with 1000 stores branded ‘Jio Centers’. The network itself will be called Jio.
The store network will sell Jio-branded mobile phones and be backed up by 500,000 licenced connectivity outlets and one million recharge outlets. These customer contact points will be operational by December, when the network – undergoing beta testing from next month – will boast 80 per cent coverage of India.
The stores will also sell Samsung, Apple, Huawei and Xiaomi phones for connection to its network.
“Reliance Digital would be a catalyst by making available entry level to ultra premium 4G LTE smartphones… in driving the device ecosystem in India for Jio,” the company said in a statement.
Reliance Industries operates in a number of sectors, although its base is in energy and retailing. It is headed by Mukesh Ambani, India’s richest individual.
Questions & Answers
Q.What is the primary purpose of the 1000 new stores being built by Reliance Industries?
What is the primary purpose of the 1000 new stores being built by Reliance Industries?
The 1000 new stores will serve as the consumer face for Reliance's new 4G mobile phone network, branded 'Jio Centers'. They will sell Jio-branded mobile phones and connect customers to the new network.
Q.When is the new mobile phone network expected to be launched and what will its initial coverage be?
When is the new mobile phone network expected to be launched and what will its initial coverage be?
The new mobile phone network, called Jio, is set to launch in December. By this time, it is projected to have 80 per cent coverage across India, following beta testing from next month.
Q.Beyond its own branded phones, which other mobile phone brands will the Jio Centers sell?
Beyond its own branded phones, which other mobile phone brands will the Jio Centers sell?
Alongside Jio-branded mobile phones, the new stores will also sell phones from Samsung, Apple, Huawei, and Xiaomi. These devices will be available for connection to the Jio network.
Q.How will Reliance support the new store network in terms of customer contact points?
How will Reliance support the new store network in terms of customer contact points?
The 1000 Jio Centers will be supported by an additional 500,000 licenced connectivity outlets and one million recharge outlets. These customer contact points are planned to be operational by December.
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