Reliance Jio launches “free” 4G phone
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India’s Reliance Jio Infocomm has disrupted the mobile market once again with the launch of a “free” 4G handset named the JioPhone.
The operator is offering the JioPhone for a security deposit of 1,500 rupees ($23.29), fully refundable after three years.
The handset is being produced in India. It will be offered under a plan worth 153 rupees per month for free voice calls and SMS as well as unlimited data with a daily fair use cap of 500MB.
The device has a keypad and a 2.4-inch, 240×320 display. It supports Bluetooth, NFC payment and access to Jo services including JioTV and JioMovies, and has a rear camera, SD card slot and headphone jack.
An additional data plan worth 309 rupees per month will allow mirroring of the phone screen to any TV to support streaming services at home.
Announcing the handset, Reliance chairman Mukesh Ambani said around two thirds of India’s mobile users do not have smartphones, leaving them unable to access Jio’s 4G-only network and leaving Jio unable to attract these customers. The Jio Phone is intended to help the company reach this audience.
Preorders of the Jio phone will commence next month. The introduction of the device will only increase the intense competition in India’s mobile market triggered by Jio’s explosive entry onto the scene with its pan-India 4G network.
Questions & Answers
Q.What is the actual upfront cost for customers to obtain the JioPhone?
What is the actual upfront cost for customers to obtain the JioPhone?
Customers must pay a security deposit of 1,500 rupees ($23.29) to get the JioPhone. This deposit is fully refundable after three years of use.
Q.What are the key features and services available with the basic monthly plan for the JioPhone?
What are the key features and services available with the basic monthly plan for the JioPhone?
The basic plan costs 153 rupees per month, offering free voice calls, SMS, and unlimited data with a 500MB daily fair use cap. It also provides access to Jio services like JioTV and JioMovies.
Q.What is the primary objective of Reliance Jio Infocomm in launching the JioPhone?
What is the primary objective of Reliance Jio Infocomm in launching the JioPhone?
The company aims to attract the two-thirds of India's mobile users who currently lack smartphones. This allows them to access Jio's 4G-only network and expand the company's customer base.
Q.What functionality does the more expensive monthly data plan for the JioPhone offer?
What functionality does the more expensive monthly data plan for the JioPhone offer?
An additional data plan, costing 309 rupees per month, enables screen mirroring from the phone to any television. This feature supports home streaming services for users.
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