Jio launches handset scheme to add users

Offers handset and 2 years unlimited service for ~1,999

Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Jio on Friday launched a bundled offer giving customers a handset, up to two years of unlimited voice calls, and 2 GB data per month.

The offer comes in the backdrop of stiff competition in the telecom space, which has seen rival Bharti Airtel add subscribers at a faster pace in the recent months. The scheme is in line with Jio’s ‘2G-mukt Bharat’ plan, which aims to turn India into 4Gonly market.

“There are still 300 million subscribers in India who remain trapped in the 2G era, unable to access basic features of the internet, at a time, when the world stands at the cusp of a 5G revolution. The New Jiophone 2021 offer is another step in that direction. At Jio, we have and will continue to take bold steps to eradicate the digital divide,” Reliance Jio Director Akash Ambani said in a statement.

Under the offer, the customers would get a Jio handset, two years of unlimited voice, and 2G data per month for one-time payment of ~1,999. One-year plan with similar benefits is available for ~1,499. Jio claimed the customers pay 2.5x more on other networks for same benefits.

“There are still 300 million subscribers in India who remain trapped in the 2G era, unable to access basic features of the internet, at a time when the world stands at the cusp of a 5G revolution” AKASH AMBANI, Director, Reliance Jio

Jio had unveiled its own 4G-enabled device in 2017 to push 4G services and win more customers. It had stopped marketing bundled offers with handsets last year as Covid-19 raged in the country.

While Jio is the largest telecom service provider with over 400 million wireless subscribers, it is adding customers at a slower pace. In the December-ended quarter, Airtel’s customer base grew by 14.2 million against Jio’s addition of 5.2 million.