Reliance, the leading telecom operator in India, has introduced a new mobile device and accompanying tariff plans through its digital subsidiary, Jio Platforms.
This move represents the latest effort in Reliance’s ongoing campaign to convert users who are still reliant on outdated 2G networks in the country.
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The new device, called ‘Jio Bharat,’ is a 4G-enabled phone equipped with a range of modern features. It offers mobile payment capabilities with UPI (Unified Payments Interface) and provides access to Jio’s own on-demand video and music streaming services, JioCinema and JioSaavn.
Priced at 999 Indian rupees ($12.2), according to a statement released by Reliance on Monday, Jio Bharat aims to target approximately 250 million Indian consumers who have thus far been unable to afford the switch to 4G networks. Alongside the handset, Reliance is also introducing an affordable tariff plan as part of the offering.
Jio Platforms has unveiled a new monthly plan priced at just 123 Indian rupees ($1.5), providing 14GB of data usage for the month along with unlimited voice calls.
For those opting for an annual subscription, the plan costs 1,234 Indian rupees ($15). Reliance has announced that it will commence offering the Jio Bharat phone to consumers starting July 7, as part of a beta trial.
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This trial period is intended to ensure the scalability of the platform and processes involved in upgrading millions of feature phone users.
Reliance Jio’s Chairman, Akash Ambani, stated, “The new Jio Bharat phone is another step in that direction. It is at the center of innovation, and it continues to demonstrate our focus on bringing disproportionate and true value for different segments of users with meaningful, real-life use cases”.
