The Reliance Network generates a new phone segment JIO Phone aimed at millions of low-paid Indian citizens, working on basic calls-and-text devices and fancier smartphones.
Mukesh Ambani India’s richest man is leading it, waded into India’s competitive telecoms industry last year with its $30 billion bet on Jio, turning over the segment with its cheap and low price smartphones and data plans.
Last week, it publicized a new phone, which offers digital payments and will come free. Buyers can get a mobile for a refundable fee of just 1,500 INR ($23.30).
Currently, over 60% of India’s about 750 million mobile users use phones that facilitate simply calls and basic texts, making so-called feature phones the country’s sole largest segment. But a lot of will soon move up the chain.
“The idea of 4G feature phones is not fresh, and the majority of Indian firms have already done their R&D,” said Jaipal Singh, an analyst with tech research firm IDC. “Brands such as Micromax, Lava, Intex, and Karbonn will launch comparable devices to either compete or partner with Jio.”
Micromax, one of India’s main brands, said it was working on a 4G feature phone that would competitor Jio’s negotiation offering.
Jio Phone price in India is predictable to be INR 1500. Jio Phone will be launched in August 2017. The Jio Phone comes in Black color. The Jio Phone bookings will start from August 24 and can be booked online as well as via various retail outlets across the country. Furthermore, the payment of 1500 Indian Rupees is refundable after three years if someone wants to be. Bookings of Jio Phone can be placed using the MyJio app but if you do not get the app but still want to book the handset, you can head to an offline Jio retailer for this purpose.
