Jio Launches Jio Bharat 4G Phone At Rs 999 To Make India '2G-mukt'

Reliance Jio, a leading telecom company, made an announcement on Monday regarding the launch of Jio Bharat, a device designed to offer internet-enabled services on entry-level mobile phones. Priced at Rs 999, the Jio Bharat phone aims to bridge the digital divide by providing affordable access to the internet.

To make the offering even more enticing, Jio is providing a monthly plan that is 30 per cent cheaper compared to plans offered by other operators. Additionally, users will enjoy seven times more data with this plan. For just Rs 123 per month, customers will have access to unlimited voice calls and 14 GB of data.

The Jio Bharat phone will also feature the convenience of unified payment interface (UPI) through JioPay, enabling users to make seamless digital transactions. Moreover, the phone will allow consumers to enjoy unlimited calls, providing a comprehensive communication solution. On the entertainment front, users will have access to popular Jio services such as JioCinema, JioSaavn, and FM Radio.

Reliance Jio has further revealed its plans to expand the reach of Jio Bharat beyond its own retail platform. Other phone brands, starting with Karbonn, will adopt the "Jio Bharat platform" to create their own versions of affordable phones.

The company is set to commence a beta trial of one million Jio Bharat phones from July 7. This trial will cover 6,500 tehsils, facilitating extensive testing and feedback collection.

Akash Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Jio, emphasised the need to address the 250 million mobile phone users in India who are still stuck in the 2G era. He expressed the company's commitment to democratizing the internet and making technology accessible to every Indian. Ambani stated that technology should no longer be a privilege limited to a few individuals, especially with the impending 5G revolution on the horizon.

Reliance Jio's introduction of the Jio Bharat phone marks another significant step in its mission to empower millions of Indians with affordable connectivity and digital access.