Now, a Jio ‘smartphone’ that’s almost free

Girja Shankar Kaura

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, July 21

Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani again stormed the telecom market today as he announced the launch of a 4G-enabled phone that would be available at an “effective zero price” for Jio subscribers. 

Jio had entered the competitive telecom sector last September with a six-month promotional offer of free voice and data, which helped it mobilise 12.5 crore users.

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Boasting of smartphone-like features, the JioPhone would be available at a one-time security of Rs 1,500,  refundable after three years on return of the phone. It would be available for user testing in beta form from August 15 and for pre-booking from August 24, said Ambani at the 40th annual general meet of Reliance Industries Ltd in Mumbai. 

“JioPhone will be physically available to those who have pre-booked, on a first-come-first-served basis, September onwards,” he said. Once production starts, the company expects to churn out 50 lakh phones every week. 

Ambani said voice calling on JioPhone would be free while customers could avail of free voice messages and unlimited data at just Rs 153.

Reliance has also launched a new accessory to mirror its JioPhone content on TV at Rs 309 per month. The phone can play videos too using Jio apps. Equipped with 22 regional languages, it can be operated using voice commands.  

What you pay

• Rs 1,500 one-time security, refundable after 3 years on return of phone 
• Free voice calling, but unlimited data and voice messages to cost Rs 153/month  
• Will be available on first-come-first-served basis; pre-bookings begin on August 24

Likely specifications 

• Dual SIM, 2.4-inch non-touch screen, 512 MB RAM, 4GB internal memory, 
• supports microSD card (expandable to 128 GB), 2MP rear camera, 2,000mAh 
• battery, bluetooth v4.1, Wi-Fi and FM radio