- Jio Bharat to enable existing 250 million feature phone users with internet-enabled phones
- Beta trial for first 1 million Jio Bharat phones begins on Friday, 7thJuly 2023
- 30% cheaper monthly plan and 7 times more data compared to feature phone offerings of other operators
- ₹ 123 per month for unlimited voice calls and 14 GB data, compared to other operator’s ₹ 179 plan for voice calls and 2GB data
NE BUSINESS BUREAU
MUMBAI, JULY 3
Reliance Jio on Monday announced the launch of the internet-enabled ‘Jio Bharat’ phones, at starting price of Rs 999. The beta trial for first 10 lakh Jio Bharat phones will begin on July 7, Jio said in a release, adding that it will be carried out in “6,500 tehsils” across the country.
The phone has been launched with the “2G-mukt Bharat vision”, and is aimed at providing the “existing 250 million feature phone users” in the country with internet-enabled phones, Jio said.
Speaking on this occasion, Akash Ambani, Chairman, Reliance Jio, commented, “There are still 250 million mobile phone users in India who remain ‘trapped’ in the 2G era, unable to tap into basic features of the internet at a time when the world stands at the cusp of a 5G revolution.
6 years ago, when Jio was launched, we made it clear that Jio will leave no stone unturned to democratize internet and pass the benefits of technology to every Indian. Technology will no longer remain a privilege for a select few.
The new Jio Bharat phone is another step in that direction. It is at the centre 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.
At Jio, we have and will continue to take bold steps to eradicate this DIGITAL DIVIDE and welcome every Indian to JOIN THIS MOVEMENT.
WE CARE for every citizen of our nation, and we will go the extra mile to ensure every single person reaps the benefits of this DIGITAL SOCEITY that our great nation is turning into.”
Specifications
The affordable phone includes a 1.77-inch screen, Jio apps for entertainment and digital payments, a torch, a radio, a 0.3MP camera, expandable storage, and a headphone jack. It aims to provide internet-enabled phones to a wider audience.
It also features a 3.5mm headphone jack, enabling users to connect earphones for content consumption or music listening.
Tariff Plans
The basic recharge plan has been priced at Rs 123 per month for unlimited voice calls and 14 GB data.
