Science & Technology

Reliance Jio is planning to launch 4G-enabled feature phones that could cost as low as Rs 1,500 According to a report in Financial Express, Jio is already in talks with Chinese manufacturers to source these phones. For Jio, affordable smartphones could significantly boost the number of users on its network given there aren’t many options of Rs 1,500 4G-VoLTE feature phone available in the market. So, what does it mean for the users? To begin with, Jio phones are likely to be pre-loaded with a bouquet of apps. While these phones will allow for VoLTE calling, they may restrict the Internet privileges that other smartphone users enjoy. Here’s a look at everything you need to know about 4G-VoLTE feature phones: Why Reliance Jio 4G-VoLTE feature phone? For Reliance Jio, a 4G VoLTE phone of its own becomes all the more important given its reliance entirely on 4G network for calling, mobile data and more. Jio already has its own line-up of LYF branded phones, but th...

No end to data wars: Reliance Jio free offers to continue for 12-18 months Reliance Jio likely to continue free offers The free schemes and recharge options that Reliance Jio is offering to its customers is likely to continue for the next 12-18 months, which means other telecom services providers like Airtel, Vodafone and BSNL will have to step up efforts to counter Jio's strategy.  Jio's tactic would lead to pressure on the average revenue per user (ARPU) of incumbent operators, US bank Morgan Stanley said in a report. It added that ARPU for Bharti Airtel, Idea Cellular and Vodafone India has been effectively capped at about Rs 300 due to Jio’s current offers, a report published in  The Economic Times  said. Jio prepaid plans start from as low as Rs 19, and go up to Rs. 9,999, while postpaid plans are available at Rs. 309, Rs. 509, and Rs. 999 denomination. Jio launched its 4G service commercially on September 5, 2016 for ...