Launch of Digital Services by Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited
Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited (“Jio”) announced on September, 1 the launch of its digital services with Jio Welcome Offer which will be effective from 5 September, 2016. As part of the Jio Welcome Offer, users will have access to unlimited LTE data and national voice, video and messaging services along with the full bouquet of Jio applications and content, free of cost up to 31 December 2016. The Company today filed its tariff plans with the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (“TRAI”).
The announcement was made by the Chairman of Reliance Industries Limited, Shri Mukesh D. Ambani, at the Annual General Meeting of RIL today. Shri Ambani emphasised the benefits of digitalisation and said in his speech that Jio is dedicated to realising the Prime Minister’s inspiring vision of “Digital India” for 1.2 billion Indians.
Shri Ambani also announced that domestic voice calls to any network across the country would be free for Jio subscribers even beyond the Jio Welcome Offer. Domestic roaming services would also not be charged separately. Average data prices would be around Rs. 50/ GB, which would be amongst the lowest in the world.
Shri Ambani spoke about the five fundamental pillars of the Jio ecosystem: (i) The best quality broadband network with the highest capacity; (ii) A world of affordable, cutting-edge devices; (iii) Compelling applications and content; (iv) Superior digital service experiences; and (v) Affordable and simple tariffs.
Shri Ambani also said that the key brand values for Jio included affordable, high quality and abundant data; connected intelligence; smart, simple and secure services; and bringing people together.
Jio announced the setting-up of the Jio Digital India Start-up Fund. Jio will work on creating Jio Digital Entrepreneurship Hubs in key cities and towns of India. The Jio Digital India Startup Fund has set aside Rs. 5,000 crores to be invested over the next 5 years.
Jio Welcome Offer
The Jio Welcome Offer provides an opportunity to every Indian to learn, try, customise and experience high quality digital services, without paying for the services up to 31 December, 2016 after which the applicable tariffs will apply. The Company also proposes to use this time period to fine-tune its services as well as for resolution of interconnection and MNP related issues that it has faced with several other operators. Jio may extend the period of free services in case Jio subscribers are not able to get adequate experience of seamless connectivity across network due to POI congestion and MNP restrictions and the quality of service parameters are not as per the benchmarks desired by RJIL management. The other terms and conditions of these special benefits under the Jio Welcome Offer have been filed by the Company to TRAI as well as provided on its website ‘jio.com’.
The existing test users of the Company, who have enrolled for the Jio Preview Offer, will be transitioned to the Jio Welcome Offer under the terms thereof.
Tariff Plans
The Company filed its detailed tariff plans with TRAI today. Shri Ambani enumerated the following principles used for formulating the tariff plans:
i) Benefits of technology would be passed onto customers. All domestic voice calls for Jio customers will be absolutely free, across India and at any time. Domestic roaming charges will not apply in Jio tariffs.
ii) Data tariffs have been made highly affordable, with full transparency, without any associated conditions. The Company is offering the lowest LTE data rates in the world. Additionally it would offer unlimited night time LTE data.
iii) The Jio-Apps bouquet, which is worth Rs. 15,000 for an annual subscription, will be available complimentary for all active Jio customers up to 31 December 2017. This has been done to make Digital Life available to everyone.
iv) A special student discount offer, with 25% more data on the main tariff plans, would be offered to all students.
v) Jio has introduced a simple tariff structure with only 10 main plans, designed to fit every budget, as against the 22,000 tariff plans prevailing in the country today. These are summarised here:
