In a landmark decision that could change the Indian telecom sector forever, Mukesh Ambani LED Reliance Jio announced that Jio will never charge its users for voice calls.
“Customer should pay only for one service voice or data, not both. World over operators charge for only data while voice and Messaging are essentially free. So today I have great pleasure in announcing a revolutionary concept for the Indian market. All voice calls for Jio customers will be absolutely free,” Mukesh Ambani, the head of RIL group of which Reliance Jio is a part, said while addressing shareholder of RIL at 42ndAnnual General Meeting.
“And in spirit of One India- no Roaming charges also. Jio will put an end to voice call charges in India,” he further added.
On the occasion, Ambani also revealed Jio’s pricing offers (look screenshot below).
While revealing Jio’s tariffs, Mukesh Ambani added that the operator will charge just Rs 50 for 1 GB of LTE data- the lowest in the world. Moreover, he said that Jio users would get unlimited 4G night data.
“Current market price is to charge a base rate of Rs 4,000 -10,000 per GB of data! Jio will have a base rate which is more than at a 90 per cent discount over the industry,” he claimed.
Taking a dig at other operators, Mukesh Ambani said that Reliance Jio will not charge during festivals.
“There would not be any blackout days or any complex tariffs. Operators charge double on festivals but Jio would not have such charges ,” Mukesh Ambani said amidst thunders applause from the attendees.
Mukesh Ambani also announced that, as a welcome offer, from 5th Sept, anyone can get a Jio SIM and they would get the services for free till 15th Dec.
He also announced a special offer for students who can avail 25 per cent more data on Jio’s main tariffs provided they have valid student ID card. Reliance Jio, Mukesh Ambani said, is in the process of connecting the majority of India’s schools and colleges with WiFi to provide Broadband wireless data access to students in their classrooms.
He also said that all Jio apps, worth Rs 15,000, will be complimentary for Jio subscribers till 31st December 2017.
Mukesh Ambani revealed that currently Jio’s 4G network covers 18,000 cities and towns, and over 2 lakh villages.
“By March 2017, we will cover 90% of Indian population,” he added.