Reliance Jio, India’s leading telecom provider, has announced a 12-27% increase in mobile tariffs, marking its first hike in two and a half years. This move is expected to prompt other operators like Vodafone Idea to also raise their prices.
Additionally, the company has limited access to unlimited free 5G services for its customers. This tariff adjustment follows the recent spectrum auction, aligning with industry expectations. Experts anticipate Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea to follow suit with their own tariff revisions soon.
Reliance Jio Infocomm Chairman Akash M Ambani commented, ‘Introducing these new plans is a step toward fostering industry innovation and promoting sustainable growth through investments in 5G and AI technology.
Reliance Jio to Increase Mobile Service Rates
Reliance Jio has announced an upcoming increase in its mobile service rates starting July 3rd. This marks the first rate hike in over two years across almost all plans. For instance, the lowest recharge price will rise to ₹19 from ₹15, a 27% increase for a 1 GB data add-on pack.
Additionally, the 75 GB postpaid data plan’s cost will be ₹449, up from ₹399, and the popular ₹666 unlimited plan with 84-day validity will now cost ₹799, reflecting a 20% increase.
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Jio Launches True 5G Plans
Jio announced new plans, reaffirming its commitment to offering top-quality service at competitive prices worldwide.
“With Jio True 5G, the fastest rollout of its kind globally, India now leads in 5G technology. Jio operates nearly 85% of all 5G cells in India, boasting the country’s only Stand-Alone True 5G network. Users enjoy unlimited 5G data on premium plans without extra charges,” the statement added.
Akash Ambani, Chairperson of Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited, highlighted that these plans aim to drive industry innovation and sustainable growth through investments in 5G and Artificial Intelligence.
“The launch of new plans marks a significant move towards advancing industry innovation and fostering sustainable growth through investments in 5G and AI technologies. Affordable, high-quality internet access is crucial for Digital India, and Jio is committed to playing a pivotal role in this. We prioritize our country and customers, and will persist in our investments aimed at benefiting India,” he stated.
Jio’s Current Offerings
Currently, customers on plans priced above Rs 239 enjoy unlimited 5G service, while others can access it by adding a Rs 61 voucher to their plan.
Previously, Jio, along with Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea, increased mobile service rates in December 2021. Airtel later raised its entry-level mobile plan by 56%, from Rs 99 to Rs 155 in early 2023.
Jio boasts over 470 million mobile subscribers, capturing approximately 41% of the market share.
In addition to the rate hikes, Jio introduced two free apps, Jio Safe and JioTranslate, for a year. JioSafe, priced at Rs 199 monthly, offers quantum-secure communication for calling, messaging, and file transfer. JioTranslate, an AI-powered app, facilitates multilingual communication by translating voice calls, messages, text, and images.
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Reliance Jio to Increase Mobile Service Rates FAQs
Q.1. What prompted Reliance Jio to increase mobile tariffs?
Ans. Reliance Jio cited the need to align with industry standards and invest in new technologies like 5G and AI.
Q.2. What are Jio’s new 5G plans?
Ans. Jio True 5G offers unlimited data on premium plans with no additional charges, aiming to lead India in 5G technology.
Q.3. How will the tariff hike affect customers?
Ans. Customers on various plans will experience different percentage increases, reflecting adjustments across the board.
Q.4. What are the benefits of JioSafe and JioTranslate apps?
Ans. JioSafe provides secure communication, while JioTranslate aids multilingual interactions through AI technology.
Q.5. How does Jio’s market share compare in India?
Ans. Jio commands approximately 41% of the mobile market with over 470 million subscribers, reinforcing its industry presence.