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Tag: Jio

  • Reliance Jio Surpasses 213 Million 5G Users: A Milestone in Connectivity!

    Reliance Jio Surpasses 213 Million 5G Users: A Milestone in Connectivity!

    Reliance Jio Infocomm has made impressive strides in the 5G landscape, wrapping up June 2025 with a staggering 213 million 5G subscribers, a sharp rise from 170 million at the close of 2024. This growth surge, detailed in its latest quarterly report released by parent company Reliance Industries, underscores the effectiveness of Jio’s innovative in-house 5G technology stack, which has now positioned itself for expansion into international markets. Notably, 5G accounted for an impressive 40% of Jio’s wireless traffic by the end of last year.

    A Noteworthy Expansion in Fixed Services

    In parallel, Reliance Jio has made considerable advancements in the fixed services segment, achieving over 20 million connected premises through its broadband network. The firm’s JioAirFiber service has emerged as the world’s largest fixed wireless access (FWA) platform, currently catering to nearly 7.4 million users — a feat that would surely make tech aficionados raise an eyebrow in surprise.

    Leadership’s Vision: Embracing Next-Gen Technologies

    Akash Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Jio, expressed his enthusiasm about the company hitting significant milestones. “We have delivered a milestone quarter at Jio with our 5G and home subscriber base crossing the 200 million and 20 million marks, respectively,” he stated. Ambani further emphasized Jio’s commitment to rolling out next-generation services, including the recently launched JioGames Cloud and the JioPC bundle, aimed at accelerating digital service adoption across India. He noted the company’s role in developing unparalleled technology infrastructure, crucial for driving the country’s artificial intelligence (AI) adoption.

    IPO Delay: A Strategic Move for Growth

    Despite these accolades, Jio Platforms has opted to postpone its initial public offering (IPO) beyond 2025. The aim is to bolster revenue growth and expand its user base further. Analysts estimate the company’s valuation at over USD 100 billion, with a significant 80% of its USD 17.6-billion annual revenue generated by its telecommunications unit.

    Bumps on the Road: Navigating 5G Challenges

    Last year, Jio faced challenges in its 5G rollout, which was slowed down by low capacity utilization and delays in monetization. Currently, reported 5G usage hovers around 15%, although insiders claim actual figures are likely much higher. The network operates using equipment from established providers like Nokia and Ericsson.

    Looking ahead, future investments in 5G will hinge on market demand, as analysts and industry watchers anticipate the next phase of expansion to unfold in response to intensified competition from rivals such as Bharti Airtel.

    Questions & Answers

    What factors contributed to Reliance Jio’s significant subscriber growth in 2025?
    The surge to 213 million 5G subscribers is attributed to Jio’s innovative in-house technology stack and the strategic positioning of its cloud-native core network, which is eyeing international markets.

    How has Reliance Jio performed in the fixed services segment?
    Reliance Jio surpassed 20 million connected premises through its broadband network, with its JioAirFiber service emerging as the largest fixed wireless access platform globally, catering to approximately 7.4 million users.

    What is the rationale behind the delay of Jio Platforms’ IPO?
    Jio Platforms has decided to postpone its IPO to 2025 to concentrate on enhancing revenue and expanding its user base, despite the firm’s high valuation estimated over USD 100 billion.

  • Reliance Jio Postpones IPO to Enhance 5G Investments and Accelerate Digital Growth

    Reliance Jio Postpones IPO to Enhance 5G Investments and Accelerate Digital Growth

    Reliance Jio Platforms has decided to postpone its much-anticipated initial public offering (IPO) until after 2025, focusing instead on bolstering its financial health and expanding its array of digital services. The company is intent on enhancing its revenue streams and subscriber base prior to making its public debut.

    Valuation Soars as Digital Ventures Thrive

    With analysts currently estimating the value of Jio Platforms at over USD 100 billion, the subsidiary of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) is rapidly diversifying. At the forefront of its endeavors is Reliance Jio Infocomm, its telecom operator, which generates around 80% of the company’s staggering USD 17.6 billion in annual revenue.

    Cautious Approach to 5G Expansion

    In a surprising turn of events, Jio has adopted a measured strategy towards its nationwide 5G rollout. The company slowed its expansion in October 2024, citing low utilization and delayed monetization as factors. Instead of racing ahead, Jio is prioritizing the transition of its existing 4G users to the more lucrative 5G services, aiming to maximize revenue from its current customer base.

    5G Utilization Numbers Raise Questions

    While equipment vendors suggest that the current 5G network utilization sits at around 15%, insiders from Jio argue that actual usage is, in fact, more than double that figure. Working with industry giants like Nokia and Ericsson for its 5G infrastructure, Jio is continually evolving its strategy, tailoring it to meet customer demands in an increasingly competitive landscape.

    Leading the 5G Race

    As it stands, Jio services approximately 130 million 5G users, putting it ahead of rival Bharti Airtel, which has close to 90 million users. During the company’s 47th annual general meeting (AGM), RIL Chairman Mukesh Ambani revealed that Jio now operates over 85% of India’s 5G radio cells, solidifying its dominant position in the telecommunications sector.

    Bold Moves in AI and Digital Services

    Diversifying its portfolio further, Jio is making significant strides in the realms of digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI). At the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025, the company unveiled its plans to develop an Open Telecom AI Platform in collaboration with AMD, Cisco, and Nokia. This ambitious platform aims to provide AI-driven solutions for telecom operators and service providers — a feat that could shake up the industry’s landscape.

    Integrating AI for Enhanced Network Operations

    Jio’s strategy includes seamlessly integrating AI and automation throughout its network operations. The forthcoming platform will leverage open application programming interfaces (APIs), agentic AI, large language models (LLMs), and traditional machine learning (ML) to facilitate intelligent, end-to-end telecom services. Talk about giving ‘smart’ a whole new meaning!

    Questions & Answers

    What is the primary reason for Jio’s IPO delay?
    The delay in Jio Platforms’ IPO until after 2025 is primarily focused on strengthening its financial profile and expanding its digital services to enhance revenue streams and subscriber base before going public.

    How does Jio’s 5G user base compare to its competitors?
    Jio currently serves around 130 million 5G users, significantly more than its nearest rival, Bharti Airtel, which boasts approximately 90 million users.

    What differentiates Jio’s approach to its 5G rollout?
    Jio has taken a cautious approach to 5G expansion, prioritizing the migration of 4G users over aggressive expansion due to issues surrounding low utilization and delayed monetization.

  • Jio Partners with SpaceX to Bring Starlink Internet to India

    Jio Partners with SpaceX to Bring Starlink Internet to India

    Jio’s commitment to providing affordable, high-speed internet across the country is at the heart of this collaboration.

    “Ensuring that every Indian, regardless of location, has access to seamless broadband remains Jio’s top priority. Our collaboration with SpaceX to bring Starlink to India is a significant step in our journey toward comprehensive digital inclusion. By incorporating Starlink into Jio’s broadband infrastructure, we aim to enhance accessibility, reliability, and connectivity in an increasingly AI-driven world, empowering communities and businesses alike,” said Mathew Oommen, Group CEO of Jio Platforms.

    “We appreciate Jio’s dedication to enhancing connectivity across India. We look forward to collaborating and securing the necessary approvals from the Government of India to extend Starlink’s high-speed internet services to a broader audience,” said SpaceX’s President and COO, Gwynne Shotwell.

    In addition to broadband services, Jio and SpaceX are exploring other possible collaborations to further enhance India’s digital ecosystem. This includes expanding connectivity solutions in sectors such as education, healthcare, and business.

    Apart from Jio, India’s Airtel has also teamed up with Starlink to bring satellite broadband to local users. This partnership allows Airtel to distribute Starlink equipment and offer tailored solutions to businesses, schools, healthcare providers, and remote communities. Both companies are also looking at ways to combine their infrastructures to optimize connectivity and improve service delivery.

    With both Jio and Airtel partnering with SpaceX, India is on the brink of a major upgrade to its broadband network, bringing faster, more reliable internet to both urban and rural areas.

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  • Reliance Jio Pushes for Satellite Spectrum Auction

    Reliance Jio Pushes for Satellite Spectrum Auction

    In a letter to Minister Scindia, Reliance Jio highlighted the Supreme Court’s ruling in the 2G case, warning that the TRAI’s omission of questions regarding a level playing field could result in potential legal disputes.

    The letter from Reliance Jio was prompted by the TRAI’s rejection of its request to include questions about the level playing field between terrestrial network providers, which use ground-based towers for mobile services and satellite communication service providers.

    The TRAI previously reported to have initiated a consultation process that aimed to determine the methodology and pricing for assigning spectrum to satellite companies, enabling them to offer calling, messaging, broadband, and other services in India.

    In its letter, Reliance Jio pointed out that several satellite communication companies, including Elon Musk’s Starlink, Amazon’s Kuiper, Bharti Group-backed OneWeb, Eutelsat, and the SES-Jio joint venture, have shown interest in offering their services in India. This development poses a direct challenge to land-based mobile networks. Consequently, Reliance Jio asserted that a fair and transparent auction system for satellite services is crucial to ensure equitable competition in the market.

    Reliance Jio noted that while the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) acknowledged the necessity for a level playing field in its reference to the TRAI, the consultation paper released by the TRAI seemed to neglect this important concern. Reliance Jio expressed that it believes the TRAI has prematurely closed the discussion without seeking input from stakeholders.

    The telecom operator further stated that the consultation paper did not pose relevant questions regarding the level playing field, preventing stakeholders from expressing their views.

    “Such a consultation exercise could result in recommendations that disregard this vital issue of level playing field. Although we have raised this issue with TRAI and asked that the consultation paper be revised to address the level playing field issues between satellite and terrestrial networks, our request has not been considered favorably,” Reliance Jio said.

    The government, under the Telecommunications Act 2023, has chosen to allocate spectrum for specific satellite services through an administrative process instead of using an auction.

    Reliance Jio emphasized that a comprehensive analysis of technological advancements, market demand and supply, and the economic feasibility of conducting spectrum auctions was not carried out by the DoT or the TRAI prior to the decision to allow administrative allocation for satellite phone services.

    Reliance Jio further stated that, in accordance with the clear legislative intent and the DoT’s acknowledgment of the need for a level playing field between satellite and terrestrial services, the TRAI should conduct a thorough assessment of technological advancements, market demand and supply, as well as the technical and economic feasibility of auctions for satellite services.

    Reliance Jio warned that failing to do so could render the TRAI’s consultation process and subsequent recommendations subject to legal scrutiny. The company highlighted that the Honorable Supreme Court of India, in various judgments, has underscored the importance of a transparent and fair mechanism for spectrum assignment, rejecting the ‘first-come-first-served’ method.

    “Any preferential treatment of satellite-based services, whether under the guise of emerging technologies or global precedents, should be firmly rejected. Spectrum assignment policies must align with established legal mandates, including the Supreme Court’s directive on adopting a fair, transparent and non-discriminatory approach,” Reliance Jio added.

  • Jio Debuts 5G-Powered Wi-Fi

    Jio Debuts 5G-Powered Wi-Fi

    To enable 5G-for-all, Reliance Jio has introduced JioTrue5G-powered Wi-Fi services in high-footfall areas such as educational institutes, religious places, railway stations, bus stands, commercial hubs and more. This is in addition to the JioTrue5G service and the Jio Welcome Offer, launched recently in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Varanasi. Jio teams are working round the clock to make additional cities go live and increase the availability of True5G-ready handsets.

    As a Shubh-Aarambh, along with JioTrue5G services, Jio has started JioTrue5G-powered Wi-Fi services in the temple town of Nathdwara, in Rajasthan.

    Akash M Ambani, chairman, Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited, said, “Service to humanity is one of the most endearing facets of Indian culture, the roots of which can be found in our socio-religious traditions. As stated earlier, 5G cannot remain an exclusive service to the privileged few or those in our largest cities. It must be available to every citizen, every home, and every business across India. This is a step in that direction to enable every Indian with JioTrue5G.”

    “Today, we have powered the first True5G-enabled Wi-Fi service at the holy town of Nathdwara and the temple of Lord Srinath Ji. With this, we will power many more such locations and allow them to trial our services. In addition, we welcome Chennai as our latest city to be added to Jio True5G Welcome Offer.”

  • Jio Platforms Ltd and SES partner to deliver high-performance satellite-based broadband across India

    Jio Platforms Ltd and SES partner to deliver high-performance satellite-based broadband across India

    Jio Platforms Limited, India’s leading digital service provider, and SES, a leading global satellite-based content connectivity solutions provider, announced the formation of a joint venture – Jio Space Technology Limited – to deliver the next generation scalable and affordable broadband services in India leveraging satellite technology. JPL and SES will own 51% and 49% equity stake in the joint venture respectively. The joint venture will use multi-orbit space networks that is a combination of geostationary (GEO) and medium earth orbit (MEO) satellite constellations capable of delivering multi-gigabit links and capacity to enterprises, mobile backhaul and retail customers across the length and breadth of India and neighbouring regions.

    The joint venture will be the vehicle for providing SES’s satellite data and connectivity services in India, except for certain international aeronautical and maritime customers who may be served by SES. It will have availability of up to 100 Gbps capacity from SES and will leverage Jio’s premiere position and sales reach in India to unlock this market opportunity. As part of investment plan, the joint venture will develop extensive gateway infrastructure in India to provide services within the country. Jio, as an anchor customer of the joint venture, has entered into a multi-year capacity purchase agreement, based on certain milestones along with gateways and equipment purchase with total contract value of circa US $100 million.

    The joint venture will leverage SES-12, SES’s high-throughput GEO satellite serving India, and O3b mPOWER, SES’s next-generation MEO constellation, to extend and complement Jio’s terrestrial network, increasing access to digital services and applications. Jio will offer managed services and gateway infrastructure operations services to the joint venture.

    As Covid-19 has demonstrated, access to broadband is imperative for full participation in the new digital economy. This joint venture will be a catalyst for connecting the unconnected areas within India and the region to the full range of digital services, offering access to remote health, government services, and distance learning opportunities.

    Akash Ambani, director of Jio, said, “While we continue to expand our fibre-based connectivity and FTTH business and invest in 5G, this new joint venture with SES will further accelerate the growth of multigigabit broadband. With additional coverage and capacity offered by satellite communications services, Jio will be able to connect the remotest towns and villages, enterprises, government establishments, and consumers to the new digital India. We are excited about this new journey combining our massive reach and customer base with SES’s innovative leadership and expertise in the satellite industry.”

    Steve Collar, CEO of SES said, “This joint venture with JPL is a great example of how SES can complement even the most extensive terrestrial networks to deliver high-quality connectivity, and positively affect the lives of hundreds of millions of people. We look forward to this joint venture whereby we can play a role in promoting digital inclusion in India.”

    The joint venture also aligns with the hon’ble prime minister’s ‘Gati Shakti: National master plan for multi-modal connectivity’ initiative to provide integrated and seamless connectivity by implementing diverse infrastructure. It will also accelerate the achievement of the Connect India goals in the 2018 National Digital Communications Policy and the Digital India programme by expanding broadband connectivity to Indian citizens across Indian geography.

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  • Reliance Jio gains wireless subscribers contrary to rival operators

    Reliance Jio gains wireless subscribers contrary to rival operators

    According to data issued by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), total wireless subscribers reached 1,166.30 million at the end of October 2021, with the urban areas accounting for 637.44 million and rural areas totaling 528.86 million.

    As on 31 October, 2021, private access service providers held 89.99% market share of wireless subscribers, with the two PSU access service providers, namely BSNL and MTNL possessing a 10.01% market share.

    Reliance Jio had the largest market share at 36.58%, followed by Airtel at 30.35% and Vodafone at 23.07%.

    Reliance Jio reportedly added 1.7 million subscribers in October, bringing its subscriber base to 426.59 million. Airtel, however, has a subscriber base of 353.97 million after shedding some 0.48 million in the same month. Vodafone’s subscriber base also dropped, totalling 269.02 million after losing 0.96 million subscribers.

    Data published by TRAI previously revealed that Reliance Jio has the highest average data download speed of 24.1 MB/s among 4G service providers in India.

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  • Reliance Jio increases spectrum footprint by 55% in India

    Reliance Jio increases spectrum footprint by 55% in India

    Through this acquisition, RJIL’s total owned spectrum footprint has increased significantly, by 55%, to 1,717 MHz (uplink+ downlink). RJIL has the highest amount of sub-GHz spectrum with 2X10 MHz contiguous spectrum in most circles. It also has at least 2X10 MHz in 1800 MHz band and 40 MHz in 2300 MHz band in each of the 22 circles. RJIL has achieved complete spectrum derisking, with an average life of owned spectrum of 15.5 years. RJIL’s spectrum has been acquired in the most cost-efficient manner with an effective cost of Rs 60.8 crore per MHz.

    With the enhanced spectrum footprint, especially contiguous spectrum, and pan-India infrastructure deployed, RJIL has enhanced network capacity to service its existing users as well as hundreds of millions of more subscribers on its network.

    The acquired spectrum can be utilized for the transition to 5G services at the appropriate time, where Jio has developed its own 5G stack.

    Sh. Mukesh D Ambani, Chairman, Reliance Industries, said, “Jio has revolutionized the digital landscape of India with the country becoming the fastest adopter of Digital Life. We want to ensure that we keep on enhancing experiences, not only for our existing customers, but also for the next 300 million users that will move to digital services. With our increased spectrum footprint, we are ready to further expand the digital footprint in India as well as get ourselves ready for the imminent 5G rollout.”

  • Facebook investing billions in India’s Jio Platforms

    Facebook investing billions in India’s Jio Platforms

    Facebook has paid US$5.7 billion for a 9.99-per-cent stake in Indian telco and e-commerce enabler Jio Platforms, becoming the largest minority shareholder in the Reliance Industries-controlled company.

    The size of the investment is reportedly the largest yet by a foreign company into an Indian-controlled company, underlining that the transaction is far more significant than the percentage partnership might at first suggest.

    In a statement published online, Facebook chief revenue officer David Fischer and Facebook India VP and MD Ajit Mohan, said one focus of the US company’s collaboration with Jio will be to create new ways for people and businesses to operate more effectively in the world’s fastest-growing digital economy.

    “For instance, by bringing together JioMart, Jio’s small business initiative, with the power of WhatsApp, we can enable people to connect with businesses, shop, and ultimately purchase products in a seamless mobile experience.”

    In less than four years, Jio Platforms has helped nearly 400 million Indians move online, helping create new digital enterprises and connecting them through chat programs like Facebook’s WhatsApp. About 560 million people nationwide are now online out of a population of 1.387 billion.

    “This investment underscores our commitment to India, and our excitement for the dramatic transformation that Jio has spurred in the country,” the Facebook pair said.

    Aurojyoti Bose, lead analyst at GlobalData, described the deal, as “a well-devised approach offering a win-win situation for both the companies”.

    “India is a key market for Facebook with millions of users and its messaging app WhatsApp also has a huge user base. On the other hand, Jio is one of the largest telecom networks in India with around 370 million subscriber base and the deal can help Facebook in further enhancing its footprint in the country.”

    Bose says the deal has become even more crucial for Facebook at a time when WhatApp is preparing to launch a payments app in the country. Jio, as its local partner, will be pivotal in navigating the regulatory hurdles.

    “Moreover, encouraged by the growing popularity of TikTok, Facebook has plans to launch video app Lasso, which will benefit from Jio’s huge subscriber base in India.”

    Using the JioMart 0e-commerce platform, the two companies will now have a clear path to using WhatsApp as a conduit for online orders, especially important with the advent of the Covid-19 pandemic.

    “Jio will benefit from the technical expertise of Facebook,” adds Bose. “In addition, the deal is a step forward towards Jio’s strategy to … become debt-free by March next year.”

    The size of Facebook’s investment puts Jio Platforms’ valuation at $65.95 billion, making it the fifth-largest company in India in terms of market capitalization.

    Fischer and Mohan, meanwhile, say the rapid adoption of digital technologies by Indians marks  “one of the most dynamic social and economic transformations the world has ever seen”.

    “Our goal is to enable new opportunities for businesses of all sizes, but especially for the more than 60 million small businesses across India. They account for the majority of jobs in the country and form the heart and soul of rural and urban communities alike. In the face of the coronavirus, it is important that we both combat this global pandemic now, and lay the groundwork to help people and businesses in the years to come,” they said.

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  • SoftBank may invest in Reliance Jio

    SoftBank may invest in Reliance Jio

    Japan’s SoftBank is reportedly in talks to invest up to $3 billion in fast-growing Indian operator Reliance Jio Infocomm.

    SoftBank’s Vision Fund is involved in due diligence on the prospect of the purchase of a stake in Jio  that could be worth $2 billion to $3 billion, unnamed sources told.

    The SoftBank Vision fund has raised $100 billion as part of plans to invest in fast-growing scalable technology companies with transformative potential. Former Deusche Bank executive Rajeev Misra has been appointed to lead the vision fund.

    Neither Softbank nor Jio would comment publicly for the report, so the potential for a deal remains unconfirmed for now.

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  • Jio raising $3.89b for tower unit spinoff:

    Jio raising $3.89b for tower unit spinoff:

    The fiber network unit Reliance Jio Infocomm is reportedly planning to raise around 270 billion rupees ($3.89 billion) in syndicated loans to help expand the newly created infrastructure business.

    Jio Digital Fiber plans to use the proceeds to expand its business and allow it to serve external customers from the telecom, ISP, power and other sectors.

    Reliance Jio is spinning off its fiber business as well as its tower business into standalone subsidiaries in an attempt to monetize the assets. The tower business is being spun out into Reliance Jio Infratel.

    Reliance Jio received approval for the demerger plan from the National Company Law Tribunal last month.

    Meanwhile Reliance Jio has reportedly also crossed the 300 million subscriber mark after just two and a half years in operation, putting it close to second-placed rival Bharti Airtel, which has around 340.3 million customers.

    According to Indian media, it took Airtel 19 years to pass the 300 million subscriber mark. If Reliance Jio continues its trajectory, it will knock former market leader Airtel into third place. The 2018 merger between Vodafone India and Idea Cellular created the current market leader Vodafone Idea, which has over 400 million customers.

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  • RCom chief spared jail over debt to Ericsson

    RCom chief spared jail over debt to Ericsson

    Reliance Communications (RCom) has terminated a deal to sell its telecom assets to Reliance Jio Infocomm after failing to receive regulatory approval.

    But RCom’s founder Anil Ambani has been granted a last-minute reprieve from being imprisoned for failing to meet the company’s court-ordered repayment obligations to major creditor Ericsson after support from his older brother and founder of Reliance Jio Mukesh.

    In a stock exchange filing, RCom blamed its decision to terminate its asset sale plan to factors including a failure to receive the required permissions from the Department of Telecom.

    RCom also has not received notice of consent or objection from more than 40 of its foreign an Indian lenders regarding the proposed sale, despite holding over 45 meetings over a 15 month period, the company said.

    RCom has also decided to attempt fast track resolution of its overall debt through the National Company Law Tribunal, and the Tribunal has restrained the company from selling or transferring ay assets while the case is ongoing.

    But due to last minute intervention from Mukesh Ambani, RCom revealed in a second statement that the company has managed to make the required 5.5 billion rupee ($80.1 million) payment to Ericsson before the deadline for him to be jailed.

    Ambani was last month found to be in contempt of court over a failure to make the 5.5 billion rupee payment RCom had promised to make to Ericsson in September. He was given four weeks to make the payment or face being jailed for three months.

    “My sincere and heartfelt thanks to my respected elder brother, Mukesh, and Nita, for standing by me during these trying times, and demonstrating the importance of staying true to our strong family values by extending this timely support,” Anil Ambani said in a statement.

    “I and my family are grateful we have moved beyond the past, and are deeply grateful and touched with this gesture.”

    Ambani was referring to the fallout the two brothers had over the inheritance of Reliance Industries from their father Dhirubhai Ambani following his death in 2002. The brothers have since reconciled.

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  • India’s Reliance to take on Walmart and Amazon online

    India’s Reliance to take on Walmart and Amazon online

    South Asia’s richest man Mukesh Ambani is establishing an e-commerce platform to compete with Walmart and Amazon in India. The Reliance Industries chairman will roll out services in Gujarat before extending them nationwide. “Jio and Reliance Retail will launch a unique new commerce platform to empower and enrich our 1.2 million small retailers and shopkeepers in Gujarat,” said Ambani.

    Reliance introduced the 4G Jio network in September 2016, a market disruptor with its free voice calls and cheap data plans. Its move into e-commerce will aggravate an already cut-throat battle between market leader Flipkart, owned by Walmart, and Amazon’s services in the territory.

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  • India’s Reliance Industries to invest in two MSOs

    India’s Reliance Industries to invest in two MSOs

    India’s Reliance Industries, parent company of operator Reliance Jio Infocomm, has announced strategic investments in two multiple system operators (MSOs) to accelerate the planned JioGigaFiber rollout. The company plans to invest 22.9 billion rupees ($311.48 million) to take a 66% stake in Den Networks Limited, India’s largest cable TV distribution company and a provider of high-speed broadband services in 100 cities nationwide.

    Reliance Industries will also invest 29.4 billion rupees for a 51.3% stake in Hathway Cable and Datacom Limited, a cable TV company providing high speed broadband in 21 cities.

    The company intends to make open offers for DEN and Hathway shares as well as two Hathway subsidiaries, as required by Indian takeover regulations.

    Announcing the planned investments, Reliance Industries said the acquisitions will accelerate Jio’s efforts to bring the JioGigaFiber service to a potential 50 million homes across 1,100 Indian cities and towns as quickly as possible.

    Jio will work with Hathway and DEN to bring the JioGigaFiber services to the two companies’ 24 million existing cable customers.

    Jio plans to use the JioGigaFiber network to offer high-speed broadband, ultra high definition video streaming, multi-party video conferencing, VR gaming, smart home and AI virtual assistant and fixed mobile convergence services.

    Reliance Industries chairman and MD Shri Mukesh said the acquisition is also expected to benefit the 27,000 local cable operators (LCOs) that are aligned with Hathway and DEN by enabling them to participate in India’s digital transformation. Indian LCOs provide coaxial cable connections on a per-neighborhood basis.

    “With Local Cable Operators now as part of the Jio ecosystem, we look forward to bringing Jio’s advanced JioGigaFiber and Smart Home Solutions to more Indian homes, even quicker,” he said.

    “We look forward to welcoming other MSOs and LCOs to be part of this partnership. This will result in growing wireline data connectivity in India and making state-of-the-art high-speed affordable internet and digital services accessible to the widest population in the shortest possible time.”

  • Reliance Jio launches “free” 4G phone

    Reliance Jio launches “free” 4G phone

    India’s Reliance Jio Infocomm has disrupted the mobile market once again with the launch of a “free” 4G handset named the JioPhone.

    The operator is offering the JioPhone for a security deposit of 1,500 rupees ($23.29), fully refundable after three years.

    The handset is being produced in India. It will be offered under a plan worth 153 rupees per month for free voice calls and SMS as well as unlimited data with a daily fair use cap of 500MB.

    The device has a keypad and a 2.4-inch, 240×320 display. It supports Bluetooth, NFC payment and access to Jo services including JioTV and JioMovies, and has a rear camera, SD card slot and headphone jack.

    An additional data plan worth 309 rupees per month will allow mirroring of the phone screen to any TV to support streaming services at home.

    Announcing the handset, Reliance chairman Mukesh Ambani said around two thirds of India’s mobile users do not have smartphones, leaving them unable to access Jio’s 4G-only network and leaving Jio unable to attract these customers. The Jio Phone is intended to help the company reach this audience.

    Preorders of the Jio phone will commence next month. The introduction of the device will only increase the intense competition in India’s mobile market triggered by Jio’s explosive entry onto the scene with its pan-India 4G network.

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