Jio Phone pre-order booking (online and offline) starts from 24th August’2017.
Though Jio Phone has already launched, it is nowhere close to hitting the market at present – you might even have to wait for a couple of months before you can get to own the device. The main reason is that the Jio-branded phone will be available for beta testing on 15th August’ 2017, but this will most likely be for a very small section of the market. If your slot doesn’t fall in the beta trials bracket, you will have to wait for 24th August’2017, when the Jio Phone bookings start. It is up to the customer to either make the Jio Phone booking online or offline (through a retail outlet). This beta trial system is almost similar to what the company did a year ago with its telecom network when it held a beta trial for select users for a few months before opening it to the public in September.
Jio Phone booking online
Jio Phone is free, according to Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani. But, the user has to make an upfront payment of Rs.1,500, which is refundable after a period of three years. Regarding this security deposit of Rs.1,500, he said at the AGM, “The security deposit is necessary to avoid any potential misuse of data.”
Cost
Titled as “India Ka Smartphone”, the buyer will have to shell out a deposit of Rs. 1500 which will be refundable, making it be free. The amount, however, will be returned once the phone is given back after three years. This move is to increase the subscriber base, which is estimated to about 50 core feature phone users who have not been able to join the Jio 4G bandwagon because of the high costs associated with Smartphone.
Booking
The new phone will have 4G VoLTE and have in-built apps such as apps like JioCinema, JioTV, and JioMusic. The pre-booking of the phone will start from 24th August from the MyJio app and offline Jio stores. Those who pre-book will be able to buy the phone from September onwards. The phone will be available on first come first serve basis.
Data Plans
The data plans begin with Rs.153 with 500mb/day data availability. If one does not want to use monthly packs, then there are two sachet packs, at Rs.24 for two days, or Rs.54 per week.
Specifications
The exact specifications are not officially out, but there will at least be two versions of the Smartphone. One with the Qualcomm processor and another could come with a Spreadtrum chipset.
The screen can be mirrored on a LED or CRT TV, via a cable. This will also support UPI payments, and debit and credit card payments, Face book, Jio Browser.
Mukesh Ambani Said
By targeting the common man, Reliance Jio has completely changed the face of the telecom industry. Advanced smart phones and 4G data usage is no longer a distant dream for them. This will force other telecom players in the industry to renew their strategy to prevent the monopoly of Jio in the market by coming up with innovative schemes for the users.