Reliance Jio launches Jio Bharat phone to accelerate internet adoption in India

As 5G adoption grows in India, Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Jio said India still has 250 million mobile subscribers trapped in the 2G era with feature phones as these phones do not provide access to the Internet, especially in rural areas.

The company, in a statement, said other telecom operators have doubled the minimum price for feature phone users, worsening digital disempowerment. Basic voice services, previously priced at Rs 99 for 30 days, now cost Rs 199. This gives the user access to the growing digital services, the company said.

Reliance Jio further said it aims to bridge this huge gap with its new Jio Bharat Phone, which would cost Rs 999, making it affordable to those who cannot afford a smartphone.

The company further added the Jio Bharat Phone will empower every Indian with digital services and bridge the digital divide as it allows to access JioCinema, JioSaavn, FM Radio, and make UPI payments through JioPay.

Speaking on this occasion, Akash Ambani, Chairman, Reliance Jio, said, "There are still 250 million mobile phone users in India who remain ‘trapped’ in the 2G era, unable to tap into basic features of the internet at a time when the world stands at the cusp of a 5G revolution. 6 years ago, when Jio was launched, we made it clear that Jio will leave no stone unturned to democratize internet and pass the benefits of technology to every Indian. Technology will no longer remain a privilege for a select few. The new Jio Bharat phone is another step in that direction. It is at the centre of innovation, and it continues to demonstrate our focus on bringing disproportionate and true value for different segments of users with meaningful, real-life use cases."

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