Reliance Jio on Monday launched its new 4G phone, the Jio Bharat Phone, priced aggressively at Rs 999 to accelerate the migration of 250 million feature phone users to internet-enabled phone and sideline more entry-level mobile broadband users, especially in the rural areas.
“India still has 250 million mobile subscribers trapped in the 2G era with feature phones. These features phones do not provide access to internet, especially at a time when access to technology is a necessity which also uplifts one’s livelihood and economic well-being,” stated Jio in a statement.
The phone by Jio will not give access to internet, but will also bridge the digital divide. The users will also be allowed to access JioCinema, FM Radio, Jio Saavn, and also be able to make UPI payments through JioPay.
Jio has also launched the ‘Jio Bharat Platform’ which can be used by other headset manufacturers to launch Jio Bharat phones. Besides Reliance Retail, Karbonn will be the first brand to adopt this platform.