Jio, the telecom giant, has unveiled a new platform called Jio Bharat Phone, which aims to help India achieve its goal of becoming a "2G-free" country. The platform will enable over 250 million feature phone users to access the internet through their devices.
The Jio Bharat Phone platform is a suite of software and hardware that makes it easy for feature phones to connect to the internet. It includes a custom OS, web browser, and apps, along with features like a simplified UI and regional language support.
Jio Bharat Phone is the most affordable internet-enabled phone on the market, priced at just Rs. 999. This makes it highly accessible to users, even those with limited means. Jio Bharat users also enjoy a 30% cheaper monthly plan and seven times more data than other operator offerings for feature phones. For Rs. 123 per month, users get unlimited voice calls and 14 GB of data, which is significantly more than what other operators offer.
The Jio Bharat Phone platform is a significant step forward in India's efforts to become a "2G-free" country. The platform will help to connect millions of people who are currently unable to access the internet, and it will help to bridge the digital divide in India.
Jio will begin beta trials of the JioBharat phone on July 7, 2023, with 1 million users. The beta trial will be conducted in 6,500 tehsils across India, allowing Jio to collect feedback and tailor its services to the needs of feature phone users in different regions.
The beta trial is a critical step in ensuring that the JioBharat phone is scalable and user-friendly. It will help Jio identify and address any potential issues, and ensure that the phone is compatible with the needs of feature phone users in different regions. The beta trial is a significant milestone in Jio's efforts to make India "2G-mukt" (free from 2G). The JioBharat phone is a key part of Jio's vision to provide affordable internet access to all Indians, regardless of their income or location.