Reliance Jio has unveiled the Jio Bharat 4G phone in India as part of its efforts to advance the company’s vision of achieving a “2G-MUKT BHARAT” (2G-Free India). The phone is priced at Rs 999.
In collaboration with Karbonn, Reliance Jio has introduced one of the two models of the Jio Bharat phone. The company has also announced that other brands will soon join the “Jio Bharat platform” to develop their own affordable models in partnership with Jio.
The initial batch of Jio Bharat phones, comprising approximately one million units, will be available for purchase starting July 7, 2023, at various retail stores across the country.
The newly launched Jio Bharat phone resembles a regular feature phone, but it is, in fact, a smart 4G phone equipped with a keypad and the Bharat branding positioned just below the screen. The phone features a rear camera, speakers, and provides users with unlimited calling within India, the ability to take photos, and make UPI payments using JioPay. Additionally, users can enjoy various entertainment options such as JioCinema, JioSaavn, and FM Radio.
It’s worth noting that two models have been launched—one with the “Jio” brand logo on the back cover and the other with the “Karbonn” logo. Both models come in blue and red color options.
Reliance Jio has also introduced new Jio Bharat plans priced at Rs 123 and Rs 1234. The more affordable plan offers a total of 14GB of data (0.5GB per day) and unlimited voice calls, valid for 28 days. The annual plan, priced at Rs 1234, offers a total of 168GB of data (0.5GB per day) and unlimited calling benefits. These plans are specifically designed for customers purchasing the Jio-branded phone. The Jio Bharat phone launched in partnership with other brands, currently limited to Karbonn, is accompanied by two plans—a 28-day validity plan priced at Rs 179 and an annual plan priced at Rs 1799. The benefits provided by both plans are the same as those offered by the Jio Bharat plans.
Akash Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Jio, commented on the launch of the Jio Bharat phones, stating, “There are still 250 million mobile phone users in India who remain ‘trapped’ in the 2G era, unable to access basic internet features, while the world stands on the verge of a 5G revolution.”
