News Maker

The Jio Phone and the disruptions it will begin.

- S. Vijaykrishnan

India’s telecom math was once again turned on its head. Mukesh Ambani, the top boss at Reliance Industries — one of India’s most valued companies — launched a phone that will cost users “effectively nothing”. However, remember that customers have to pay a fully refundable Rs 1,500 security deposit while purchasing one.

Yes, at the company’s 40th annual general meeting, India’s cheapest phone stole the show from many other factors —stupendous results, a 1:1 bonus issue and not the least the man himself: Mukesh Ambani.

While India’s past attempts at launching an indigenous low-cost phone (remember Freedom 251?) have been anything but a success, the JioPhone seems here to stay. To be available for pre-booking from August 24, the phone will be given away on a first-come-first-served basis. It will be available for all from September.

The new device is a feature phone, with support for 22 languages, pre-loaded apps such as Jio Cinema, Jio Music and others, and also props such as a TV cable that can be connected to the phone. The new phone appears to have a 2.4 QVGA resolution, near-field connectivity (NFC) technology, four-way navigation, alphanumeric keyboard, SD card slot, a microphone and a speaker, headphone jack and FM Radio, among other specifications.