NEW DELHI: Reliance Jio Infocomm on Thursday commercially launched its wired broadband service JioFiber, which offers a bundle of services including high-speed internet, landline phone and HD television.
The broadband services offer a minimum speed of 100 Mbps with plans starting at Rs 699 per month for 100 GB, while higher plans come with freebies such as high definition TV sets and set-top boxes. The pricing is structured in such a way that it could trigger a massive wave of disruption in the broadband services market.
Rivals including Airtel and BSNL may now have to try to play catch-up on prices and freebies to retain customers.
“The launch of JioFiber, with its revolutionary services, is just the beginning of a new and exciting journey. As always, we will continue working hard to bring more such amazing services to your home and take JioFiber to the next level,” said Akash Ambani, director, Reliance Jio Infocomm.
Jio is offering complimentary television sets to annual subscribers of broadband plans in the range of `1,299 to `8,499 under the introductory welcome offer.
Experts say Jio’s offer is a game-changer that poses considerable threat to DTH service providers such as Airtel Digital TV, Tata Sky and Dish TV.“The welcome pack provides significant incentive for the existing urban cable and DTH subscribers, who can afford the annual upfront payment to JioFiber,” said a telecom expert.
JioFiber is also offering EMI options for annual plans in order to lure customers.As far as the wired broadband market is concerned, analysts say Bharti Airtel might not be affected too badly, but current market leader BSNL will take a hit.