Reliance Jio: Jee bhar ke Jio!

India’s digital journey began late, but by playing leapfrog, the country has managed to catch up with, and in some cases overtake, the early movers. In mobile communications, India has always been a generation behind in GSM technology. Now, it looks like we have jumped the queue and millions are already enjoying the zippy delights of the fastest connection technology available anywhere.

When 3G or 3rd generation mobile technology, became 4G, it promoted data over voice. The latest avatar of 4G technology is 4G VoLTE  (Voice over Long Term Evolution, another name for 4th generation mobile communication),which carries voice traffic in the form of data. A shrewd operator can charge for data usage alone  and throw in voice for free.

The latest version of JioFi costs Rs 1,999

This is what Reliance Jio is doing. And in the process it has pushed India into the front of the class, mobile technology-wise. After a visit to the Jio Experience Centre, I learned that Jio will only work with a handset that is 4G VoLTE-enabled. You can check at the Jio.com site for list of compatible phones. The My Jio app store has dozens of tools to enhance the basic experience. like Rich Communication Services. This allows you to convert any call you are making into a video call. Of course, the receiver also needs to install the RCS app. The app also allows you to attach a map with your current location and send it to the called person, even as you speak... a seamless mix of voice and image that experts say, will soon replace SMS. Another useful app ( currently only for Android) is Jio4G Voice. if you have one 4G VoLTE phone you can use it to access 4G speeds and services on any other 2G or 2G phone. In essence, the second phone rides piggy back on the 4G phone. Even without a 4G phone, you can experience Jio 4G services by another route. You need to buy JioFi, a small palm-sized device and insert a Jio data SIM. This creates a WiFi hotspot and you can now enjoy video calls, HD voice calls and even video conferencing facility at 4G speeds on multiple devices like laptops, tablets, 2G or 3G phones. The latest version of JioFi which costs Rs 1,999, serve up to 31 devices within WiFi range. One can also look for Jio Tv and Jio Cinema where you can access hundreds of movies and serials in multiple Indian languages. In 2017, this will involve a subscription, though one can expect the price to be disruptive if it is to compete with so much free stuff already out there. Jio has its own Jio Money wallet and it has taken the app in a new direction — soon you will be able to use it as a smart ticket card in major metro rail systems in India.

There are some interesting services planned for the near future. A Jio SIM to fuel a tiny device that plugs into the Onboard Diagnostic Port (ODB) of a car and turns it into a smart car — you can disable the car, if it is stolen, feed entertainment to the back seat occupants, navigate turn by turn… The same Jio SIM was shown turning any TV into a smart Internet TV. It sets up a home automation system and control entry through your front door.