Why do feature phones make business sense for Jio?
Voice and Data|August,2023
Jio's primary plan for the Jio Bharat 4G feature phone ecosystem is to convert non-data users into data users, thereby tapping the vast 2G subscriber base
VERNIKA AWAL
Why do feature phones make business sense for Jio?

On 7 July 2023, telecom operator Reliance Jio fired its latest salvo to procure more subscribers with a long-term network effect. The product in question is a humble feature phone, called Jio Bharat 4G. In terms of its overall features, the device is as basic as what you could expect today, a 1.77-inch display, storage mostly via microSD memory cards, and a physical alphanumeric keypad that has increasingly become a rarity.

Yet, Jio's ploy behind this new feature phone is multifaceted. For one, the 'Jio Bharat' tag refers to not just one phone; according to Jio, it is the entire platform. The latter is being pitched to manufacturers and third-party brands, who can sign associations with Reliance Jio to make devices for this platform. Eventually, Jio plans to create an ecosystem of devices under this platform, wherein original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) get paid by Jio for offering a supply chain to this brand.

Talks of developing Jio Bharat as a platform were confirmed by Kiran Thomas, President of Reliance Industries in a report published by a business newspaper.

GOING BACKWARDS TO MOVE FORWARD

So, why is Jio eyeing a feature phone platform at a time when smartphones are the norm, and 5G is knocking on the door? The answer lies in the total base of users in India that still use feature phones.

Denne historien er fra August,2023-utgaven av Voice and Data.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra August,2023-utgaven av Voice and Data.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA VOICE AND DATASe alt
Cloud endoscopy breakthrough for real-time remote diagnostics
Voice and Data

Cloud endoscopy breakthrough for real-time remote diagnostics

NTT Corporation and Olympus Corporation have demonstrated the feasibility of real-time remote diagnosis and treatment using the world's first endoscopy system powered by IOWN All Photonics Network (APN) technology. The breakthrough experiment successfully processed endoscopic videos on a server located 150 km away, overcoming latency issues and enabling seamless diagnostics.

time-read
1 min  |
December 2024
Rise of the homegrown telecom infrastructure
Voice and Data

Rise of the homegrown telecom infrastructure

Telecom infrastructure, once led by US and European designs and made in China, iS Now increasingly designed and manufactured in India, marking a pivotal shift

time-read
4 mins  |
December 2024
Balancing innovation and regulation for a connected future
Voice and Data

Balancing innovation and regulation for a connected future

Crafting agile governance ensures equitable, sustainable growth, blending innovation with societal protection in a hyper-connected digital age

time-read
4 mins  |
December 2024
Driving transformative shifts towards digital leadership
Voice and Data

Driving transformative shifts towards digital leadership

India's telecom sector, driven by 5G, bold policies, and cross-sector collaborations, is paving the way to global digital infrastructure leadership

time-read
3 mins  |
December 2024
Scaling AI in data centres for the next big leap
Voice and Data

Scaling AI in data centres for the next big leap

GPU-optimised data centres are vital for advancing India’s Al ambitions, enabling it to meet growing computational demands and maintaining global competitiveness

time-read
2 mins  |
December 2024
Bridging gaps with AI's transformative communication wave
Voice and Data

Bridging gaps with AI's transformative communication wave

AI-driven real-time communication reshapes industries, enhancing connections, operational efficiency, and immersive experiences in a digital-first world

time-read
3 mins  |
December 2024
Weaving the fabric of CDN efficiency
Voice and Data

Weaving the fabric of CDN efficiency

Local peering transforms CDNs by cutting latency, boosting reliability, and ensuring seamless, high-speed delivery for modern digital experiences

time-read
6 mins  |
December 2024
From orbit to opportunity: Redefining connectivity
Voice and Data

From orbit to opportunity: Redefining connectivity

India's satcom sector is set to revolutionise connectivity through hybrid networks, bridging the digital divide and driving innovative technologies for growth

time-read
3 mins  |
December 2024
Orchestrating telecom's smart future
Voice and Data

Orchestrating telecom's smart future

AI and automation can revolutionise telecom networks, crafting intelligent, selfoptimising systems to meet future demands and deliver seamless connectivity

time-read
4 mins  |
December 2024
Unlocking the true potential of IoT
Voice and Data

Unlocking the true potential of IoT

Specialised silicon and 5G are set to redefine loT's future, driving AloT innovations that deliver real-time intelligence, security, and seamless connectivity

time-read
3 mins  |
December 2024