Is Reliance Jio’s Monsoon Offer Really A Hungama? Read On To Find Out
The offer:
Customers can get a brand new JioPhone for INR 501 only and against exchange of an existing phone and charger that is in working condition. What makes this offer unique is that the expenditure of INR 501 is actually the refundable security deposit and is available across all Jio Retailers. In addition to the smart feature phone, customers can also avail a special JioPhone recharge plan of unlimited voice and data, valid for 6 months on payment of INR 594 only at the time of activation, including a special exchange bonus voucher for 6GB worth INR 101.
Things to bear in mind:
The exchange offer is valid on any feature phone, provided the phone is not more than three and a half years old. The phone, its battery and its charger must be undamaged and in working condition. Finally, handsets that are locked to operator will not be accepted.
Highlights:
With an unlimited data plan and in accordance with usage trends, customers can avail of a total of 90GB data over 6 months, which works out to approximately 15 GB data per month at a low cost of INR 99 per month. Further, while the JioPhone comes with a Jio SIM, the customer may also continue using their existing number via the Mobile Number Portability Process (MNP).
This is how people reacted to the offer:
JioPhone garners 47% market share
According to a research report by Counterpoint Research, the JioPhone has garnered 47% market share, surging ahead of market leaders Samsung and Nokia. With the announcement of the second generation model with enhanced features and availability of popular apps like WhatsApp, Facebook and YouTube the JioPhone is expected to not only sustain market share but also increase it.
This time last year, the JioPhone had registered a market share of a mere 0.3%, reflecting a massive jump in growth figures. The fact that the JioPhone combines the ease of a feature phone with the characteristics of a smartphone, makes it attractive for the aspirational users, viz. the vast majority of feature phone users looking for an inexpensive, cost effective phone upgrade. Counterpoint Research agency backs this trend with data. The feature phone market is outpacing the growth of the smartphone market, clocking in year-on-year growth at 21%.
Reliance Jio’s JioPhone has seen exceptional growth, even in comparison to other Indian brands like iTel, which lost its market share from 16% in 2017 to 6% this year; and Lava mobiles, which now holds only 5% market share.
JioPhone to reduce customer spend on data nearly by half
Mindful of this advantage, the Reliance Jio offers different data tariff plans with the JioPhone to suit its varied customer base. The INR 49 plan works as a trial plan and offers 1GB data per month. The more expensive INR 153 plan provides 1.5GB data per day. The most cost effective plan though is the one available at the time of purchase of the JioPhone; the INR 99 plan which offers unlimited free voice calls, 0.5GB data per day and 300 SMS for 28 days. Reliance Jio estimates these variable plans to reduce customer spend nearly by half of what it is. Reports have also indicated that the average JioPhone user is accessing over 7GB data per month on the device and spending more than 5 hours on the device per day. This contrasts sharply with the data usage in the industry averaging at 2GB per month. Given that significant portions of the Indian territory are left uncovered by broadband networks, this figure is definitely encouraging.
Verdict: It’s a hit!
Cost effective and sturdy — are exactly the two things that Indians are known to look for during their purchases. Reliance Jio certainly seems to have got its formula to succeed right.
The JioPhone has been attracting customers’ wallets since its launch in 2017. Even with the KaiOS interface, which is newer and different from the more widespread Android OS, customers have wholeheartedly accepted the product. The second generation model which will be available in mid-August will have the more popular versions of social media apps like WhatsApp, Facebook and YouTube which is sure to propel the device’s sales further.
The JioPhone has brought the feature phone back in vogue and it has been upgraded for the 21st century. Players in the phone market must brace themselves for another round of disruptive innovation from this new kid on the block!
