Reliance Jio Hikes Tariffs Starting July 3, Unveils New 5G Data Plans | Details Here

New Delhi: India's leading telecom operator, Jio, will implement a mobile services rate increase of 12-27% from July 3, while also limiting access to its previously unlimited free 5G services, the company announced on Thursday. This marks Jio's first rate hike in approximately two-and-a-half years. With over 470 million mobile subscribers, Jio holds around 41% of the market share.

The price hike follows the recent spectrum auction, aligning with sector experts' expectations. Analysts predict that competitors Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea may follow suit with similar rate increases.

"The introduction of new plans is a step towards furthering industry innovation and driving sustainable growth through investments in 5G and AI technology," said Reliance Jio Infocomm Chairman, Akash M Ambani.

Jio has increased rates across nearly all plans. The price for the lowest recharge has risen to Rs 19, a 27% increase from Rs 15 for a 1 GB data add-on pack.

The 75 GB postpaid data plan now costs Rs 449, up from Rs 399. Additionally, the popular Rs 666 unlimited plan with 84-day validity has increased by about 20% to Rs 799. Annual recharge plans will see a 20-21% increase, rising from Rs 1,559 to Rs 1,899 and from Rs 2,999 to Rs 3,599. Medium-range mobile service plans will experience a 19-21% hike.

Unlimited 5G data will now be available only on plans of 2GB per day or higher. These new plans will be effective from July 3, 2024, and can be accessed through all existing touchpoints and channels. Currently, subscribers on plans priced above Rs 239 can access unlimited free 5G service, while others must top up with a Rs 61 voucher for the same.

Previously, Jio, along with Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea, raised mobile service rates in December 2021. At that time, Airtel increased the entry-level mobile services plan by about 56%, from Rs 99 to Rs 155.

In addition to the rate hike, Jio has introduced two new apps, Jio Safe and JioTranslate, available free to customers for one year. Priced at Rs 199 per month, JioSafe is a quantum-secure communication app for calling, messaging, and file transfer. JioTranslate, an AI-enabled multilingual communication app, facilitates translation of voice calls, voice messages, text, and images.

(With Agency Inputs)