By A Correspondent
It’s the last mile that matters. And it didn’t need any rocket science to appreciate that telecos will rule the next wave of media and entertainment across the world. But it needed the combination of vision and moneypower that Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani has to realise the dreams of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s dream of a digital India.
If you think we’ve turned symapathisers for either Reliance Industries or the ruling dispensation, let’s put it down loud and clear: we haven’t. However, we can’t deny that the September 1 announcement at the RIL AGM, announcing the launch of Reliance Jio is perhaps the most significant development in not just telecom, but also media and entertainment in recent years.
Ambani’s move of making voice and roaming free of cost is a masterstroke. For the real battle is in data. As he said, it’s going to be datagiri from now on. Right now though, as he hinted in his address, he is experiencing some dadagiri from some other players in terms of voice interconnect.
The Jio Welcome Offer will be effective from September 5. As part of the Jio Welcome Offer, users will have access to unlimited LTE data and national voice, video and messaging services along with the full bouquet of Jio applications and conten, free-of-cost up to December 31, 2016. The company has filed its tariff plans with the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (“TRAIâ€).
Ambani announced that domestic voice calls to any network across the country would be free for Jio subscribers even beyond the Jio Welcome Offer. Domestic roaming services would also not be charged separately. Average data prices would be around Rs. 50 per GB, which would be amongst the lowest in the world.
The digital services business has been rolled out pan-India. In addition to fixed and wireless broadband connectivity offering voice and data services on an all-IP network, Jio will also offer end-to-end solutions that address the entire value chain across various digital services in key domains such as education, healthcare, security, communication, financial services, government-citizen interfaces and entertainment.
Ambani spoke about the five fundamental pillars of the Jio ecosystem: (i) best quality
broadband network with the highest capacity; (ii) A world of affordable, cutting-edge devices;
(iii) Compelling applications and content; (iv) Superior digital service experiences; and
(v) Affordable and simple tariffs.
Ambani said that the key brand values for Jio included affordable, high quality and abundant data; connected intelligence; smart, simple and secure services; and bringing people together.
He also announced the setting up of the Jio Digital India Start-up Fund. Jio will work on creating Jio Digital Entrepreneurship Hubs in key cities and towns of India. The Jio Digital India Startup Fund has set aside Rs 5000 crore to be invested over the next five years.
AGM presentation slides