Reliance Jio‘s new initiative, Jio Bharat, aims to bridge the digital divide in India by providing affordable and accessible internet services. With the launch of Jio Bharat, an ultra-affordable 4G phone priced at just Rs.999, the company aims to make India 2G-free and bring millions of people into the digital age.

Currently, there are approximately 250 million mobile subscribers in India still using 2G feature phones, which restrict their access to the internet, digital payments, and entertainment options. This creates a significant digital divide between urban and rural areas, with low-income populations unable to afford basic digital services.

Jio Bharat comes at a crucial time when the country is witnessing the rollout of 5G networks. By offering affordable feature phones and an economical service cost, Jio Bharat is poised to accelerate the transition from 2G to 4G, providing digital experiences to the masses. Experts predict that Jio Bharat has the potential to capture over 40% of the market share, thanks to Jio’s robust network and distribution capabilities.

The introduction of JioPay, a UPI-based digital payments app, also aligns with the government’s push for digital payments. With the increasing adoption of digital payments and the mandate for panchayats to use digital transactions for development work and revenue collection, Jio Bharat’s arrival is expected to drive the growth of digital payments in rural India.

Jio Bharat not only offers the most affordable 4G phone but also provides service plans that are 30% cheaper compared to the competition. For just Rs. 123 per month, users can enjoy unlimited voice calls and 14 GB of data, whereas other operators charge Rs. 179 for voice calls and offer only 2 GB of data.

Industry reports, such as the India Telecom report by JP Morgan, suggest that Jio Bharat has the potential to disrupt the entry-level market. This could lead to increased market share for Jio and potential customer churn for competitors like Bharti, who recently increased their 2G plan prices.

The launch of Jio Bharat marks a significant milestone in India’s journey towards digital inclusion. By making affordable internet access available to all, Jio Bharat aims to transform the lives of individuals who have been limited to 2G services due to financial constraints. This initiative has the power to bridge the gap between “India” and “Bharat” and create a more connected and empowered society.