Launched on Tuesday, Jio AirFiber will come with a bundled offering of 550+ digital television (TV) channels and 14 over-the-top (OTT) apps (apps) and will be cheaper than similar offers launched by rival Airtel. July, the company announced.
Aiming to solve the challenges of last-mile connectivity for fiber optic cables, Jio AirFiber will serve as a private WiFi hotspot at home, connected to ultra-high-speed internet using Jio’s 5G service.
Jio AirFiber will be available for as low as Rs 599 per month, while Jio AirFiber Max will start at Rs 1,499, the company said.
Airtel Xstream AirFiber, launched in July, offers users services with a one-time refundable security deposit of Rs 2,500 and a monthly subscription of Rs 799 per month. It also requires a bond of a minimum of six months.
Jio said users can now access their favorite shows as far as they want, while OTT apps can be viewed on any device like TV, laptop, mobile or tablet.
The fundamental difference in reach will separate the two companies for now. Airtel’s service is available to 5G subscribers in Delhi and Mumbai, offering speeds of up to 100 megabits per second at Rs 799 per plan.
On the other hand, Jio AirFiber will be available in eight cities: Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai and Pune.
Jio will also provide AirFiber users with a 4K set-top box and outdoor network device, besides WiFi routers for free.
Airtel currently offers only one free router. Notably, Airtel’s service does not require installation, whereas Jio requires an outdoor unit to be installed for Rs 1,000. Jio ensures that its AirFiber will provide a stronger signal and better indoor coverage.
Xstream AirFiber is a plug-and-play device with built-in WiFi 6 technology, allowing users to connect up to 64 devices simultaneously.
