Flipkart lists Reliance JioFi WiFi hotspot JMR815 at Rs 999: Details here

JioFi 4G WiFi hotspot is capable of attaining a download speed of up to 150Mbps, and upload speed of 50Mbps. It features a circular design and allows up to 32 simultaneous connections

Reliance Jio has added a new 4G LTE hotspot model to its portfolio of JioFi devices. The new model, dubbed the JioFi JMR815, is currently available on Flipkart at a price of Rs 999. However, the JioFi is not yet listed on Jio’s online portal.

The JioFi 4G WiFi hotspot, according to the Flipkart listing page, is capable of attaining a download speed of up to 150Mbps, and upload speed of 50Mbps. The device features a circular design, unlike the oval design of the predecessor.

It allows up to 32 simultaneous connections – 31 WiFi and 1 USB – to connect over Jio’s 4G network for accessing the internet. The device also allows HD voice calls and video calls on non-4G phones via Jio 4G Voice app.

JioFi 4G WiFi hotspot JMR815In terms of features, the device has power buttons, along with WiFi Protected Setup (WPS) button for instant connection. There are notification lights for battery, 4G connectivity and signal strength. It is powered by an ALT3800 processor and supports 4G connectivity at FDD-Band 3, Band 5, and TDD-Band 40 – supported by Reliance Jio.

JioFi 4G WiFi hotspot JMR815The new JioFi hotspot device also sports a a microSD

card slot to augment storage to up to 64GB. The device is powered by a 3,000 mAh battery.

Satisfaction of 4G users high, Jio to trigger more tariff cuts: Survey

Some 67% said they will use Jio as secondary SIM/dongle and 18% will use as primary one

Breaking News : Even as satisfaction levels of the subscribers of 4G services in India have risen to 97 per cent in three months, more tariff cuts are on the anvil with retention level for Jio seen at a high 65 percent when its free offer draws to a close, says a survey.

Conducted by Bank of America Merrill Lynch on September 2016 and again three months later, the survey finds 96 per cent of the customers satisfied on voice quality and 66 percent on data speeds. But high cost and slow speeds remain the biggest issues for incumbents.

"Our survey indicates that Jio's free service is gaining reasonable traction with 26 per cent using Jio as primary SIM and 21 per cent as secondary SIM. Some 55 per cent of the surveyed users find Jio speed higher than that of other telcos," it says.

"Some 67 per cent said they will use Jio as secondary SIM/dongle and 18 per cent will use as primary one when Jio's free offer ends. Amongst these, 57 per cent said that they will go for Jio's Rs 400-500 package, rather than the cheapest one."

On the flip side, it says: "Voice calling is still an issue with only 22 per cent having no problems at all. Some 32 per cent users indicated that they use Jio as it is faster and 28 per cent as it is cheap."(more)

Airtel unveils fresh packs to counter Jio heat

Days after Reliance Jio extended its free services, mobile operator Bharti Airtel today came out with two prepaid offerings, including a Rs 145 pack, that will offer free unlimited local/STD calls along with 4G data.

While Airtel's Rs 145 pack offers 300 MB 4G data along with free unlimited Airtel-to-Airtel local/STD calls, its Rs 345 pack offers unlimited free local/STD calls to any network in India and 1GB 4G data.

Both packs have a validity of 28 days and are available for customers across the country.

Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Jio -- which garnered 52 million customer base in the first three months of 4G launch -- recently announced extension of free domestic voice calls and data till March 31, 2017. Even after March, the company would offer free calls for life to its 4G customers.

Industry watchers are of the view that extension of free services by Reliance Jio will add to the woes of the industry which is already reeling under Rs 4,25,000-crore debt.

Ajai Puri, Director - Market Operations (India and South Asia), Bharti Airtel said, "This is another initiative from us to bring innovative bundle offers to our customers in line with our endeavour to provide the great value backed by a superior network experience."

Besides free calls on same network, the Rs 145 pack offers 300 MB data to customers who have 4G-enabled mobile phone, and 50 MB data to customers with handsets suited for web surfing and accessing light social media applications. Read more.