Reliance Jio Overhauls International Roaming Packages, Slashes In-Flight Connection Rates by Over 60%

12 Jan 2024 , 12:49 PM

Reliance Jio Infocomm has unveiled new packages for the US and the UAE and reduced in-flight connection rates by over 60% as part of a redesign of its international roaming (IR) offerings. These actions are intended to capitalize on the rise in international air travel for business and pleasure.

Also, on Thursday, the market leader in telecoms unveiled an aggressively priced yearly international roaming package (IR) for Rs 2,799 that is valid in 51 important nations.

Voice over WiFi, or VoWiFi, calls are included in incoming calls. The US Virgin Islands and Mexico are also eligible to use the US pack.

In response, Jio’s new IR packs for the UAE are available for Rs 898, Rs 1,598, and Rs 2,998 and have validity durations of 7/14/21 days. On these plans, the telecom provider provides 100 text messages and unlimited incoming SMS messages in addition to 1 GB to 7 GB of bandwidth. On IR plans, there are numerous incoming and outgoing voice minutes.

Jio’s entry-level in-flight connection pack, which has a one-day validity period, is currently available for roughly 61% less than its previous price of Rs 499 and includes 250 MB of data, 100 voice minutes, and 100 text messages. Once an aircraft reaches 20,000 feet above the earth, Jio’s in-flight connection service can be accessed using the AeroMobile aircraft roaming network, which leverages satellite technologies. There are 22 partner airlines who offer the service.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has stated that global air travel has achieved 99% of pre-Covid levels. This information coincides with the telco’s price action regarding global roaming options. The data is for November 2023.

The Maldives was added to Vodafone Idea’s (Vi) list of countries where the telco provides voice calls and mobile data as part of its global roaming ambitions last month. It had introduced a 10-day-validity Rs 2999 ‘Maldives Plan’ that included 100 minutes for both inbound and outbound calls, 5GB of data, and free inbound text messaging.

Bharti Airtel introduced its WorldPass IR pack back in December 2022, which enables international roaming in 184 countries automatically. Following that, Airtel’s action announced a break from standard telco IR bundles, which differ by nation.

More recently, Gopal Vittal, MD of Airtel, stated that the company’s ARPU gain in the second quarter of its fiscal year was mostly due to the robust usage of its worldwide roaming services.

Jio, on the other hand, has introduced new internet and voice tariffs with complimentary in-flight amenities.

With a validity of 10–30 days, these IR plans are available in four variants: Rs 2499, Rs 3999, Rs 4999, and Rs 5999. There are 100 talk minutes, 100 text messages, and 250 MB of data available for free while in flight. 22 airlines are eligible for these advantages, according to a Jio statement.

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