Reliance Jio is rapidly covering the masses. The network carrier has now added three new smartphone brands to its growing list eligible for the 90-day unlimited data, calls and SMS offer. Owners of Sony, Sansui and Videocon can now join the long queues outside Reliance Digital, Express and Express Mini stores to get their free Jio 4G SIM card.
On Monday evening, Reliance updated its Jio Preview Partner Offer webpage with three new brands, bringing the total to 16 including LYF. The new smartphones that can get a free Jio 4G SIM include, Sony Xperia XA, Xperia XA Ultra, Xperia X (F5122), Xperia Z5 Dual (E6883), Xperia Z5 Premium Dual, Videocon Graphite1 V45ED, Videocon Krypton 3 V50JG, Videocon Q1, Videocon V50FA3, Videocon V50FG6 and Sansui S50FD45S.
Samsung and LG were among the first third-party brands to get Jio offer, but it has since added several names to the list such as Karbonn, Lava, Micromax, YU, Asus and Gionee to name a few. By getting Jio 4G SIM, users get unlimited access to 4G LTE data on their mobile phones, along with calls and SMS free for 90 days. In addition, Reliance has also opened its gates to premium services such as JioOnDemand, JioPlay, JioBeats, Jio Drive, HD calls and video calls, and more.
Reliance is currently testing its networks with these smartphone brands and the commercial rollout is still pending. It already has over 1.5 million users.
The company hasn't revealed when exactly it plans to commercially launch the Jio service across India. It is also yet to reveal the tariffs of 4G data plans, calls and SMS once the free preview offer comes to an end. But the customers of Jio Preview Offer (JPO) are not tied to any conditions for using the free services for now.
The increasing demand for free Jio 4G SIM is creating supply and activation issues. But if customers choose to buy a new phone eligible for the JPO from any Reliance store, then they do not have to wait in the lines to get the Jio SIM card. However, Reliance condemns any partial treatment for customers getting its Jio SIM for free or with a smartphone, but it certainly serves as an add-on for stores to sell their phones to customers quickly.
Still, there are some popular brands' smartphones such as Apple iPhones, Motorola, Lenovo and Xiaomi smartphones that are still not eligible for JPO. If you are one of those who are still waiting for JPO eligibility, stay tuned for updates.