The availability of Reliance's JioPhone had been an issue since the initial days of its launch. Customers who wanted to buy the "effectively free" 4G feature phone had to wait for days for the bookings to resume, and wait a few more days for the delivery of the phone.
Now, it seems the JioPhone handsets can be ordered hassle-free, as the second round of pre-bookings has resumed. Not only can the JioPhone now be booked from Reliance Jio's own website and MyJio app, but it will now be available for purchase on the MobiKwik app.
Also read: JioPhone booking status: You can book up to 5 devices now as Jio resumes pre-booking in India
Reliance Jio has announced a partnership with mobile wallet service, MobiKwik to make the JioPhones available on the MobiKwik app.
JioPhone can now be booked from the app in just a matter of seconds. However, it should be noted that after booking the device, it will not be home delivered to the customer and one needs to visit a store along with identity proof for picking it up.
The process is as simple as recharging your phone on the app. All you need to do is open the MobiKwik app and click on the Recharge option on the bottom left of the app's homepage. Once there, scroll down the 'other services' options to see the 'Phone Booking' option. Enter the necessary details like your mobile number and area pin code, once done click continue. A page detailing the booking amount along with the registered mobile number will be displayed and you can proceed to pay for the device. Select the preferred payment option (credit/debit card, net banking) and proceed to place the order.
Alternatively, the device can also be booked by clicking the JioPhone banner being displayed on the app's homepage. Once there, enter your mobile number and pin code and click continue. The booking amount -- Rs 1,500 -- will be shown and when you tap to continue, it will take you to the payments page. Select the payment mode (credit/debit card, net banking) and proceed to place the order.
On successful payment, users will receive a confirmation SMS from Jio along with the transaction details and another SMS with details of the store from where you can collect your JioPhone after identity verification.
Speaking on the association, Bikram Bir Singh, Business Head, MobiKwik said, "We are proud to become the first mobile wallet to sell Jio phones in India. Users can book their phone in four easy steps and avail great benefits as well."
The JioPhone recently became India's largest selling feature phone and helped Reliance beat Samsung to become the top feature phone brand in the fourth quarter of 2017.
Reliance Jio has been trying to make the JioPhone an even better value-for-money proposition for the common man. The telco recently introduced an attractive new tariff plan for JioPhone users which offers 1GB 4G data with unlimited free calls at Rs 49.
Reliance Jio was also rumoured to have partnered with chipmaker MediaTek for on an ultra-cheap 4G smartphone based on Android Go operating system.
