Highlights

• Jio AirFiber’s FWA service debut anticipated with a 20% lower pricing than existing market options.
• Positioned as India’s second retail fixed wireless access (FWA) offering after Airtel Xstream AirFiber.
• Airtel Xstream AirFiber features a single 100Mbps plan at Rs 799 monthly or Rs 4,435 half-yearly.

Jio is gearing up for the debut of its inaugural FWA service in India, scheduled for unveiling at the AGM 2023 on August 28.

As per recent reports, the telecom giant, led by Mukesh Ambani, is contemplating a pan-India launch of the service with a price point approximately 20% less than competitors.

Earlier leaks suggested a launch price of around Rs 6,000 for Jio AirFiber, but the current market context challenges the accuracy of this estimate.
A closer look at the details outlined in the latest ET Telecom report reveals the nuances.

The ET Telecom report indicates that Jio AirFiber could be introduced to retail users with an attractive 20% discount relative to existing market rates.

Given its position as the second FWA service provider following Airtel Xstream AirFiber, it’s reasonable to anticipate a competitive pricing strategy from Jio.

This strategy aligns with Jio’s reputation as a market disruptor. However, the specific pricing details remain undisclosed, with the reveal anticipated in the coming week.

Furthermore, the ET Telecom report reveals Jio’s strategic move of distributing test devices to a select group of users, including employees.
This approach enables the telco to assess the device’s performance in a real-world home environment before the AGM 2023 launch.

Citing sources familiar with the situation, the report claims that Jio has initiated consumer trials in areas where its 5G deployment has achieved stability.
The official Jio True 5G website indicates a rollout across 6,258 cities or towns in 36 states and union territories.

In contrast, Airtel’s XStream AirFiber is limited to Mumbai and Delhi, requiring interested users to pay nearly Rs 7,000, inclusive of a Rs 2,500 refundable security deposit.

This sum covers the 5G FWA device and a six-month plan priced at Rs 4,435. Although the monthly price is Rs 799, the option is currently inaccessible for Airtel FWA users.

Jio is expected to adopt a competitive approach by either pricing the FWA device lower or offering a trial period, a strategy analogous to its Jio Fiber and postpaid Plus plans.

Additionally, Jio might attract subscribers by not enforcing a 6-month lock-in period like Airtel.
Further insights will be unveiled upon the service’s official launch next week.

FAQs

Ques) What is Jio AirFiber and how is it different from Airtel Xstream AirFiber?

Ans: Jio AirFiber is a fixed wireless access (FWA) service by Jio, expected to be launched in India. It will be the second FWA service for retail users after Airtel Xstream AirFiber. The main difference lies in the pricing and availability.

Ques) How is Jio preparing for the launch of Jio AirFiber?

Ans: Jio is distributing test devices of Jio AirFiber to select users, including its employees. This is to assess the performance of the FWA device in real-world home environments before the official launch.

Ques) What is the coverage and availability of Jio’s 5G rollout compared to Airtel?

Ans: Jio’s 5G has been deployed in over 6,258 cities or towns across 36 states and union territories. In contrast, Airtel’s 5G deployment is limited to just Mumbai and Delhi. This expansive coverage could influence Jio’s pricing and strategy for Jio AirFiber.