Reliance Jio explains why JioPhone customers have to recharge ₹1,500 per year

Reliance Jio has responded to the criticism of its terms and conditions for the JioPhone that included a compulsory recharge of ₹1,500 per year and partial refund of the deposit. The company points out that Jio has now introduced an early exit option for JioPhone users who wish to return the device before the stipulated period of three years.

"In order to prevent misuse or hoarding of the JioPhone and to encourage usage of its world-class 4G services, Jio has stipulated a minimum recharge of ₹1500 a year, using any combination of plans, in order to be eligible for the refund," the company told Hindustan Times.

"This brings greater flexibility to users as, they may opt to recharge as per convenience and need, as long as they recharge for ₹1500 during the entire year. If customer chooses to be on the JioPhone specific ₹153 plan then he or she will have to do only 10 recharges (instead of the regular 13 prepaid cycles in a year) during the year to be eligible for the refund," it further said.

Reliance Jio also stressed that the minimum usage of ₹1,500 per year is still lower than the current average usage of ₹130 per month for users on other 2G networks.

On the issue of partial refund of the deposit, Jio added, "Nowhere in the world does anyone provide full refund for products that are used. When JioPhone was announced, customers could get the phone against a security deposit of ₹ 1500 which was refundable only after 3 years. Jio has now introduced an early exit option for JioPhone users who wish to return the device before the stipulated period of three years. This enables customers to get a part of their deposit refunded on a graded basis."

According to Jio's terms and conditions for the JioPhone, any customer who returns the JioPhone within the one year will not get any refund. Those who return the device between 12-24 months of usage will get a refund of ₹500. Those who return the device between 24-36 months of usage will be eligible for a refund of ₹1000. Post 36 months of stipulated usage, JioPhone users can return the device and get the complete refund of ₹1500. Also, the government tax will be applicable on the early exit charges.

Privacy policy for JioPhone customers

Jio on its website says that "your mobile service provider, mobile operating system provider, third party applications (including the applications pre-loaded on the JioPhone and other stipulated RRL devices), social media platforms and websites that you access may also collect, use and share information about you and your usage. We cannot control how these third parties collect, use, share or secure this information."

"RRL, its licensees and agents, may access, collect and analyse JioPhone and/or other stipulated RRL device's precise geo-location and other information related to your location on a regular basis through Bluetooth and Wi-Fi signals, calendar entries and other technologies and data for certain purposes, such as to provide location-related notifications or information you request," it added.

"In order for RRL or location service providers to collect geo-location information, the location settings must be enabled on the JioPhone and/or other stipulated RRL devices. Therefore, in some cases, RRL or location service providers may request that you enable the location settings."

JioPhone warranty policy

Reliance is giving a warranty of 12 months commencing from the date on which the JioPhone is delivered to customer. The warranty is not applicable on modifications to the phone including "rooting attempts, reverse engineering, unlocking, jail-breaking, etc., of the JioPhone or original firmware(s) or software(s) of the JioPhone."