RIL AGM 2019 highlights: JioGigaFiber commercial launch on September 5, other key announcements
Reliance is betting big on next-generation technologies Internet of Things, Blockchain, and ultra fast fixed broadband. The company on Monday announced a partnership with Microsoft for implementing Azure edge computing in its data centers. Mixed Reality and cloud gaming were also showcased at Reliance’s AGM today.Reliance also revealed its GigaFiber broadband service will be commercially available starting September 5. Reliance Jio’s Fiber data plans will be available at a starting price of ₹700 and go up to ₹10,000. The base plan of Jio Fiber will offer 100Mbps data speed and the maximum speed will go up to 1Gbps. Jio even demonstrated a speed test of its GigaFiber service reaching 1Gbps internet speeds. Reliance Jio is also offering free HD TV and set-top-box to customers who subscribe its annual Fiber plans. “Jio has made India data-shining bright. Today Jio customer base stands at over 340 million... The potential for growth is immense and half a billion customers, is now I believe well within our reach,” said RIL Chairman Mukesh Ambani.Here are the highlights from Reliance’s AGM today.
Round up
Reliance announced a partnership with Saudi Aramco and BP. The company also introduced new products aimed at retail, entertainment and telecom sectors. Reliance's JioGigaFiber broadband will be available starting September 5. Jio also introduced gaming platform and new TV service. Reliance is also going to focus on blockchain and edge computing as it announced partnership with Microsoft.
New commerce
Reliance announces a “new commerce” initiative. Tech-enabled partnerships bring AI and other benefits for this “new commerce.”
Satya Nadella at RIL AGM
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella's message at AGM:Microsoft will partner Reliance Jio to offer 365 solutions and Azure cognitive services.
Jio, Microsoft partnership
Reliance Jio and Microsoft have entered into a partnership to accelerate digital transformation in India. Reliance Jio will set up data centers across India while Microsoft will provide Azure computing platform.
Blockchain
Reliance Jio will also use blockchain across industries. It will also use blockchain to offer users data privacy. Reliance will setup “the world's largest blockchain network.” The company will also invest in Mixed Reality and Virtual Reality. It is also setting up a pan-India edge computing network.
Jio Welcome Offer
“Jio Fiber Welcome Offer - Jio Fiber customers opting for annual plan - JIO-FOREVER plan - will get a FULL HD TV or a Home PC and a 4K SET-TOP-BOX absolutely free,” said Mukesh Ambani.
GigaFiber availability & price
Reliance Jio GigaFiber will be commercially available from September 5. The base plan with 100Mbps will start at Rs 700 per month. The most premium Jio Fiber plan will cost Rs 10,000 per month. Fixed landline calling will be free. It also introduced low-cost pack for US/Canada international calling at Rs 500 per month. Premium Jio fiber customers will be able to watch newly released movies on the same day. Jio's ‘First Day First Show' release mid 2020. Jio Fiber will be bundled with popular OTT services.
Entertainment and Mixed Reality
Reliance showcased a Mixed Reality solution for entertainment. The MR headset delivers a cinematic experience. The device is called Jio Holoboard. ALSO READ: Reliance Jio GigaFiber commercial launch announced: Check details here
VR platform
Reliance introduced a new VR-based product. The demonstration shows users can do shopping through VR platform and even customise their purchases.
Gaming platform
Reliance Jio introduces a new gaming platform.The gaming set-top-box supports all popular controllers. You can do multiplayer gaming. The platform leverages Gigafiber's broadband service and is said to deliver “zero latency.”
GigaFiber data speeds
Reliance Jio demonstrated its 1Gbps Gigafiber data speeds. It also showcased ultra fast multi-party video conferencing solution for home users. The base plan will offer 100Mbps of data speed.
GigaFiber commercial launch
Jio Fiber Services will be launched on commercial basis on September 5 on Jio's 3rd anniversary. The company also demonstrated 1Gbps data speeds.
TV service
Reliance Jio's 4K Set-top-box can accept broadcast signal from local cable operators partner cable.
Jio GigaFiber
Ambani revealed Jio Fiber service generated 15 million registrations across 1,600 towns. The company plans to reach 20 million residences and 15 million business investments. Trial on-going with 0.5 million homes already. Jio is using “feedback” from the trial to fine-tune service.
Jio’s new four new connectivity windows
Ambani said Jio will now focus on the following:
Internet of Things
Home broadband service
Enterprise broadband service
SME broadband service
5G Ready
Ambani said Jio's network is 5G ready and is already offering 4G+ services to mobile users.
Digital focus
Reliance Jio completes three years in September this year. India was data dark before Jio, and now with Jio India has become data shining, Ambani said. He revealed Reliance Jio is adding up to 10 million new customers every month.
O2C division
Mukesh Ambani announced Saudi Aramco will invest for a 20% stake in RIL's O2C division.
Partnerships
Mukesh Ambani said Reliance will focus on increasing partnerships with global and local players. The company will also tie up with SMEs in India. He added that the company is going to focus on “value creation” in the near future.
Jio subscriber base
Mukesh Ambani said Reliance Jio's subscriber base has reached 340 million. He also pointed out that Jio is the world's largest telecom operator in terms of subscribers. Jio is also the “world's fastest growing digital services company.”
Jio, Reliance Retail
Mukesh Ambani said some believed Reliance couldn't compete in consumer business. Jio and Reliance Retail have proved them wrong, he added.
Reliance AGM kicks off
Reliance's AGM begins. Mukesh Ambani will address shareholders and is expected to announce commercial launch of GigaFiber broadband service.
Reliance AGM 2019 to begin shortly
Reliance's 42nd annual general meeting (AGM) will kick off at 11AM. The event is being held at Birla Matushri Sabhagar in Mumbai.
GigaFiber vs Airtel V-Fiber
Reliance Jio's GigaFiber service will compete with Airtel's fiber-optic based service, Airtel V-Fiber. Airtel offers the V-Fiber service at a starting price of Rs 799. The maximum speeds V-Fiber users get is 300Mbps. Reliance Jio had promised up to 1Gbps data speeds with Gigafiber.
GigaFiber Preview Offer
Reliance Jio is currently running a GigaFiber Preview Offer. Under this scheme, Reliance is offering up to 100Mbps free data to users. Note that Jio gives 50Mbps of speed on Wi-Fi . Users, however, can access full 100Mbps speed with LAN connection to the router.
GigaTV
Reliance Jio will reportedly debut its GigaTV IPTV service as well. The new IPTV will offer access to movies, live TV and popular streaming apps.
JioPhone 3
Reliance is also expected to launch a new smart feature phone today, dubbed as JioPhone 3. According to reports, Reliance JioPhone 3 will run on Google-backed KaiOS and MediaTek chipset. The smart feature phone is expected to bring improved specifications and features.
Broadband plans
Reliance Jio is expected to launch at least three GigaFiber broadband plans. According to reports, Reliance Jio will offer a Triple Pay Plan for Rs 600 month. The plan will include a bundle of DTH, broadband, and landline services. There could also be a premium Rs 1,000 plan with better bundle package. The base plan is expected to start at Rs 500 per month.