Recently, news broke out about a cheaper subscription to Jio GigaFiber’s Preview offer. Many subscribers have got a new connection for Rs 2,500 but with a slightly different router and change in data allowance.
HIGHLIGHTS
- The cheaper Rs 2,500 plan drops down the speed to 50Mbps.
- This plan also offers a single-band Wi-Fi router instead of a dual-band router.
- Subscribers will get access to 100GB data and voice services as well.
Even though it hasn’t entered commercial service yet, Jio’s GigaFiber broadband service has created a lot of hype among consumers as well as its rivals. Since its introduction last year, GigaFiber has maintained its leading position in terms of Internet speeds and has been the recommended network by Netflix to get the best streaming experience. GigaFiber is available for free under the Preview offer where customers have to pay a security deposit of Rs 4,500 and pay no additional subscription charges until it launches commercially. Last week though, it seems that Jio has devised a cheaper plan as well.
Many people have been reporting on social media that they are able to get the GigaFiber connection only for a price of Rs 2,500 under the Preview offer. This is almost Rs 2,000 lesser than the existing security deposit GigaFiber subscribers have had to pay. Jio hasn’t said anything about this new plan officially but it seems that it’s an option Jio may have quietly introduced to enhance its reach.
The lesser price of Rs 2,500 certainly appeals and may make many consider GigaFiber. However, another media report suggested that the lesser price also does bring some compromises when compared to the higher prices plan. Here are some of them.
Speed goes down
With the older plan, subscribers can get Internet speeds up to 100Mbps. The cheaper Rs 2,500 plan drops down the speed to 50Mbps almost half of GigaFiber’s full speeds.
Lower-spec Wi-Fi router
The cheaper plan also offers a slightly inferior Wi-Fi router that only supports single-band channels. Therefore, you can only access connection at 2.4GHz. With the Rs 4,500 plan, Jio offers a dual-band router allowing higher speeds.
However, the basic benefits remain the same.
100GB data allowance is still available
Whichever plan you choose, Jio is currently offering 100GB data per month as standard along with all the additional coupons.
Voice services and TV will also be available
Those subscribers who have got the cheaper Rs 2,500 plan have reported that they can make voice calls via GigaFiber. Some have even said that the JioTV app is also available for them. Surprisingly, those with the older plan haven’t got the voice services activated yet.
What to expect from this cheaper plan?
So far, Jio hasn’t confirmed anything about this plan officially. However, it seems that Jio could be offering the service with different routers that cater to different kind of consumers much like its JioFi portable hotspot service. It is highly possible that the Triple Play Plan, rumoured to cost Rs 600 per month, would offer the same benefits to everyone, including voice and TV services. The quality of the service will be determined by what router you wish to go for.
