The launch of Reliance Jio put the Indian data providers in an aggressive mode. Network providers like Vodafone, Idea, and BSNL have been coming up with new offers to one-up each other. Airtel has been the most aggressive among the lot. The network provider has launched several offers in various regions to retain its customer base. With the launch of Apple iPhone 7, Airtel jumped at the opportunity of gaining customer base, and came up with new offers. Of course, it was not the only one. Reliance Jio also came up with iPhone 7 offers of its own. Let’s see How Airtel Compares To Reliance Jio!
The Reliance Jio is offering Jio services worth Rs 18,000 for free for one year with new iPhone 7 purchases. The offer includes free calling, 20GB of 4G data, 40GB of JioNet Wi-Fi data, unlimited SMS and 30 minutes of ISD calling per month. It starts from 1 January 2017 and will be available for the first year.
While Airtel [with Bajaj Finance] is offering a new iPhone 7 at Rs 19,990. The down payment amount varies with the models, with 256GB iPhone 7 Plus available at Rs 43,792 as down payment. The company is also offering an Infinity plan for iPhone users.
With the Airtel Infinity postpaid plan, users get 10GB of free 3G/4G data per month for 12 months. The myPlan Infinity rates range from Rs 949 to Rs 2,999. It offers a data limit between 1GB to 20GB. The special plans include a Rs 1,999 per month plan [offers 5 GB of 3G/4G data, Unlimited local calling], a Rs 2,499 per month plan [10 GB of 3G/4G data and Unlimited local calling], and a Rs 2,999 per month plan [15 GB of 3G/4G data and Unlimited local & STD calling]. Over the duration of one year, iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus users on Airtel Infinity plans will get additional 120 GB 4G/3G data.
After the first year, users will be able to exchange their iPhone with the latest Apple iPhone available. However, you will need to pay a one-time ‘balloon payment’ amount to keep your current phone. This is similar to the carrier contract system in the USA.
Post 2017
After 12 months, you will need to visit an Airtel store within 30 days to return your current phone and switch to a new one. Next, you can either change your plans or get discounts on current plans. The discounts reduce the current plans from Rs 1,199 to Rs 949, Rs 1,599 to Rs 1,199 rental; Rs 1,999 to Rs 1,599 rental and Rs 2,999 to Rs 1,999.
Airtel does not allow you to port your mobile number to any other network, switch plans or transfer the ownership to any other user. Also, the handset should not bear significant damage including scratches that renders the device useless.
Conclusion
While Reliance Jio is offering 20GB 4G data with unlimited night time data from 2 AM till 4 AM, Airtel is providing 30GB 4G data per month. Additionally, Reliance Jio offers 40GB of JioNet hotspot data free which means Jio is offering 720GB data annually, while Airtel offers 360GB data. Also, starting now, users will get free Reliance Jio services for 15 months [till the end of 2017].