With brands like Reliance Jio and Airtel announcing new broadband plans, they ushered in a new era of home fiber connectivity in India. This will not only ensure the availability of affordable broadband internet connectivity to more households, but will also help workers or students attending their schools remotely. In addition to removing data usage caps, both Jio and Airtel offer access to unlimited voice calls and subscription to various OTT services included. Here's an overview of the latest fiber plans from Airtel and Jio.
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(Image credit: Jio)
Latest JioFiber plans
The new Jio Unlimited plans are designed in such a way that data usage is free, but you have to pay more for higher speed and additional benefits. Jio starts with the Bronze plan priced at Rs 399 per month which offers unlimited 30 Mbps high speed internet access with unlimited free voice calls as an added benefit. The next plan is the Silver plan priced at Rs 699 per month which offers 100 Mbps speed and unlimited voice calls for a fee. Bronze and Silver plans do not offer any bundled OTT subscription. JioFiber Plans Plan NameBronzeSilverGoldDiamondDiamond + PlatinumTitaniumRentalRs. Rs399. 699Rs. 999Rs. Rs1,499. Rs2,499. Rs3,999. 8499 Speed30 Mbps100 Mbps150 Mbps300 Mbps500 Mbps1 Gbps 1 Gbps Domestic Voice Calls Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited OTTNANA Package11 apps12 apps12 apps12 apps It should be noted that while Jio claims that the plans offered are truly unlimited, there is a limit of 3300 GB per month to protect against any misuse. Also, unlike the above, the company now offers symmetrical upload and download speeds, which means that the upload and download speeds remain the same. In addition, Jio also offers a free 4K Android set-top box on a refundable basis to users with a Gold plan and above. Jio offers a bundled subscription to Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar, Sony Liv, Voot, Alt Balaji, SunNxt, ShemarooMe, Hoichoi and Lionsgate Play and more. A one-month free trial is available for users who want to test the services and this can be availed by paying a refundable security of Rs.1500 which offers speeds up to 150 Mbps. If you want to opt for set-top box and OTT app subscription , you need to pay Rs. 2500 in advance as a guarantee. Although this initial security deposit includes a deposit of Rs. 1000. For household appliances and proceed to installation services. The full security deposit is only refunded if service is interrupted during the 30-day trial period. In case you plan to continue with the services, this amount will be adjusted as setup fee.
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(Image credit: Airtel)
Latest Airtel Xstream fiber plans
The new Airtel Xstream fiber plans start at Rs.100 more expensive than Jio, but offer 40Mbps speed to boot. Similar to Jio, Airtel also offers unlimited calls and data on all plans and you pay for faster download speeds. Although Airtel offers free subscription to 7 OTT apps and 5 studios for free. Fiber Plans Airtel Xstream Plan Name Unlimited Premium EntertainmentUltraVIP Rental Rs. 499Rs. Rs799. 999Rs. Rs1,499. 3999 Speed 40 Mbps 100 Mbps 200 Mbps 300 Mbps 1 Gbps Domestic Voice Calls Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited OTT Bundle 7 OTT Apps & 5 Studios 7 OTT Apps & 5 Studios 7 OTT Apps, 5 Studios + Disney + Hotstar, Amazon Prime Video, ZEE5 7 OTT Apps, 5 Studios + Disney + Hotstar, Amazon Prime Video, ZEE5 7 OTT Apps, 5 Studios + Disney + Hotstar, Amazon Prime Video, ZEE5 It should be noted that existing users, just like new users, have the option of buying the Android 4K Xstream box for a refundable security of Rs 1500. However, since Airtel is boosting its DTH connection with Android box by making it Mandatory for users to recharge DTH connection with Rs 462 recharge every month. You can choose to pay Rs 2400 for the Android Box, but you still need to recharge the DTH connection with a minimum recharge value of Rs 153 every month. This condition may seem a bit absurd because Airtel already offers a subscription to the OTT application. However, users will still have to pay for the DTH connection. If you do not recharge the DTH connection, the deposit will expire and the Xstream box will be disabled, as confirmed by one of the Airtel representatives. Also, Airtel has long had a FUP policy on unlimited data connections that allowed users to download 3333 GB per month. This limit should continue with new plans as well.
It's about add-ons
While both companies offer nearly similar plans, speeds, and features, the differentiator is the added perks. While Airtel requires users to have an offline DTH connection, Jio makes it easy for users to ditch the satellite connection by offering a large number of OTT subscriptions. Jio's no-questions-asked refund policy also provides a good reason for users to try the services; however, Airtel is known for its excellent customer support and broader reach. Airtel allows users to use the OTT applications included in their phones or other devices; on the other hand, Jio free subscriptions are supposed to be used mainly in the settings box. Jio had some very complicated plans before and the new ones are simple but easy to understand, all Airtel had to do was remove the stupid FUP limits. So before you choose, be sure to review the fine print and speak with the respective customer support teams to understand availability, support, and local factors that may affect your use.