Reliance Jio 4G: How to get the sim, which plan to subscribe, all you need to know

The much awaited Reliance Jio network is all set for a free public roll out starting today. After a trial period where select number of users got to experience Jio, now the network is open to all and what's more is the services are all free until December 31st.

Mukesh Ambani revealed the Jio project on Friday at the shareholder's AGM where he announced that voice calling and national roaming would be free of charge.

He  also said that Jio would offer data rates at 1/10th of market rates, cheapest in the world.

Here's your guide to getting the sim card, understanding the plans, apps and services and more:

Jio sim card

Jio sim cards will be available at any telecom store that sells sim cards. To speed up the process, carry your Adhaar card for the  eKYC process.

You will be required to fill up the Customer Application Form (CAF) and produce a couple of passport-size photographs to complete the process. Customers will receive their receipts on their email IDs and through an SMS as well.

The company will then verify the applicant's details via a phone call.

Jio plans

Since Reliance Jio won't be charging for voice calls and national roaming, you will only have to pay for Wifi and data. Prepaid packages start from Rs 149 include data on the nationwide Jio network and free access to Jio apps and services until December.

For postpaid, the Reliance Jio plan starts with a basic Rs 199 which include 300 MB of 4G and it goes upto Rs 4,999 which include 75 GB of 4G, 150GB of WiFi through Jio hotspots and unlimited night usage of data between 2AM to 5AM.

The Rs 499 plan includes 4GB of 4G and 8GB of WiFi while the Rs 999 offers 10GB of 4G and 20GB of WiFi. Rs 1,499, Rs 2,499, Rs 3,999 are also available with different amounts of data, Wifi, and unlimited night use.

Voice calls, messages and roaming are free on all these plans.

Reliance Jio phones

Reliance Jio uses a 4G-only network with VoLTE technology for phone calls.

So unless your phone comes with a 4G support, the Jio sim may not work. Your phone also needs to have VoLTE to make calls. Though Reliance Jio offers its JioJoin app to bridge the problem, it is still advisable to get a VoLTE phone.  

Reliance Jio MNP

As a part of the free offer, Reliance Jio allows you to port your existing number. All you need to do is send the text message 'PORT' followed by your 10-digit mobile number to TRAI's central number for mobile number portability - 1900.

You will receive a Unique Porting Code on your phone. You can go to the nearest Reliance Mobile store, fill in the required documents along with your porting code. You will also need to submit address proof, ID proof and passport photographs to complete the porting process.

You will get a Reliance Jio sim card and once activated, you will still have the same phone number as your previous carrier.

Reliance JioFi

If you want to use Reliance Jio's 4G at home all you need to do is get JioFi. It is a 4G device with a built-in WiFi router and a battery. This can bring more than once device into Jio's network.

This service is available at Rs 1,999 with an easy guide to get you started.

Reliance Jio apps

Reliance Jio has a host of apps that can make your life easier. The JioNet allows you to use Jio's network of hotspots instead of your data. It also allows you to access the video on-demand app and music streaming app, all for free until December.