Reliance Jio to take on WhatsApp and WeChat
11 Apr 2015
Reliance Jio has introduced a mobile application that would compete directly with WhatsApp and WeChat.
The application, Jio Chat, comes with features similar to that of WhatsApp, including video, voice and messaging facilities.
It additionally boasts space for content including entertainment and e-commerce.
The app, which will be supported on Android devices and iPhones is not quite in the same league as WhatsApp in sophistication, though performance is on par, according to commentators.
According to Citi Research, Jio Chat was not more advanced than WhatsApp but highlighted aspiration. "The app highlights Jio's intention to eventually become a single platform for users (voice, messaging, entertainment and e-commerce)," the report said.
Jio Chat's other features include a channels section, for which it has a tie up with a few companies-including HTC, Star TV, Paytm, food ordering app Tiny Owl, Reliance Digital, Reliance Fresh Direct and IPL cricket franchise Mumbai Indians for entertainment and e-commerce content.
"It also offers 100 free SMS a month (sent on data) which would be useful and applicable in case either sender or recipient's data network at the time of sending the message is unavailable," the Citi report said.
However, dislodging WhatsApp would be a tall order for Jio given the strong network of 80 million WhatsApp users in India.
With the free Jio Chat application, RJio had entered into OTT space. RJio held pan-India broadband wireless access (BWA) spectrum that could be used for 4G services.
The company also acquired spectrum in the 1800 Mhz band in February, widely known as 2G spectrum, for Rs 11,054.41 crore across 14 out of 22 service areas in India.
Reliance Jio also had 800 Mhz spectrum band airwaves in 10 circles and additionally, 1800 Mhz in six circles, to support 4G services with stable voice calling service at an investment of Rs 10,077.53 crore.
Reliance Jio plans to start 4G service this year across all states, including 5,000 towns and cities, accounting for over 90 per cent of urban India and over 215,000 villages.