Vertical Divider
Google Hopes to Exploit Reliance Jio’s Network w/an Affordable JioPhone
Last month, Google announced its partnering with Reliance Jio, India’s leading wireless carrier, to launch an “ultra-affordable” smartphone in the country. Called JioPhone Next and due to arrive in September, it will run on an optimized version of Android OS. It will also leverage Jio’s vast network and ability to “millions of new users who will experience the internet for the very first time.”
Over the last few years, the India has undergone a digital revolution. As cellular data and smartphone prices fall, hundreds of millions have logged on for the first time. Today, India hosts nearly 700 million internet users–more than double that of the United States–and this upward trajectory should climb, since half of the country’s population still isn’t online.
Photo: Jio
For Google, the country is a project that’s been a long time in making and it’s been part of the country’s digitization journey well before the current connectivity boom. In 2019 and 2020, the top 5 smartphone leading OEMs were all Chinese and the trend continues in Q121.
Last month, Google announced its partnering with Reliance Jio, India’s leading wireless carrier, to launch an “ultra-affordable” smartphone in the country. Called JioPhone Next and due to arrive in September, it will run on an optimized version of Android OS. It will also leverage Jio’s vast network and ability to “millions of new users who will experience the internet for the very first time.”
Over the last few years, the India has undergone a digital revolution. As cellular data and smartphone prices fall, hundreds of millions have logged on for the first time. Today, India hosts nearly 700 million internet users–more than double that of the United States–and this upward trajectory should climb, since half of the country’s population still isn’t online.
Photo: Jio
For Google, the country is a project that’s been a long time in making and it’s been part of the country’s digitization journey well before the current connectivity boom. In 2019 and 2020, the top 5 smartphone leading OEMs were all Chinese and the trend continues in Q121.
