Idea to go against Reliance Jio; soon to launch its ultra-cheap phone

Idea Cellular has confirmed that it is working with handset makers to produce low cost phones.However, Idea cellular is set to be merged with Vodafone, it made clear that it will not subsidise handsets. The telecom giants are already facing challenge from the ultra-budget feature phone from Reliance Jio.

Idea Cellular’s Manging Director, Himanshu Kapania said that the ideal price point for a handset will be Rs 2,500. In the past, the telecom operators had worked with handset makers when they were challenged by the then Reliance Infocomm's cheaper handsets, he noted.

This will be a budget phone that will enable users to use two SIMs simultaneously and provide option to select 2G and 4G networks, and signing up with operators of choice and allow users to use applications of choice, he added.

Recently Reliance Jio also announced its 4G feature phone for Rs 1,500, which will be refunded after three years.

The phone features a 2.4-inch QVGA display, FM radio, torch, headphone jack, SD card slot and an alphanumeric keyboard. It supports digital payment via NFC, 4G VoLTE calls and data and a suite of Jio apps, which includes Jio Cinema, Jio Music and more.