New Delhi
Reliance Jio, a major player in the Indian telecom industry, is considering the possibility of global expansion, according to a senior company official. Speaking at the India Mobile Congress, Reliance Jio President Mathew Oommen stated that India has now achieved Tier 1 plus status and that there should be no hesitation in formulating policies that are beneficial for the nation. Oommen emphasized the significant opportunity for India to expand globally and stated that Reliance will continually evaluate options to represent India on the global stage and provide value to customers by leveraging the technology capabilities already operationalized in India. He further urged the government to make use of the Universal Services Obligation Fund (USOF) of Rs 75,700 crore to make devices and services more affordable and accessible for individuals, in addition to mobile tower deployment. Oommen highlighted the Jio Bharat Phone ecosystem as an enabler for a 2G-free India and an AI-enabled India. He suggested that the underutilized USO fund should be leveraged to provide devices and services to individuals who cannot afford the transition to advanced connectivity. Oommen proposed reducing licence fees from 8 percent to 3 percent, allowing the telecom industry to use the funds for investment, expanding connectivity, and promoting the adoption of 4G and 5G services. Oommen emphasized the critical role of devices in the adoption of services and called for further reductions in the cost of 5G devices to facilitate wider adoption. In summary, Reliance Jio is exploring the potential for global expansion following its success in the Indian market. The company aims to leverage technology capabilities and contribute to India’s global representation. Additionally, it advocates for the use of the Universal Services Obligation Fund (USOF) to make devices and services more affordable and accessible, reduce licence fees, and promote the adoption of advanced connectivity and services.
