Jio launches India's first in-flight mobile services

Jio has partnered with AeroMobile to launch mobile services on 22 flights on international routes, with plans starting at Rs 499 per day.

Reliance Jio on Friday said its customers will be able to access mobile services during international flights after the aircraft reaches a height of 20,000 feet.

Jio has become the first Indian mobile operator to have started in-flight voice calls, SMS and data services.

"Jio users with valid in-flight connectivity packs can start using the pack, once their flight (supported) reaches 20,000 feet or higher," Jio said in a statement.

Jio has partnered with AeroMobile to launch mobile services on 22 flights on international routes, with plans starting at Rs 499 per day.

"JioPostpaid Plus brings with it industry-defining and highest-quality user experience, and through our partnership with AeroMobile we will now offer in-flight roaming services at an attractive price.

"We are delighted to bring this new service to our customers, who will be able to enjoy seamless, high-quality and secure roaming at 20,000 feet, keeping every JioPostpaid Plus user connected, always," Jio director Akash Ambani said in a statement.

Jio's partner airlines include Virgin Atlantic, Swiss, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Euro Wings, Lufthansa, Malindo Air, Biman Bangladesh Airlines and Alitalia, according to the statement.

"With the new in-flight roaming bundle, JioPostpaid Plus customers no longer need to worry about connectivity whilst travelling.

“This new market-leading proposition shows continued commitment to providing the very best service to customers," AeroMobile CEO Kevin Rogers said.

While all plans offer 100 minutes of outgoing voice calls and 100 SMSes, the Rs 499 plan provides 250 megabyte (MB) of mobile data, Rs 699 gives 500 MB and Rs 999 plan comes with 1 GB of data.

First-time users of the in-flight mobile services will need to activate the plans on Jio network.

The international roaming services will not work on JioPhone and Jio's wi-fi device, according to its website.

"Data and SMS services are available in all Airlines. However, voice services are available in select Airlines," it added.

Customers using Jio's in-flight service will get data, SMS and outgoing call facility on 14 partners airlines.

However, only data and SMS service will be available on the rest of the airlines, including Singapore Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa and Cathay Pacific.

Photograph: Reuters