Idea to launch own handset to counter Reliance JioPhone
Jul 30, 2017, 15:40 IST
Idea Cellular said it will launch a phone to counter Reliance JioPhone, raising net neutrality concerns about Reliance Jio's 4G phones. Idea said JioPhone will allow the apps of the operator's choice only.
"One of the concerns is about net neutrality. It will not allow most of the apps which a customer prefers and the choice of apps may not work because it is forcing consumers to use an individual operator's apps," Himanshu Kapania, the managing director of Idea Cellular Limited, the third largest telco operator, said in an analyst call.
Kapania further said it remains to be seen as to how the proposed Jio phone, which does not have features like a smartphone, serves those wanting to browse the Internet.
Meanwhile, he said Idea is working with mobilephone manufacturers to launch its own, slightly expensive phone
This new handset will give all the choices to a customer, including to choose the operator of his/her choice, popular applications like Google, Facebook or Whatsapp, Kapania stressed.
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"One of the concerns is about net neutrality. It will not allow most of the apps which a customer prefers and the choice of apps may not work because it is forcing consumers to use an individual operator's apps," Himanshu Kapania, the managing director of Idea Cellular Limited, the third largest telco operator, said in an analyst call.
Kapania further said it remains to be seen as to how the proposed Jio phone, which does not have features like a smartphone, serves those wanting to browse the Internet.
Meanwhile, he said Idea is working with mobilephone manufacturers to launch its own, slightly expensive phone
This new handset will give all the choices to a customer, including to choose the operator of his/her choice, popular applications like Google, Facebook or Whatsapp, Kapania stressed.
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