After bringing out cheap 4G plans for smartphones and feature phones, Reliance Jio could now be bringing out affordable 4G-powered laptops.
Yes, laptops, and according to an ET Telecom report, the telecom provider is reportedly in talks with Qualcomm to launch its ‘always connected PCs’ for the Indian market.
Unlike smart feature phones, which are still waiting for key apps like WhatsApp, laptops running on Windows 10 are sorted in that arena and could surely benefit from push by a brand like Jio.
The report also claims that Smartron – an India-based Internet of Things (IoT) brand is keen on bundling its Tbook for the ‘always connected’ initiative, offering laptops at a budget price.
While Jio hasn’t confirmed the news yet, Qualcomm, openly advocating for the project, has said the announcement could be made in the coming months.
This development provides Jio a strong ground to enter the laptop space, and replicate what it has managed to do in the ailing feature phone market with its ultra-affordable JioPhone.
Counterpoint Research even indicated that since its launch, JioPhone has climbed up the market share charts, surpassing brands like Samsung and Micromax. It’s got a 26 percent share in the market and has been a success because of its low cost.
If you’re able to offer a phone for under Rs 2,000 (even if the price comes with conditions), in a market like India, it’s bound to sell, and JioPhone has done exactly that.
Coming to the laptop market, we don’t need to look beyond the recent market figures, which show stagnation in growth.
According to research and advisory firm Gartner, globally 61.7 million units of PCs were shipped in the Q1 of 2018. This is a 1.4 percent decline from the Q1 of 2017.
In Asia, the numbers have fallen even lower. In Asia/Pacific (including India), 21.9 million units of PCs were shipped in the Q1 of 2018, which is a 3.9 percent decline from the first quarter of 2017, reported Gartner.
Now, what this segment needs is a Jio-bolt. Which is why Jio partnering with PC brands for affordable laptops, bundled with its 4G services, could help boost the state of the computer market in India. Also, don’t forget, this would give Jio another way to increase its average revenue per user (ARPU) compared to the incumbents.
Jio’s entry into the field might finally prompt firms like Xiaomi and Huawei to also enter the laptop segment, in turn increasing competition and bringing down prices of laptops like never before.
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