Reliance is expected to launch its affordable JioBook and the 5G Jio phone (low-cost phone backed by Google) at its 44th annual general meeting (AGM) scheduled June 24 at 2PM.

In May 2021, Google CEO, Mr. Sundar Pichai announced that Google is working with Reliance Jio to introduce an affordable smartphone in the country. At the last AGM, Google revealed an investment of Rs. 33,737 crore (US$ 4.62 billion) in Jio Platforms for a 7.7% stake.

As per earlier company’s releases and announcements, the affordable 5G-ready smartphones were expected to be completed by the second quarter of 2021 and to accord with the AGM. The entry-level specifications of smartphone were further considered to have an Android Go operating system (OS). Reliance was also expected to focus on its JioOS, to include a custom version of Google’s Android operating system. The use of JioOS is supposedly beneficial in offering an enhanced performance of Jio applications.

In early-2021, 5G trials were approved by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) in India. Reliance stated that it would leverage its indigenous 5G equipment and technology. In line with the Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative, in December 2020, Mr. Mukesh Ambani, Reliance Chairman had announced that 5G services in India will be available in the second half of 2021.

Jio is also expected to introduce JioBook, an affordable laptop, based on JioOS, that would deliver 4G LTE support. In September 2020, the telecom leader initiated its work on a ‘larger screen device’ and was expected to attain its Product Validation Test stage by April 2021. For the JioBook, the company is reportedly associating with Bluebank Communication Technology, a China-based engineering company.

In 2017, Reliance introduced Jio Phone in India which now has > 100 million users, of which mostly are first-time users of internet. The company is expected to attract additional subscribers to Reliance plans with the potential launch of low-cost 5G Android phones.