As Reliance Jio starts to issue SIM connections for its newly launched 4G mobile services from Monday onwards, here are a few things a buyer needs to know before signing up.

The claims made by Reliance Jio that its data plan brings down the cost to ₹50 per GB are applicable only to high-end plans. For example, the ₹299 plan offers only 2GB of data which makes it ₹150 per GB.

Reliance has bundled another 4GB of free data on this plan if one uses its Wi-Fi hot spots. If this is included, then, the cost comes to ₹50 per GB. But, the operator is yet to disclose the list of locations where it has set up hot spots. According to the company sources, the operator is setting up one million hot spots by mid-next year, including various stadiums, schools and colleges.

Users should also have a smartphone that supports 4G and Voice-over LTE. Not all 4G smartphones support Voice-over LTE. This is crucial if the user want to enjoy the free voice calling feature being offered by RJio.

Feature phones, smartphones that support 3G will not work on RJio network. The minimum price of a phone that works on RJio network is around ₹3,000.

Initially, there could also be network disruption as RJio is yet to get proper interconnection in place with other operators. Interconnection is important for seamless conversations between two operators.

RJio itself has acknowledged that crores of calls on its network could not be completed due to lack of interconnection. While the operator has reached out to all the other players in the sector, there is no clarity on when this issue will get resolved.

Number portability is another bother for RJio. If you wish to port out your existing number to RJio, it could be a challenge as other operators are yet to offer the facility to the new operator.

RJio has made it easier to complete the KYC norms. If one has an Aadhaar card, then there is no need for any other documents.

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