Reliance Jio Infocomm, the digital arm of billionaire Mukesh Ambani-controlled Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL), would offer free voice along with its data services. The company is expected to launch its 4G services on August 15, according to a report.

“When Jio commercially launches its telco services (expected on August 15) we expect the company to offer a differentiated offering. In our view, it will be unlimited VoLTE voice bundled with its data offering above Rs 300 per month,” Bank of America Merrill Lynch said in a report.

“Overall, we see pressure on voice revenues and tariff hikes but do not believe VoLTE voice will materially impact industry voice revenues for the next 12-18 months,” it added.

VoLTE technology has certain inherent advantages over traditional voice including better spectral efficiency, richer voice and better call quality and lower load on network among others.

“Vendors have indicated to us that Jio has adequate capacity (850, 1800, 2300 MHz) to offer unlimited voice without congestion for the next few years at least,” the report dated August 4, said.

rajesh.kurup@thehindu.co.in

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