Reliance Jio To Launch Jio AirFiber Soon To Challenge BSNL, Airtel, ACT, And Other Wired ISPs?

Reliance Jio is gearing up to launch Jio AirFiber, a wired or immovable internet service for homes and small offices. The service will require a 5G FWA (Fixed-Wireless Access) device at the premises, which will deliver broadband internet service.

Even before it launched 5G services in India, Reliance Jio, one of India's top wireless communication service providers, had announced it would offer home broadband services. The company could soon offer Jio AirFiber, claims a new report.

What Is Jio AirFiber And When Will It Launch?

Jio AirFiber is a wired internet service that is meant for homes and small offices. It is not a portable Wi-Fi hotspot. However, it relies on the wireless communication backend, which in this case, is Reliance Jio 5G.

Jio AirFiber promises to offer 5G internet at home without too many wires. Users have to subscribe to the service, and the installation involves a simple device that is placed on the premises where the service is going to be used.

The device looks like a hybrid of modern mesh and traditional Wi-Fi routers. It was unveiled at Reliance's 45th AGM (Annual General Meeting) last year. The device shown was in a white finish, but Jio may offer other color options.

The Jio Fiber 5G FWA device will essentially offer a mobile hotspot for wireless connectivity to multiple devices in its vicinity. However, the strength and reliability of the connection should be much stronger than conventional portable routers.

Jio had previously claimed, "With JioAirFiber, it will be really easy to quickly connect your home or office to Gigabit-speed Internet." This means Jio is promising to offer high-speed wireless internet service to home and small office users without needing wired connections.

Jio AirFiber Advantages And Limitations

Jio showcased the AirFiber in a promotional video last year. The video revealed the JioFiber device and service can be managed via an app and users can add parental control.

The Jio AirFiber app will also allow parents to block certain websites or devices on the network, as the video mentioned. As the AirFiber is a "wireless" solution, users do not need a technician to set up the router, unlike traditional routers.

The ad showed 5G speeds of up to 1.5Gbps, which Jio promises on the cellular 5G network as well. As the device relies on Jio 5G networks, the company claims Jio AirFiber will be similar to its true-5G technology, which is built on SA (Standalone) technology.

Reliance Jio's main competitors, such as Bharti Airtel, are deploying NSA technology (Non-Standalone), which essentially upgrades the existing 4G connectivity. While Jio AirFiber's 5G backend would be better, it could face some challenges while offering consistent speed and reliable connectivity. Moreover, a disruption in the electrical supply may render the device useless.

The Jio AirFiber which was advertised last year is a compact device and would be able to deliver Wi-Fi connectivity in an area of 1000 square feet on a single floor. However, unlike a portable hotspot or a smartphone, users might not be able to easily carry the AirFiber device anywhere they go.