Jio announces early exit option for JioPhone users: Things you need to know!

Reliance Jio has created a huge impact on the telecom sector and the company has been aiming to create some more stir in the mobile phone market as well.

And to do that the company did announce the JioPhone for consumers in the market. Interestingly, buyers could get the phone literally for free but the catch was that they had to pay a security deposit of Rs. 1,500 which was 100 percent refundable but only after three years.

In a new and exciting development, Jio has now introduced an early exit option for JioPhone (first impression) users who wish to return the device before the stipulated period of three years. Besides, this will now enable customers to get a part of their deposit refunded on a graded basis.

As far as the instructions go, any customer who returns the JioPhone within the one year will not get any refund. Those who return the device between 12-24 months of usage will get a refund of Rs. 500 while those who return the device between 24-36 months of usage will be eligible for a refund of Rs. 1,000.

And finally, post 36 months of stipulated usage JioPhone users can return the device and get the complete refund of Rs. 1,500. Notably, Jio has said that relevant government tax will be applicable on the early exit charges.

Meanwhile, the company has also issued minimum usage policy in order to prevent misuse or hoarding of the JioPhone and to encourage use of its world-class 4G services. Well, Jio has basically stipulated a minimum recharge of Rs. 1,500 a year further allowing JioPhone owners to use any combination of plans, in order to be eligible for the refund.

"This brings greater flexibility to users as they may opt to recharge as per convenience and need as long as they recharge for Rs 1500 during the entire year. If a customer chooses to be on the JioPhone specific Rs 153 plan then he or she will have to do only 10 recharges (instead of the regular 13 prepaid cycles in a year) during the year to be eligible for the refund," the company said in an email statement.

The company is of the opinion that the minimum usage of Rs. 1500 per year is still lower than the current average usage of nearly Rs. 130 per month (or about Rs. 1,560 per year) for users on other 2G networks. And at this lower charge of Rs. 1,500 a year Jio customers will enjoy superior 4G services, unlimited voice and huge amount of data.

In any case, Jio has established an extensive service support network for JioPhone across entire India with more than 12000 Jio points / Jio service points ready to service JioPhone / Jio customers. The service support network is designed to ensure that most customers can access support for their device issues within a radius of 10 kms of their zones. All in all, with flexible refund and recharge options, Jio is making Digital Life more accessible and affordable for users.