Reliance Jio 'soft launch' soon: Credit Suisse

Amid speculation over the actual launch date of Reliance Jio's 4G telecom services, Credit Suisse in a quick analysis has said the company is preparing to sell SIM cards, at Rs.200 a piece, with a soft unveiling soon.

"Our visits to Reliance Digital stores in Mumbai revealed the stores are preparing for a possible soft launch of Jio's 4G connections soon," the global financial services major said, adding that many of the store staff have undergone training sessions in various aspects of customer interface.

"The stores have been equipped with infrastructure that allows for quick enrolment: Basically the devices scan the presented ID documents unlike physical transportation of documents, as in other operators," it said.

The analysis also added that while the staff at the stores did mention that they've received the stocks of Jio SIM cards, they were yet to be informed when the sales is to start. It said the SIM cards should come with free data and voice, valid for three months.

In December, employees of Reliance Industries received 75GB data and 4,500 minutes of calls.

"The tariffs post the three-month period are unknown. It needs to be seen if a customer needs to buy a Lyf handset to get the SIM, or if the SIMs will be sold standalone -- the store attendants suggested standalone."