Jio Announces Low-Cost In-Flight Roaming Plans, Lower Rates for USA, UAE

Reliance Jio has announced new roaming tariffs for the USA, Mexico, and UAE as well as new in-flight roaming packs that will allow users to make voice calls, send SMS messages and use roaming data rather than more expensive in-flight Wi-Fi. The plans are already available and users can check out the details on the company’s website. 

The new Jio in-flight roaming packs are available to both prepaid and postpaid users via the Jio website, MyJio app, or at physical stores. They work on certain routes on 22 airlines including major international carriers and smaller regional players, whose in-flight equipment uses AeroMobile as a carrier. Users can simply select the AeroMobile network on their phone or other device’s cellular settings, if it is not selected automatically. Big names include Emirates, Etihad, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Lufthansa, Swiss, and Virgin Atlantic. 

There are three pack options, priced at Rs. 195 for 250MB, Rs. 295 for 500MB, and Rs. 595 for 1GB of data. All three also give users 100 minutes of outgoing voice calls (not all partner airlines support all services) and 100 SMS messages. Incoming text messages are free, but calls are not allowed, which will be a relief to co-passengers who don’t want to be disturbed by ringing phones. Each pack is valid for 24 hours only, starting from the time of first usage, and covers one trip. Connecting flights within the 24-hour period might be supported on a single pack depending on airline and aircraft. 

Users can purchase another pack while in the air if the one they are using is about to expire. AeroMobile supplies 3G equipment to these airlines, but there is no guarantee or even indication of what data speed you can expect. Services are available at the discretion of airlines and of the pilot in command of each flight, and generally only active when a plane is above 20,000 feet. Standard restrictions on devices still apply, including the need to switch them to airplane mode during takeoff and landing. No Indian airline is currently a partner, but many of the airlines listed on Jio’s website offer these services on routes to and from Indian cities as well as on connecting flights via their regional hubs. Current Indian regulations prohibit in-flight communications while in Indian airspace.

In-flight roaming is also available to Jio subscribers via new international roaming packs. These are priced starting at Rs. 2,499 for 10 days’ validity across 35 countries, but include in-flight benefits for only a one-way trip.

A new annual roaming pack, priced at Rs. 2,799, could be useful for frequent travelers. With this pack you get 2GB of high-speed data with free 64Kbps data after that is exhausted, plus 100 minutes of outgoing and incoming voice calls (including Voice-over-Wi-Fi usage), and 100 outgoing SMS messages. The pack covers 51 countries and is valid for 365 days. 

Along with these packs, Jio has also announced new rates for the USA (including US Virgin Islands), Mexico, and the UAE. The company claims its new rates are more cost-effective than using a local service provider while traveling. For the USA and Mexico, prices start at Rs. 1,555 for 7GB of data and 150 voice minutes for 10 days. For the UAE, a Rs. 898 pack will get you 1GB of data and 100 minutes each of incoming and outgoing calls, valid for 7 days.