Reliance Jio launches messaging, calling app Jio Chat

RIL's telecom arm Reliance Jio Infocomm has launched its own instant messaging and calling application 'Jio Chat'. "With Jio Chat, you not only get to chat with your near ones but also have video and audio conferencing with them.

You can also chat in groups, enjoy the rich text features like stickers, emoticons, doodles, media share, location share and more," Jio Chat website said.

Users of Jio Chat will also get the latest news, content and offers from favourite brands on Jio Chat Channels.

Reliance Jio has plans to start 4G service this year covering all states, around 5,000 towns and cities, accounting for over 90 percent of urban India and over 215,000 villages. The application allows internet based calls as well.

Telecom operators have been up in arms against OTT players like Skype, Viber, WhatsApp that are offering messaging and calling service.

Telecom operators allege that these companies are eating in to their revenue and OTT players should be brought under licencing regime so that there is level playing field between the two.

With free Jio Chat application, RJio has entered into OTT space to counter spread other mobile messaging applications.

RJio holds pan-India broadband wireless access (BWA) spectrum that can be used for 4G services. In February 2014, it also acquired spectrum in 1800 Mhz band, widely known as 2G spectrum, for Rs 11,054.41 crore across 14 out of 22 service areas in country.

Reliance Jio has also further 800 Mhz spectrum band airwaves in 10 circles and additional 1800 Mhz in six circles, to boost its 4G services with stable voice calling service with investment of Rs 10,077.53 crore.