Apple product is a desire for everyone and when it comes to iPhone people get crazy. But with its big price tag not everyone can manage it. But, there’s some great news for all those who wanted an iPhone but couldn't afford one. In a move to make Apple iPhones 'more affordable' for Indian consumers, Telecom operator Reliance Communication(RCom) on Friday announced that they will be offering the new iPhone 5C and iPhone 5S at upfront costs as low as zero on a 2-year contract basis with Equated Monthly Instalments (EMIs).
Under the subsidy scheme, Reliance will offer 16GB version of the iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c at zero upfront cost, with a monthly EMI of Rs. 2,499 for the iPhone 5c and Rs. 2,999 for the iPhone 5S. The telecom company will offer unlimited voice calls, SMS and 3G data. There is also no charge on national roaming. It's not clear if a fair usage policy would be applicable. Consumers would be locked-in into a 24 month long contract and would not be able to switch their telecom operator before that.
Without the subsidy, costs for the 16GB iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c are Rs. 53,500 and Rs. 41,900 respectively. These contracts are similar to what Verizon and AT&T offer in US. The 32GB and 64GB versions of the iPhones would come at an upfront cost of Rs. 10,000 and Rs. 18,000 respectively, with the monthly payment being the same.
Prebooking has already started and according to Reliance, they will also be offering special Mobile Number Portability (MNP) facilities to corporates. RCom will reportedly offer the subsidy scheme to credit card users and has tied up with banks, including ICICI Bank and HDFC Bank for the same to ensure that consumers don't dishonour the contract.
Mobile phone users have a lot to cheer about this festive season. It's raining freebies and discounts on phone buys as well as internet data charges. And with the Diwali weekend coming up, the pitch may get stronger with more companies joining in.
Under the subsidy scheme, Reliance will offer 16GB version of the iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c at zero upfront cost, with a monthly EMI of Rs. 2,499 for the iPhone 5c and Rs. 2,999 for the iPhone 5S. The telecom company will offer unlimited voice calls, SMS and 3G data. There is also no charge on national roaming. It's not clear if a fair usage policy would be applicable. Consumers would be locked-in into a 24 month long contract and would not be able to switch their telecom operator before that.
Without the subsidy, costs for the 16GB iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c are Rs. 53,500 and Rs. 41,900 respectively. These contracts are similar to what Verizon and AT&T offer in US. The 32GB and 64GB versions of the iPhones would come at an upfront cost of Rs. 10,000 and Rs. 18,000 respectively, with the monthly payment being the same.
Prebooking has already started and according to Reliance, they will also be offering special Mobile Number Portability (MNP) facilities to corporates. RCom will reportedly offer the subsidy scheme to credit card users and has tied up with banks, including ICICI Bank and HDFC Bank for the same to ensure that consumers don't dishonour the contract.
Mobile phone users have a lot to cheer about this festive season. It's raining freebies and discounts on phone buys as well as internet data charges. And with the Diwali weekend coming up, the pitch may get stronger with more companies joining in.
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