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Jio effect: Airtel to offer Android set-top box, free TV
Last updated on Aug 24, 2019, 07:41 pm
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In a bid to take on Reliance's GigaFiber, Airtel is working to launch an Android-based smart set-top box (STB) to "deliver converged digital entertainment and fast broadband services," according to The Economic Times.
The Sunil Mittal-led telco is working to launch its new STB sometime in September this year and may even bundle a free television along with it.
Here's more on this development.
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New stuff
Airtel's Android STB will come bundled with special services
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Airtel's upcoming Android STB will allow access to premium OTT content, streaming applications, HD TV channels, VR, and interactive gaming services as part of the company's converged digital entertainment-cum-broadband service.
This suggests Airtel's console will try to match Jio's STB that is touted to support the company's fiber-based broadband service along with local cable TV, gaming, MR experiences, and video calling (with external camera).
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Information
Airtel is also testing an integrated billing system
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Further, according to the report, Airtel "has internally piloted an integrated billing system in Chandigarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh, and is ready to operationalize it nationally from next month."
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Highlight offer
Airtel might bundle an HD TV with its STB
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Citing people familiar with the matter, The Economic Times reported that Airtel might also provide a free HD/LED television along with the set-top box on select super-premium tariff plans.
With this, the telco aims to counter GigaFiber's 'Welcome Offer' which promises to offer an HD or 4K LED TV and a compatible set-top box for free with 'Jio Forever Plans' (annual subscription plans).
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Information
Meanwhile, Jio will commercially launch GigaFiber on September 5
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The finer details about GigaFiber's plans and pricing will be revealed on September 5 when the service would launch commercially. However, we know that base tariff, offering 100Mbps speed, will start from Rs. 700/month while the top-end plan with 1Gbps speed will cost Rs. 10,000/month.
