For millions of users in India’s basic phone segment, one small recharge plan now carries a much bigger meaning. Reliance Jio’s Rs 123 pack is no longer confined to JioPhone and JioBharat, and it can now be used on entry-level 4G phones from Nokia, Lava, and itel as well.
A shift in how entry-level phones are treated
The change matters because it directly affects a large part of the low-cost handset market in India. Many users who already own a basic phone from another brand no longer need to move into a Jio-only device just to reach a cheaper tariff.
That broader access did not happen by accident. The expansion followed guidance from TRAI, India’s telecom regulator, which viewed device-specific bundling as a distortion of competition.
TRAI also stressed that telecom service should remain neutral to the terminal a customer uses. In practical terms, that means the phone model should not stand in the way of similar pricing and service access.
What the Rs 123 plan includes
The Rs 123 monthly recharge offers unlimited voice calls to any operator across India. It also includes 0.5 GB of data per day at 4G speed and 300 SMS per month.
The validity period is 28 calendar days. With this structure, Jio keeps one of the most aggressive price points in the basic-phone segment.
That pricing also stands out against entry-level 4G offerings from rivals such as Airtel and Vi, which are around Rs 200. The gap gives Jio a clear advantage for drawing price-sensitive users to its network.
Which phones can use it
Compatibility depends on the handset’s technical support. The phone must support 4G LTE and use a basic-phone format with a physical alphanumeric keyboard.
Among the models mentioned as compatible, Lava phones with a physical keyboard can work fully with the newly released chip. Itel devices with an open operating system also accept multiple operators without restrictions.
Basic Nokia models made by HMD also support direct activation for the economical recharge. By contrast, JioPhone and JioBharat remain tied exclusively to Reliance Jio signal access.
Some phones from other Asian brands still need verification of local 4G band support before they can be used. That makes compatibility uneven, even though the policy has become more open overall.
Why the move matters for the market
For many households, the update offers more room in monthly budgets. Jio is positioning the Rs 123 pack as a low-cost option for families in rural and suburban areas that still depend on active connectivity.
Basic internet access remains important for digital payments, messaging apps, and government information services. That is why low-cost plans on feature-style phones still matter, even as India’s urban market continues shifting toward 5G.
The broader effect is also competitive. Jio now has to rely more on network quality and service instead of depending mainly on control over its own devices.
The difference also reflects a subsidy strategy. Jio subsidizes the manufacturing cost of its own phones, while Nokia, Lava, and itel devices are sold at full market price, leaving their owners free to choose a telecom provider.