Two of India’s biggest telecom giants, Airtel and Reliance Jio, are vying for the top spot with their Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) solutions: Airtel Xtreme Airfiber and Jio Airfiber. Both promise high-speed internet without the clutter of wires, but how do they stack up against each other?
The Basics: FWA is a technology that offers broadband access using radio frequencies, eliminating the need for cables. It’s particularly beneficial for areas where laying down physical cables is challenging. Both Airtel and Jio’s offerings are designed to provide 5G internet services with a simple plug-and-play setup, allowing users to get connected without professional assistance.
Availability: Jio Airfiber has made its debut in eight major cities: Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Pune. Airtel Xtreme Airfiber, on the other hand, is currently serving Airtel 5G users in Delhi and Mumbai, with plans to expand to other cities soon.
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Plans and Speed: Airtel’s plans kick off at ₹799, offering speeds of up to 100 Mbps. This plan is available for six months and requires a one-time refundable security deposit of ₹2,500. Jio’s starting plan is priced at ₹599, providing up to 30 Mbps speeds, available for either six or 12 months. Jio also has premium plans offering speeds up to 1000 Mbps.
Setup and Connection: Airtel’s device is a true plug-and-play. Users can pick it up from any Airtel store in the available cities and set it up using the Xstream AirFiber app. Jio’s process is slightly more involved. Interested users can express their interest via a missed call or visiting Jio’s website. Once registered, Jio will reach out to set up the connection when services in the user’s area are ready.
| Parameter | Airtel Xtreme Airfiber | Jio Airfiber |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Delhi, Mumbai | 8 Major Cities |
| Starting Price | ₹799 | ₹599 |
| Speed (Starting Plan) | Up to 100Mbps | Up to 30Mbps |
| Setup | Self-install with app | Assisted installation |
| Premium Plan Speed | Up to 500 Mbps | Up to 1000 Mbps |
| Security Deposit | ₹2,500 (Refundable) | Varies by plan |
| Contract Duration | 6 months | 6 or 12 months |
| Expansion Plans | More cities soon | Not specified |
| Device Portability | Yes | Limited |
| Customer Support | 24/7 helpline | 24/7 helpline |
In Conclusion: The battle between Airtel Xtreme Airfiber and Jio Airfiber is heating up, with both services offering promising features. While Airtel provides faster speeds in its starting plan, Jio offers a more competitive price point. The choice between the two will likely come down to individual needs, location, and brand preference. As the Indian telecom landscape continues to evolve, consumers are set to benefit from the fierce competition and innovative solutions on offer.
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