The Jio Phone is probably ‘the’ phone of the moment across the country now. It is back in the spotlight as deliveries have started for the 6 odd million people who have pre-booked the phone in the first round. In a massive roll-out, Jio is aiming to complete the 6 million deliveries within the next 15 days.
The anticipation is palpable as people can’t wait to get their hands on their own Jio Phone. Predictably, almost 98% of these people will not have read the terms and conditions while booking their own Jio Phone.
What Everybody Knows About Jio Phone
Everybody knows that they have to pay Rs. 1,500/- while buying the Jio Phone, which will be treated as a refundable deposit and will be refunded back to them when they return the Jio phone back to the company after a pre-set period of 3 years.
Of course, it is going to be interest-free. Meaning users won’t be getting any interest on their refundable deposit, when they get it back.
It sounds straight-forward and a simple enough deal, right? You know what they say about free lunch? There’s no such thing!
What Everybody Doesn’t Know About Jio Phone
Now for the “fine print” all of you may not know. Because nobody reads these. Ever! The Jio Phone has some pretty detailed and comprehensive terms and conditions for the ‘privilege’ of owning one.
- You have to make a minimum collective recharge of Rs. 1,500/- in a year, every year. The period starts from the time your Phone is activated.
- This one’s a bit obvious and expected. You cannot sell, rent or transfer your Jio Phone to others for the entire duration of 3 years.
- This one’s a shocker! If you decide that you do not like the Jio Phone and want to return the phone before the 3 years are up, you can do so. But, it is going to cost you. Yes! You will have to pay the company in order to return their phone to them! Madness!! They are calling it “Early Return Charges”
- If you return the phone within the first 12 months, you will have to pay the company Rs. 1,500/- plus applicable GST or other taxes.
- Between 12 months and up to 24 months from the date of first issue of the Jio Phone, you will end up paying Rs. 1,000/- plus applicable GST or other taxes.
- Between 24 months and up to 36 months from the date of first issue of the Jio Phone, the amount you pay will be Rs. 500/- plus applicable GST or other taxes.
- In all the three cases above, if the phone is in working condition as per their norms, you will be returned the refundable deposit you had paid while buying the phone.
- If you do not make the minimum recharges as per their conditions, the company holds the right to “Reposses” your Jio Phone.
- If your phone is repossessed, the same time-frame based charges apply like in the case of “Early Return Charges”. Like in case of early returns, your deposit will be returned after you pay the relevant charges.
- After the 3 years are up, you are required to return your Jio Phone before the next 3 months are up, in order to be eligible for refund of deposit.
- Jio has set following rules regarding the condition of the phone;
- The Jio Phone is not damaged (normal wear & tear excepted) and is in working condition
- Any and all data or other information of the Recipient on the Jio Phone is deleted and purged before returning the Jio Phone
- The Recipient complies with any other terms and conditions as may be stipulated (available at ‘www.jiophone.com’ and such other partner sites as the Company may determine) at by the Company for return of the Jio Phone; and
- The Recipient removes the SIM card from the Jio Phone before returning the same; (collectively “Return Conditions”).
- If you fail to return the phone within 3 months after the 3 years lock-in period, you will lose your deposit without being informed, your phone will be repossessed anyway, and the company may see fit to take legal action against you.
- Finally, Jio says that all disputes shall be governed under the laws of India and are subject to the jurisdiction of the Courts of Mumbai only.
Now that you know what you didn’t know before, does the Phone still look as attractive as before? Do you still want to own one of the “hottest” phones of 2017? Let us know your opinions and thoughts in the comments below.