RCom to offer Apple iPhone 5S & 5C on 2-year EMI contract basis

NEW DELHI: In a move to make Apple iPhones 'more affordable' for Indian consumers, Reliance Communications on Friday announced that it will be selling the iPhone 5C and iPhone 5S on a 2-year contract basis with Equated Monthly Instalments (EMIs) and no down-payment.

Under the scheme Reliance will offer iPhone 5C for an EMI of Rs 2,499 per month over a 24-month period and iPhone 5S at Rs 2,999 per month over the same period. This payment comes bundled with free unlimited calls and SMSes (local and STD across network), apart from zero cost for 3G data usage. There is also no charge on national roaming.

The contract would allow Reliance customers to purchase the new iPhones through their credit cards, with no bill and unlimited voice data and text services for two years. These contracts are similar to what Verizon and AT&T offer in US.

Commenting on the same, Gurdeep Singh, President & CEO-Wireless Business, Reliance Communications said, "Apple is an aspirational phone. We are trying to make it more affordable." "We are looking forward to an overwhelming response," Singh said. "We are working consistently to push data services agenda," he added.

The pre-bookings for the new iPhones will start from midnight tonight. According to Reliance, they will also be offering special Mobile Number Portability (MNP) facilities to corporates.

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.

(With inputs from ET Now)