Jio AirFiber is poised for its official release on September 19, setting the stage for a direct face-off with Airtel’s Xstream AirFiber. Both platforms fall under the category of Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) communication systems, designed to provide hassle-free 5G Internet connectivity at residences through a convenient plug-and-play apparatus. This innovative approach negates the requirement for conventional routers and fibre-optic cables for in-home Internet access. Furthermore, the installation process for both Airtel’s Xstream AirFiber and Jio AirFiber is streamlined, enabling customers to perform the setup autonomously.

The introduction of this technology bears the potential to serve as an optimal solution for individuals seeking to avoid the complexities often associated with enlisting the aid of company representatives to establish a home or office internet connection. Particularly noteworthy is the applicability of this advancement in areas devoid of optical fibre connectivity, an aspect that could notably benefit rural communities across India.

Jio AirFiber vs Airtel Xstream AirFiber: Price

Presently, Airtel offers a singular monthly subscription plan for its customers. A package spanning six months of Xstream AirFiber usage comes at a cost of Rs 7,733, which incorporates a refundable security deposit of Rs 2,500 for the AirFiber router. Airtel has also revamped its website, providing users with a means to ascertain the availability of this service within their region.

Conversely, the pricing structure for Jio’s AirFiber service remains under wraps, with details slated for unveiling on the day of sale next month. It is anticipated that Jio AirFiber will hit the market at a price point approximately 20 per cent lower than its Airtel counterpart. Notably, an Economic Times report suggests that the prospective cost of the device could hover around Rs 6,000.

Jio AirFiber vs Airtel Xstream AirFiber: Internet Speed, Other Benefits

Both telecom giants have pledged to furnish users with Wi-Fi 6 routers, boasting advantages over their Wi-Fi 5 predecessors, such as diminished latency, expanded coverage, and enhanced speeds. Given that both Jio AirFiber and Airtel Xstream AirFiber hinge on 5G connections facilitated by SIM cards, the velocity of these services will hinge significantly on the availability of robust coverage in the specific locality. Elaborating on the technicalities, Airtel explains that within FWA, a wireless transceiver is stationed at the customer’s premises, establishing communication with an adjacent cell tower or base station through an antenna.

In addition to the hardware provisions, both providers equip users with companion apps for router management, facilitating the identification of optimal internet zones within the domicile. Multiple devices can also be linked to the AirFiber router, although usage boundaries can be configured by the owner using the accompanying app.

Presently, Airtel has unveiled its standalone plan, guaranteeing speeds reaching up to 100Mbps. On the other hand, Jio makes a lofty claim of 5G speeds clocking at 1Gbps, although the precise details of its service packages are yet to be laid bare. Jio, however, posits that the superiority and consistency of Jio AirFiber’s performance can be attributed to its reliance on the Standalone (SA) 5G network, a divergence from Airtel’s employment of the Non-Standalone (NSA) variant. While in theory the former holds the advantage, the extent of coverage also exerts a significant influence on performance outcomes.