India's telecom giants, Jio and Airtel, are locked in competition within the broadband sector. Both offer fixed wireless access (FWA) solutions fueled by 5G technology – Airtel Xstream AirFiber and Jio AirFiber. Unlike traditional broadband setups tethered to a fixed location via LAN cables, these FWA options offer portability, allowing users to position them anywhere at home, provided there's ample network coverage. Notably, Jio AirFiber boasts widespread availability, setting it apart from Airtel's offering.
In this analysis, we compare the plans offered by Airtel Xstream AirFiber and Jio AirFiber to discern which holds the edge.
Airtel Xstream AirFiber
Airtel's Xstream AirFiber offers a plug-and-play solution for home internet connectivity. Equipped with Wi-Fi 6 technology, it ensures extensive indoor coverage and can connect up to 64 devices simultaneously. Setting up is simple via the dedicated Xstream AirFiber app, which also facilitates seamless connection management. Here are the plan details:Rs 699: Unlimited data capped at 1TB, speed of 40 Mbps, with 350+ TV Channels, Airtel Black, Xtream Play and Hotstar.
Rs 799: Unlimited data capped at 1TB, speed of 100 Mbps, without TV Channels, but includes OTT.
Rs 899: Unlimited data capped at 1TB, speed of 100 Mbps, with 350+ TV Channels, Airtel Black, Xtream Play and Hotstar.
Currently, Airtel Xstream AirFiber is available exclusively in select cities with plans for expansion.
Jio AirFiber
In contrast, Jio AirFiber offers access to over 550 digital TV channels via a 4K set-top box, and over 16 OTT apps, including popular platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Netflix. Jio also includes smart home services in its package, offering over five plans for customers to choose from:Rs 599: Speed of 30 Mbps, 1000 GB data, validity of 30 days, over 550 digital channels and access to Disney+Hotstar, SonyLIV, Zee5 and 11 other apps.
Rs 899: Speed of 100 Mbps, 1000 GB data, validity of 30 days, over 550 digital channels and access to Disney+Hotstar, SonyLIV, Zee5 and 11 other apps.
Rs 1,199: Speed of 100 Mbps, 1000 GB data, validity of 30 days, over 550 digital channels, access to Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar and 13 other applications.
Rs 1,499: Unlimited data at 300 Mbps speed, valid for 30 days, over 550 digital channels and access to popular streaming platforms.
Rs 2,499: Speed of 500 Mbps, unlimited data, validity of 30 days, over 550 digital channels and access to various streaming platforms.
Rs 3,999: Speed of 1Gbps, unlimited data, validity of 30 days, over 550 digital channels, and access to Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar, Netflix and other apps.
Jio AirFiber is available across various states and union territories in India.
Choosing Between These
While both Jio AirFiber and Airtel Xstream AirFiber offer compelling features, the decision boils down to individual preferences and priorities. Airtel Xstream AirFiber offers seamless connectivity with its plug-and-play device, while Jio AirFiber provides a wider range of plans and services, including digital TV channels and OTT apps. Moreover, Jio AirFiber boasts broader availability across multiple cities, making it accessible to more users nationwide.
In conclusion, prospective customers should assess their specific needs, considering factors such as coverage, speed, and bundled services, to determine the broadband solution that best aligns with their requirements.