In a strategic move to bolster its presence in India’s rapidly growing tech market, Google has announced a partnership with Reliance Jio to provide free access to its advanced Gemini AI service for all 505 million Jio users. This initiative, spanning 18 months, will grant users access to the premium Gemini AI model, two terabytes of cloud storage, and advanced image and video generation tools—a package typically priced at 35,100 rupees ($399). The rollout will initially target 18-to-25-year-olds on specific telecom plans before expanding nationwide. This collaboration follows Google’s recent commitment to invest $15 billion in AI infrastructure in India, marking its largest investment in the region. The move aligns with similar efforts by competitors like OpenAI and Perplexity, which have also introduced free AI offerings in India to accelerate adoption. India, with nearly 1 billion internet users, has become a focal point for global tech firms seeking to expand their subscriber base and enhance data-driven services. The surge in AI app popularity has prompted Indian authorities to propose regulations requiring clear labeling of AI-generated content to combat deepfakes and misinformation. This strategy mirrors the early tactics of streaming giants like Netflix and Amazon Prime, which partnered with telecom providers to bundle services with data plans, driving widespread adoption.
Google to offer free Gemini AI access to India’s 505 million Reliance Jio users
