While the Apple iPhone 5s and 5c will launch in India tomorrow, we’re also about to see something unprecedented. Reliance Communications is all set to launch the iPhone 5c and 5s in India on contract pricing. The package will include unlimited voice calls, SMS and 3G data for a fixed monthly sum. The pricing will vary from between Rs. 2,500 to Rs. 2,800 per month and the contract duration will be 24 months.
Contract pricing hasn’t really taken off in India so far due to fears around unlocked device and grey market reselling. RCom’s strategy to circumvent the problem is to restrict subsidies to credit card users. ICICI and HDFC are the two banks that the company has partnered with. The offer is expected to be announced tomorrow according to Hindu Business Line. The iPhone 5c is available for Rs. 41,900 off contract but will be available for free with a monthly fee of Rs. 2,500. The 5s on the other will cost Rs. 2,800 a month as opposed to its off contract pricing of Rs. 53,500. Expect to pay Rs. 10,000 and Rs. 18,000 extra for 32GB and 64GB models in addition to monthly contract pricing. All major Indian carriers will be bringing the new iPhones to India starting November 1st but contract pricing will remain an RCom exclusive.
[Via – Hindu Business Line]