India’s 4G operator Reliance Jio has extended the complimentary Jio Prime benefits for another one year.

“Jio Prime members who have subscribed to the membership benefits till March 31, 2018 will get another year of complimentary Prime benefits at no additional fee (limited period offer),” Reliance Jio said in a press statement.

This development indicates that Reliance Jio is not going to hike tariffs at a time when the entire telecom industry is in doldrums.

Reliance Jio said its existing 4G subscribers need to express interest to get complimentary membership for the next 12 months through MyJio app to avail the benefit. The strategy of Reliance Jio is to enhance its digital presence by asking Jio subscribers to opt for MyJio app for seeking fresh benefits.

The Mukesh Ambani-promoted telecom operator has 175 million Jio Prime members at present on its all-India 4G network. Reliance Jio has also started selling its cost effective JioPhone targeting rural and low-income group. Reliance Jio is the largest 4G operator in India — well ahead of Bharti Airtel, Idea Cellular and Vodafone.

The company said the Jio Prime membership will continue to be available at an annual membership fee of Rs 99 for new Jio users (on or after April 2018).

“The continued availability of the Jio Prime Membership to new subscribers reiterates Jio’s commitment to deliver a differentiated Digital Life experience to Indians and will propel this into the world’s largest loyalty program,” the company said.

The continuation of tariff war will put more pressure on established telecom operators such as Airtel, Idea Cellular and Vodafone. The fact is that these three telecom operators could not attract enough subscribers to their 4G network despite making investment in the high speed data networks.