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Jio Launches Free Google AI Pro Subscription for All Ages – Here’s How to Claim

What is Google AI Mode? • Yoast

Reliance Jio has started offering an 18-month free subscription to Google AI Pro for its users, expanding access beyond the initial 18–25 age group. The Indian telecom giant had announced its partnership with Google last week, promising free access to Gemini for a year and a half. While the initial rollout targeted younger users, the company has now made the offer available to all age groups, allowing a wider audience to experience the premium AI features.

To claim the free subscription, users must have an active Jio SIM card with an unlimited 5G plan. Once this basic requirement is met, users can follow a simple process via the MyJio app. From the app’s home page, tap the “Early access” banner, select Claim now, open the prompted web page, review the plan details, and tap “Agree” at the bottom. After completing these steps, users can open the Gemini app to confirm their Pro subscription status.

The Google AI Pro subscription provides several benefits compared to the free tier. Normally priced at Rs. 1,950 per month, the plan grants extended access to the Gemini 2.5 Pro AI model, along with enhanced functionalities such as image generation via Nano Banana and Deep Research capabilities. These features are not available to free-tier users, giving Pro subscribers a more advanced and versatile AI experience.

By offering this free subscription, Jio aims to provide its users with a chance to explore the full potential of AI-powered tools, whether for learning, content creation, or research. The partnership with Google demonstrates Jio’s commitment to technology accessibility and its effort to bring cutting-edge AI innovations to a broader audience across India.

India Plans to Limit Satellite Permits to Five Years, Challenging Musk’s Starlink

India’s telecom regulator, TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India), is preparing to recommend limiting satellite broadband spectrum allocations to five years, despite Elon Musk’s Starlink pushing for a 20-year permit. This proposed policy aims to evaluate initial market adoption and adjust accordingly, a senior government source revealed.

Currently, TRAI is working on key recommendations regarding satellite spectrum, including time frames and pricing, to be presented to the Indian government. The government’s stance goes against Musk’s request for longer-term spectrum allocations to secure affordable pricing and longer-term business plans.

This decision comes on the heels of a partnership between Musk’s Starlink and Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani, which will allow Starlink devices to be sold in Reliance stores, significantly increasing distribution access. Reliance and Musk’s Starlink had been rivals, with Ambani’s telco subsidiary previously lobbying for an auctioned spectrum rather than the administrative allotment Musk seeks.

While Starlink advocates for a 20-year license to focus on affordability and long-term growth, Ambani’s Reliance proposed a 3-year license followed by a reassessment of the market. Similarly, Airtel, another Indian telecom company, has called for a 3-5 year license period.

TRAI is inclined to adopt the 5-year licensing period, giving the industry time to evaluate market stability and allowing for future revisions of spectrum prices. A government official explained that this approach would help assess the sector’s growth while enabling pricing adjustments after the initial period.

The final recommendations, including the license duration and spectrum pricing, are expected within a month. The proposals will be submitted to India’s telecoms ministry for further review and action. However, Starlink’s distribution agreements with Reliance and Airtel depend on the company’s ability to secure regulatory approvals in India.

Industry forecasts show that India’s satellite communications sector could see substantial growth, with KPMG predicting a more than 10-fold increase, potentially reaching $25 billion by 2028.

Government Rules Against Satellite Spectrum Auction; Elon Musk Praises the Move

On Tuesday, the government announced its decision to allocate spectrum for satellite broadband services through administrative means rather than an auction process. This announcement came just hours after Elon Musk publicly criticized the auction approach proposed by rival billionaire Mukesh Ambani, calling it “unprecedented.” The decision has sparked considerable discussion regarding the future of satellite broadband in India, a market projected to grow by 36% annually, potentially reaching $1.9 billion by 2030.

The spectrum allocation methodology has been a contentious issue, particularly given the fierce competition between the two billionaires and their respective ventures. Musk’s Starlink has been vocal about the benefits of administrative allotment, positioning it as part of a broader global trend towards simplifying access to satellite services. Starlink argues that this approach would allow for a faster rollout of satellite broadband, enabling more consumers to benefit from the technology without the delays often associated with auction processes.

On the other hand, Reliance, under Ambani’s leadership, contends that an auction is essential to establish a level playing field in the burgeoning satellite broadband sector. Reliance argues that current Indian laws do not adequately address how individuals can obtain satellite broadband services, making an auction necessary to ensure fair competition among providers. This divergence in opinion reflects deeper strategic differences in how each company envisions the future of satellite internet in India.

As the debate continues, the implications of this decision could significantly impact the landscape of satellite broadband in India. With Musk’s backing of the administrative process, there is potential for accelerated deployment of services by Starlink, while Reliance’s push for auction-based allocation raises questions about the feasibility of equitable access to this technology. The outcome of this rivalry not only shapes the competitive dynamics between these tech giants but also determines how satellite internet will evolve in a market eager for growth and innovation.