Google and Reliance Jio make Gemini Pro free for 18 months, kicking off an AI land grab in India

Google and Reliance Jio unveiled an 18‑month free “AI Pro” offer that gives eligible Jio users access to the latest Gemini 2.5 Pro model, expanded image/video generation tools, and 2 TB of Google cloud storage—a package valued at ₹35,100. The rollout starts with users aged 18–25 on Jio Unlimited 5G plans and will broaden to other eligible customers.

What’s new

  • 18 months free access to Google’s AI Pro plan (Gemini 2.5 Pro included).
  • Perks include image/video generation (e.g., Veo 3.x support), NotebookLM access, and 2 TB storage across Photos, Drive, and Gmail.
  • Early access targets 18–25-year-old users on Jio Unlimited 5G; broader eligibility to follow. Activation via the MyJio app.
  • Local rollout details indicate eligibility on ₹349+ Unlimited 5G plans, beginning Oct 30.

Under the hood

  • Gemini 2.5 Pro: Google’s top conversational and reasoning model in India for this offer, accessible via the Gemini app.
  • Media tools: video generation through the latest Veo tier and expanded image creation.
  • Service bundle: AI features plus 2 TB storage integrated with Gmail, Drive, Photos (including WhatsApp backups on Android).

Why it matters

  • This is a scale play: Jio’s vast base gives Google a direct path to mainstream, daily AI usage—pressuring rivals on pricing and distribution.
  • Competitive context: OpenAI will make ChatGPT Go free for one year in India starting Nov 4, while Airtel has promoted AI perks via partners—signaling an aggressive, India‑first customer acquisition phase.
  • Enterprise angle: Reliance’s AI division will also work with Google Cloud on access to AI accelerators and Gemini Enterprise for businesses.

What’s next

  • Timeline: Youth cohort first (already rolling out), then expansion “to every eligible Jio user nationwide” in the “shortest time possible.”
  • Expect bundled AI tiers across telecoms as operators pivot from data-only ARPU to AI‑augmented services over the next 3–6 months. (Inference based on current promotions.)

Closing thought: By collapsing the cost of premium AI to zero for a year‑plus, Google and Jio are turning India into the world’s largest live experiment for everyday AI—setting new expectations for value, access, and stickiness that competitors will be forced to match.

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