Reliance-backed Jio has launched JioSoundPay, a new feature for its JioBharat device, designed to support small-scale merchants across India. The feature provides instant, multilingual audio confirmations for UPI payments, aiming to simplify business operations for Kirana stores, vegetable vendors, and roadside eateries.

According to the company, JioSoundPay is free for JioBharat users, helping small merchants save 1,500 annually, compared to the 125 monthly costs of other sound boxes.

In November, Jio regained momentum by adding wireless subscribers after four months of losses. On the other hand, BSNL, which had been gaining subscribers over the same period, experienced losses, while Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea also reported declines.

As a result, the telecom sector saw a net loss of 1.76 million wireless subscribers, with the total subscriber base shrinking to 1.14 billion by the end of November, according to TRAI data.

Jio’s digital arm, Jio Platforms, saw its average revenue per user (ARPU) rise to 203.3 per month at the end of the December quarter, up from 181.7 in Q3 FY24 and 195.1 in Q2 FY25.

The company’s total subscriber base increased to 482 million, reflecting a 2.4% year-on-year growth. Net subscriber additions for the December quarter stood at 3.3 million, with a monthly churn rate of 2%.

Jio noted that customer acquisition rebounded to pre-tariff-hike levels by the quarter’s end, following a temporary impact from SIM consolidation. The company’s efforts reflect its strong market position and ongoing growth initiatives.