Reliance Jio 5G & LTE: What’s Being Tested

Reliance Jio is actively testing advanced LTE technologies, including 4G enhancements and 5G New Radio (NR) infrastructure, to improve network capacity, speed, and coverage. As of 2024, Jio has deployed a nationwide 5G standalone (SA) network while continuing to optimize its LTE layer for better voice and data performance. This article explains what Jio is testing, how it works, and what it means for your phone.

Background: Jio’s Network Evolution

Reliance Jio launched 4G LTE in 2016 with a data-only strategy, forcing the Indian telecom market to pivot. Since then, Jio has built a network based on VoLTE (Voice over LTE) and now operates a 5G SA network using its own 5G core. The company is also testing LTE-Advanced features like carrier aggregation, 4×4 MIMO, and 256 QAM to extract more performance from existing spectrum.

Jio’s 5G rollout uses the 700 MHz band for coverage and 3.5 GHz for capacity, with mmWave trials in dense urban areas. The company has stated that its 5G SA architecture allows network slicing and ultra-low latency, which are not possible on non-standalone (NSA) networks that rely on LTE for control functions.

How Advanced LTE Technology Works

Advanced LTE, often called LTE-Advanced or LTE-A, combines several techniques to increase speed and reliability:

Carrier aggregation – combines multiple spectrum bands to create a wider channel, e.g., 20 MHz + 20 MHz = 40 MHz.
MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) – uses multiple antennas at both ends to send more data simultaneously. 4×4 MIMO means four transmit and four receive antennas.
Higher-order modulation – 256 QAM packs more bits per symbol, improving throughput in good signal conditions.
Coordinated multipoint (CoMP) – coordinates transmissions from multiple cell towers to reduce interference at cell edges.

Jio tests these features in live networks, often using test phones or network diagnostic tools to measure throughput, latency, and handover success rates.

How to Check If You’re Getting Advanced LTE

You can check your phone’s status bar for “4G+” or “LTE-A” – that indicates carrier aggregation is active. For a more detailed view, use field test mode (on iPhone: dial *3001#12345#*; on Android: depends on manufacturer). Look for “CA Status” or “LTE Band” information. Also, run speed tests at different times and locations; consistent speeds above 50 Mbps often indicate advanced features are in use.

If you see only “4G” without the plus sign, your phone may not support carrier aggregation or you’re in an area where it’s not deployed. Note that Jio’s 5G network requires a 5G-capable phone and a 5G plan; the phone will show “5G” when connected.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

Misconception: “5G is just faster 4G.” Actually, 5G SA offers lower latency and network slicing, which enables new use cases like autonomous vehicles and remote surgery. Speed is only one part.

Problem: Phone shows 4G+ but speeds are slow. This can happen due to network congestion, backhaul limitations, or poor signal. Carrier aggregation helps but doesn’t guarantee speed.

Problem: Battery drains faster on 5G. 5G radios can consume more power, especially when the signal is weak. Switching to LTE can save battery, but you lose 5G benefits.

Problem: “Jio 5G is not available in my area.” Jio’s 5G rollout is phased; check coverage maps or wait for expansion. Also ensure your phone supports the specific 5G bands Jio uses (n28, n78, etc.).

Comparison: Jio vs. Other Indian Carriers

Unlike Airtel and Vi, which initially launched 5G NSA (using LTE for control plane), Jio opted for 5G SA from day one. This means Jio’s 5G is more future-proof but requires a more complex core network. In LTE, all three carriers offer carrier aggregation and VoLTE, but Jio’s spectrum holdings in the 700 MHz band give it better indoor coverage. Airtel has also deployed 5G SA in select cities, but Jio’s nationwide SA coverage is more extensive as of 2024.

Costs and Device Requirements

Using advanced LTE or 5G does not incur extra charges beyond your data plan – carriers treat it as part of the standard service. However, you need a compatible device. Most smartphones released after 2020 support LTE-A features like carrier aggregation and 4×4 MIMO. For 5G, you need a phone with 5G modems and support for the specific bands. Jio offers 5G plans that are similar in price to 4G plans, but some unlimited plans require a minimum recharge amount.

Safety and Health Considerations

Radiofrequency (RF) emissions from LTE and 5G towers are regulated by national and international guidelines (e.g., ICNIRP). Jio’s base stations comply with these limits. The World Health Organization states that no adverse health effects have been established from low-level RF exposure. Using your phone on 5G does not pose additional health risks compared to 4G, as long as exposure stays within guidelines.

Alternatives to Advanced LTE

If advanced LTE is not available, you can rely on standard 4G LTE, which still offers adequate speeds for most tasks. Wi-Fi calling and VoWiFi are alternatives for better voice coverage indoors. For fixed broadband, JioFiber uses fiber-optic connections, which provide higher speeds and stability than any wireless technology.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Jio testing 6G?

Jio has shown interest in 6G research, but as of 2024, 6G is in early development globally. Jio’s current focus is on expanding 5G SA coverage and optimizing LTE. 6G trials are unlikely before 2028.

How do I know if my phone supports Jio’s advanced LTE?

Check your phone’s specifications for carrier aggregation, 4×4 MIMO, and 256 QAM support. Most mid-range and flagship phones from 2019 onward support these features. You can also contact Jio customer care or check your phone’s network settings.

Does Jio 5G work on all 5G phones?

No. Your phone must support the 5G bands used by Jio – primarily n28 (700 MHz), n78 (3.5 GHz), and possibly n258 (mmWave). Check your phone’s spec sheet or Jio’s website for a list of compatible devices.

Why does my Jio 4G speed drop during peak hours?

Network congestion is common during peak usage. Carrier aggregation and MIMO help, but backhaul capacity and spectrum availability are finite. Try using Wi-Fi during peak times or switch to 5G if available.

Can I use Jio’s advanced LTE features on a 4G-only plan?

Yes, advanced LTE features like carrier aggregation are enabled on all 4G plans. You don’t need a special plan. However, 5G requires a 5G plan, though Jio has offered 5G at no extra cost during the rollout phase.

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