Jio signs strategic partnership with Pokemon Go

Reliance Jio has signed strategic partnership with Niantic - publisher and developer of Pokemon Go. 

With this partnership, thousands of Reliance Digital Stores and select partner premises in India will appear as 'PokeStops' or 'Gyms' in the Pokemon Go game beginning December 14, 2016.

This launch is in line with Jio’s mission to empower Indians with opportunities that are fuelled by the power of data and a Digital Life and to delight them on an ongoing basis with entertainment-based apps, such as ‘Pokemon Go,’ the leading app in the gaming category.

"We are delighted to partner with Jio to launch Pokemon Go in India," said John Hanke, chief executive officer and founder of Niantic. 

"It’s exciting to see Pokemon fans in India step out and explore their neighbourhoods in search of Pokémon and Jio’s disruptive high speed 4G LTE Network will be an excellent way to experience the game," added Hanke. 

The two companies will work together to bring Indians a richer and more enjoyable mobile entertainment experience for Pokemon GO, including activating Jio retail locations and charging stations as PokeStops and Gyms within the game and allowing Indians to catch, train, and battle at any of Jio’s outlets throughout the country.

On Jio’s social messaging app, JioChat, Pokemon players have access to an exclusive Pokemon Go Channel. The Pokemon Go Channel will enable Pokemon Go players to collaborate and be part of an exciting community of players with daily tips, contests, clues, and special events. The Pokemon Go Channel on JioChat a fun way to socialize with other players and level-up faster.

“With over 500 million downloads globally, we are excited to launch Pokemon Go officially in India on the Reliance Jio network,” said Mathew Oommen, president, Reliance Jio. 

"Our partnership with Niantic not only brings access to the Pokemon Go app but also opens the door to more opportunities for our customers to enjoy content on Jio's one-of-a-kind mobile broadband network," added Oommen. 

The partnership puts Pokemon GO players on a world-class all-IP data strong network, and during the Happy New Year Offer, Jio SIM customers will be able to download and play Pokemon GO without incurring data charges, like any other apps and content, till 31st March 2017.