Jio AirFiber review in 5 points: Fast but occasionally unstable

Jio AirFiber review in 5 points: Fast but occasionally unstable

In early December 2023, I became an early adopter of Jio AirFiber in my locality in Noida. Frequent network issues and connectivity problems in my complex, which lacks traditional fiber infrastructure, led me to try this new 5G-powered wireless broadband service. I signed up for a six-month subscription for Rs. 7,000 upfront. Initially, coordinating with Jio’s customer service, who were also new to the service, was challenging. However, they completed the installation by the first week of December. Since then, Jio AirFiber has been delivering the speed I always wanted, compared to my previous copper-based internet that averaged a sluggish 30-40 Mbps. Overall, I have had a very positive experience.

I wrote a detailed 3 months experience with Jio AirFiber earlier. You can read it here: Jio AirFiber review after 3 months use: Fast internet, good coverage but unstable connectivity

However, if you don’t have time to read the full review, here is a quick 5-point review covering installation, connectivity, and everything else about the Jio AirFiber.

Point 1: Booking

Getting a Jio AirFiber connection was surprisingly easy. After weeks of tracking announcements through the Airtel Thanks and My Jio apps, I submitted a request through Jio. Within a day, I received a call from a friendly service executive who verified my address, scheduled the installation, and explained the available plans and fees.

FYI: Jio offers two subscription options: a 6-month or 12-month plan, both requiring upfront payment. I chose the 6-month option for around Rs. 7,000, which included a Rs. 1,000 installation fee and Rs. 899 monthly charges. This plan offers me an average of 100 mbps which I have signed up for and is  significantly enhancing my online experience. Jio also offers AirFiber Max with speeds of up to 1gbps but it’s not available in my area.

Point 2: Installation 

Following my appointment booking, two Jio technicians promptly arrived at my residence on the designated day. They assessed the technical requirements and completed the KYC process efficiently. However, a subsequent visit from a Jio engineer revealed a booking error, necessitating the cancellation and rebooking of the installation request. Despite this frustrating setback, I initiated a fresh request through the My Jio App. While the Jio team’s response was not as urgent as I’d hoped, the installation was eventually scheduled for two days later.

On the third day, the Jio engineers arrived equipped with the AirFiber equipment, including the receiver and router. They strategically positioned the receiver towards nearby network towers for optimal connectivity, followed by thorough connectivity checks and router installation. Notably, the Jio team handled all wiring connections at no additional cost. Once the installation was complete, they swiftly activated my account using an app, and my new Jio AirFiber connection started.Â

Point 3: speed and connectivity

I chose the 100Mbps Jio AirFiber speed plan and, to my surprise, speed tests revealed an average download speed of around 130Mbps and upload speeds of 30-40Mbps. Even 10 metres away from the router in the far corners of my moderately sized home, speeds consistently exceeded 100Mbps. In my review of the Jio AirFiber over the past 3 months, the plan has consistently delivered speeds ranging between 90 and 120 Mbps, enabling seamless streaming of 4K videos from YouTube, Netflix, and Disney+.Â

Point 4: Coverage 

Over the past three months, Jio AirFiber has consistently impressed with its wide coverage, maintaining strong WiFi signals throughout my entire house, even with 4-6 devices connected at once. Despite this demanding load, ranging from laptops to smartphones, the network’s performance remains steady, rarely dipping below 80-90 Mbps. The Jio router’s reach even extends beyond my immediate vicinity, with strong coverage even one floor below my flat and reaching even the distant corner balcony, ensuring seamless connectivity throughout the entire home.

Point 5: Occasional stability issues 

Despite offering great speeds, my three months of using Jio AirFiber have revealed occasional stability issues. These disruptions are brief, typically lasting only a few seconds, unlike traditional broadband, which can suffer from extended outages. However, even brief disruptions can be frustrating, especially during adverse weather conditions like rain, cloudiness, or wind.

Initially, I suspected a router issue, but troubleshooting revealed a network optimisation concern acknowledged by Jio customer support. This suggests that Jio AirFiber can behave more like a cellular network in such instances, highlighting its distinction from a true wired broadband connection.

Is Jio Airfiber worth it?

It depends. And calculating my experience, I believe YES. You see, Jio AirFiber’s value depends on your specific needs. Fiber broadband is generally preferable due to its stability and unlimited data, but Jio AirFiber can be an attractive option if high-speed alternatives like fiber aren’t available in your area. Ultimately, it’s a trade-off between speed and stability. So before buying a new connection, you will have to consider your internet usage and available options.

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