MUMBAI / KOLKATA, Oct 12 (TIWN): Reliance Jio Infocomm has started offering 30 minutes of free talk time to pacify customers unhappy about paying for calls made to other networks in an attempt to protect its subscriber base.

The limited-period offer — being made through messages to users recharging their packs — came less than 48 hours after Jio announced it will start charging for calls made to subscribers of other telcos to account for a 6 paise a minute termination charge it pays to rivals. “Customers will get free talk time of 30 minutes the first time they recharge their phones. This one-time offer will be available for the first seven days from the date the plan was announced,” said a person aware of the development. “This is a handholding exercise to help a smooth transition for subscribers.”

Jio, which announced the charge on October 9 with immediate effect, did not respond to ET’s queries.