RIL AGM: Akash Ambani's bold plans for Jio IPO in 2026, AI and global expansion

After crossing the 500-million subscriber mark, Akash Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Jio Infocomm, has announced the much-awaited initial public offering (IPO) of the telecom giant. The company, which marked its 10th anniversary of its launch this year, plans to make its mega debut on the exchanges by the first-half of 2026, Ambani announced during Reliance Industries ' 48th annual general meeting (AGM).

Akash Ambani said Reliance Jio IPO will create the same quantum of value as global companies, and will be a "very attractive opportunity" for all investors. "Today, it is my proud privilege to announce that Jio is making all arrangements to file for its IPO. We are aiming to list Jio by the first half of 2026, subject to all necessary approvals. I assure you that this will demonstrate that Jio is capable of creating the same quantum of value as our global counterparts. I am sure that it will be a very attractive opportunity for all investors."

Ambani talked about Jio's 500-million feat, saying its total customers are now more than the combined population of the US, the UK, and France. "Very few companies in the world have the privilege of serving half a billion people. Fewer still do it with the consistency, commitment, and care that Jio has demonstrated," said Akash Ambani, adding that Jio True 5G alone has 220 million users.

Here are other top Jio-related announcements from RIL AGM:

1. Bold future plans: Announcing bold future initiatives for Jio, Ambani said Jio will connect every Indian on mobile and home broadband; connect every Indian home with its digital services such as Jio Smart Home, JioTV+, Jio TV OS, and seamless automation; digitise every Indian business and enterprise; herald the AI revolution in India; and expand outside India.

2. Jio building platforms for small businesses: Apart from having the largest user base, Akash Ambani said Jio carries the largest wireless data traffic in the world. "India’s next digital leap, and Jio’s next growth engine, will come from businesses – large and small. Jio is building simple, scalable, and secure platforms for MSMEs and enterprises alike."

3. Jio's Deep-tech Stack: Jio is all set to become a "deep-tech" company, he said, adding that the company's proprietary UBR broadband technology offers gigabit speeds while avoiding cable-cut disruptions and supporting high-end applications. JioAirFiber, the largest fixed wireless broadband service in the world, adds over one million homes per month, says Ambani. "With the integration of AI, we are building a stack that will power intelligent services across India."

4. Jio's aim to become first AI-native company: Reliance Jio is also working on scaling up AI business on Jio infrastructure and aims to be the first AI-native company in the world, which means enabling customer journeys to AI-powered diagnostics and automation, Jio is laying the foundation for India to become the world’s first AI-native digital economy.

5. Foray into overseas markets: As Jio's user base reaches new heights in India, it now has ambitious plans to scale it globally. "Our innovative technologies are now ready to be deployed globally and solve global challenges," said Akash Ambani. For this, Jio aims to partner with global players.

6. "Digital Twin" of India’s physical infrastructure: Kiran Thomas, CEO of Jio Platforms, claimed Jio is the only operator that can activate gigabit speed internet in under 24 hours across India, which has solved issues like long waits or delays, and multiple site visits. "We built something no one else has attempted at this scale: a Digital Twin of India’s physical infrastructure. This is a living, breathing 3-D model of our nation, covering every terrain, every locality, and every single building."

The company has unveiled the next-gen Jio AI Cloud, claiming to be an AI-powered memory companion and AI Create Hub, which can turn simple photos into shareable reels, collages, or promo videos, with little skills required.

7. JioPC to transform TV into AI-ready computer: Akash Ambani said its cloud service called 'JioPC' will transform TVs, or any other screen, into a full-feature, AI‑ready computer. It will connect a keyboard into a Jio Set-Top Box, and provide you a virtual computer powered from Jio’s cloud. Since JioPC is part of Jio's cloud service, one can remotely upgrade memory, storage, and computing power.

8. JioFrames are coming soon: Jio has also announced the launch of JioFrames, an AI-powered wearable, like Meta glasses, with support for multiple Indian languages to Jio’s AI voice-assistant. "It is a hands-free, AI-powered companion designed for the way India lives, works, and plays," said Akash Ambani. Like Meta glasses, it can capture HD photos, record videos or help you go live and store data in Jio AI Cloud.