Reliance Jio has introduced a major convenience feature for its subscribers travelling overseas. The telecom giant now allows users to receive incoming SMS messages over Wi-Fi without the need to activate an International Roaming (IR) plan.
Built on its existing Voice over Wi-Fi (VoWiFi) infrastructure, this feature ensures that users remain connected to essential communications even when they are outside India and not connected to a mobile network.
Previously, Reliance Jio users travelling abroad needed to purchase an International Roaming pack to receive SMS on their Indian number.
With this update, users on any active domestic recharge plan can now receive incoming text messages through a Wi-Fi connection—without paying any additional charges.
This feature is particularly useful for receiving:
Bank OTPs
UPI transaction alerts
App login verification codes
Service-related notifications
These messages are crucial for accessing financial services and digital platforms while travelling internationally.
One of the biggest challenges faced by Indian travellers abroad is the inability to receive OTPs on their registered mobile numbers.
Without access to these messages, users often face:
Failed digital payments
Blocked banking access
Delays in urgent transactions
Jio’s new feature directly addresses this issue, ensuring uninterrupted access to essential services.
India’s digital ecosystem heavily relies on OTP-based authentication, especially for platforms powered by National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), such as UPI.
This makes reliable SMS access critical for users, even when they are outside the country.
The feature does not require any special activation from the telecom provider.
To use it:
Connect your smartphone to a Wi-Fi network (hotel, airport, café, etc.)
Enable Wi-Fi Calling (VoWiFi) in device settings
Start receiving SMS messages instantly
Messages are routed securely over Wi-Fi without relying on:
Local foreign networks
International roaming agreements
Partner telecom operators
This ensures both reliability and security for users.
The feature is available for:
Smartphones with VoWiFi support
Most modern Android mid-range and flagship devices
iPhones from XS series onwards
Users must have:
An active Jio domestic recharge plan
A stable Wi-Fi connection
A VoWiFi-enabled device
Users no longer need to spend on expensive International Roaming packs just to receive SMS messages.
Unlike traditional solutions, users do not need:
Local SIM cards
Travel eSIMs
Roaming add-ons
As long as Wi-Fi is available, users can stay connected to their Indian number without interruptions.
This move reflects Jio’s broader strategy of enhancing digital connectivity and improving user experience.
India continues to lead globally in digital payments and telecom innovation, with increasing reliance on internet-based services. Features like SMS over Wi-Fi further strengthen this ecosystem by ensuring accessibility beyond geographical boundaries.
Reliance Jio latest innovations
Jio Financial Services (JFS) is the financial services arm of the Reliance Industries ecosystem. Originally part of Reliance Industries, it was demerged and listed as an independent entity in 2023. As of March 2026, it has evolved into a full-stack, digital-first financial powerhouse leveraging India's largest telecom (Jio) and retail networks.
JFS operates through several specialized subsidiaries, aiming to provide a "one-stop shop" for financial needs:
Lending (Jio Finance / Jio Credit): Focuses on secured and unsecured retail lending, including home loans, loans against property (LAP), and supply chain finance. As of late 2025, its Assets Under Management (AUM) reached approximately ₹190 billion.
Payments (Jio Payments Bank & Jio Payment Solutions): A digital-first bank with over 3.2 million accounts. Recently, it made headlines by launching UPI-based cardless cash withdrawals across its rural and semi-urban touchpoints.
Asset Management (Jio BlackRock): A high-profile 50:50 joint venture with the world’s largest asset manager, BlackRock, aimed at disrupting the Indian mutual fund and wealth management space.
Insurance & Reinsurance: Operates Jio Insurance Broking and has recently secured IRDAI registration for Allianz Jio Reinsurance Limited (March 2023), marking its entry into domestic reinsurance.
AI Integration: Under the vision of Chairman K.V. Kamath, JFS is aggressively adopting Agentic AI to automate complex back-office operations and provide hyper-personalized financial advice via the "JioFinance" app.
Capital Infusion: The company recently infused nearly ₹2,000 crore into its lending arm (Jio Credit) and ₹150 crore into its reinsurance venture with Allianz to fuel rapid expansion.
Digital Marketplace: In February 2026, the company unveiled an intelligent digital marketplace within the JioFinance app, offering third-party fixed deposits from various banks and NBFCs with interest rates up to 8.15%.
The primary competitive advantage for JFS is its access to the Reliance Ecosystem:
Data Advantage: Insights from over 500 million Jio telecom users allow for sophisticated, data-driven credit scoring.
Distribution: Integration with Reliance Retail’s nationwide footprint provides an immediate physical presence for financial products in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.
Capital Strength: The company remains almost debt-free with a top-tier AAA credit rating, allowing for a lower cost of funds compared to many traditional NBFCs.
| Role | Name |
| Chairman | K.V. Kamath |
| Managing Director & CEO | Hitesh Sethia |
| Director | Isha M. Ambani |
| Group COO | Venkata Narasimham Peri |
| Group CRO (Incoming) | Sandeep Khetan (Effective March 23, 2026) |
Reliance Jio’s introduction of SMS over Wi-Fi for international travellers marks a significant step in improving connectivity and convenience. By eliminating the need for roaming packs for receiving essential messages, the company has addressed a major pain point for users travelling abroad.
As digital services become increasingly integral to everyday life, ensuring uninterrupted access to OTPs and alerts is crucial. This feature not only enhances user experience but also reinforces India’s position as a leader in digital and telecom innovation.
With seamless integration, cost savings, and ease of use, Jio’s latest offering is set to benefit millions of travellers worldwide.