In an effort to widen its subscriber base, Reliance Infocomm Ltd has planned a special discount scheme for Reliance Industries Ltd shareholders, giving them a benefit of up to Rs 4,100 crore (Rs 41 billion).

Reliance Infocomm plans to launch a pre-paid card facility for mobile services and would be technically ready in two months, RIL chairman and managing director Mukesh Ambani said on Monday.

"We propose to give RIL shareholders Rs 850 discount on initial payment, over and above that for other prospective subscribers, and free Rs 100 credit on one connection for six months, aggregating benefit of Rs 1,450," Ambani said addressing the annual general meeting.

Ambani said for RIL shareholders who opt for two connections the total benefit would be up to Rs 4,100 crore as the Rs 100 credit would be for 12 months per connection.

Currently, the investor base of RIL is pegged at 3 million shareholders, while Reliance Infocomm has 15 lakh (1.5 million) customers using digital services of Reliance IndiaMobile.

It was also in the process of sending subscription forms to the shareholders, the officials said.

Ambani said Reliance has 45 per cent stake in Infocomm and invested Rs 4,850 crore (Rs 48.50 billion) in the telecom venture as on March 31, 2003.

This comprises Rs 2,362 crore (Rs 23.62 billion) in equity and Rs 2,488 crore (Rs 24.88 billion) in debt.