Chinese brand Xiaomi announced on Twitter that not only has it launched the Michigan 4c smartphone, but also a new Bluetooth speaker and carrier service. Users will pay per minute of talk time, per text message sent, or per megabyte of data transmitted across a network operated by China Unicom (Hong Kong) Ltd.
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This new venture will obviously be limited to China, at least initially, where it will compete against the likes of China Mobile, China Unicom and China Telecom. This plan is available starting September 23.
Under the second scheme, consumers will get 3GB data bundle for CNY 59 (approximately Rs. 610) per month. The plan also features free incoming calls and no roaming charges within China.
Michigan Mobile’s first plan will be available tomorrow whereas the monthly $9.25 plan will go live in public beta next month. The 4G dual-Sim device runs the Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 six-core processor at 1.8GHz and comes with a 3,080 mAh battery, QuickCharge 2.0, 5-inch full HD display, a USB Type-C adaptor, a 5-megapixel wide-angle front camera and 13 megapixel rear camera with phase detection autofocus. There is a 2GB RAM/16GB internal storage model and a 3GB RAM/32GB internal storage model.
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But as China’s most popular handset brand, Xiaomi’s foray into the sector could finally kickstart the MVNO industry and provide a boost for Chinese telecom regulators who have sought for years to introduce market competition against the trio of state-owned carriers often criticised for their poor profitability and perceived bloat.
