Apple is now in early talks to launch its own mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) in both the United States and Europe, according to information gathered by Business Insider. Under the MVNO, Apple will provide data, calls, and texts and everything you need.
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According to the Business Insider report, Apple’s exploration on an MVNO service is no indication the vendor intends to proceed beyond a test phase and, were the vendor to advance the project, it might be as long as five years before it was implemented.
Years ago, it was rumored that Apple originally wanted to launch the iPhone on its own network rather than partnering with a carrier for the release.
Basically, users don’t have to pay Apple instead of their carrier as their billing cycle completes.
Google apparently isn’t the only major US-based tech company interested in offering wireless service directly to smartphone owners. Assuming this network does come to fruition, the sources say you shouldn’t expect an official launch anytime soon. The idea seems to be for there to be some kind of real-time, dynamic process in which network operators effectively bid for business each time an Apple MVNO subscriber wants to make a call, etc. It allowed customers to switch between networks through their device using a SIM card that could connect to lots of different carriers. Right now, your voicemails are stored with your carrier. Once Apple launches iCloud Voicemail, you won’t have that problem, and will be free to sign up to Apple’s MVNO.
There have been rumours about an Apple MVNO for years.
As an MVNO, Apple would lease capacity from existing wireless providers, rebrand the service as their own and sell it directly to consumers. It has since filed to extend that patent. We suspect Google is also be looking into a European expansion, allowing customers to travel around Europe without having to switch carrier or worry about roaming costs.
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The Apple SIM is available for the Wi-Fi + Cellular iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3.
