Microsoft to launch its own SIM card?

Updated on 08-Jan-2016
HIGHLIGHTS

Microsoft is currently testing a cellular data app, and its description says that it will only work with Windows 10 devices, and require a Microsoft SIM card

Microsoft may release its own SIM card, soon. The company is currently testing a cellular data app simply called ‘Cellular Data’, that lets Windows 10 devices connect to mobile network operators. The app has been published on Windows Store, and in its description, it is stated that the app “requires a Microsoft SIM card.” Microsoft has not yet announced such plans. It is possible that the company is planning to launch its own virtual mobile network, to allow Windows 10 users to connect with partner carriers.

This could be similar to what Apple does with its Apple SIM. Microsoft will most probably have to sign deals with a number of partners, which could mean that the service could be available only in select countries. The app will most likely be tied to the users' Microsoft account, and will offer different plans via the Windows Store.

As of now, there are only three phones which come with Windows 10 installed, namely the Lumia 950XL, 950 and 550. The company had launched the Lumia 950 and 950XL in India for Rs. 43,699 and Rs. 49,399 respectively, and have been available for purchase from December 11. A few weeks later, Microsoft launched its budget Windows 10-powered device in India, the Lumia 550. The device is priced at Rs. 9,399, and unlike the Lumia 950 and 950XL, the Lumia 550 does not support the Continuum feature. It seems like these three phones will be the only ones with Windows 10 for Mobile for a while, as Microsoft has delayed the update. The company was supposed to launch the update for older Lumia phones late last week.

Yesterday, Microsoft finally launched its Surface tablets in India. The company announced that not only was it bringing its the Surface Pro 4 in India, but also the Surface Pro 3. The Surface Pro 4 is available in four variants, with prices starting from Rs. 89,990. The Microsoft Surface Pro 3 is priced at Rs. 73,990.

Shrey Pacheco

Writer, gamer, and hater of public transport.

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