Microsoft Designs Its Own SIM Card And Cellular Data App For Windows 10 Devices
A key part of Microsoft's strategy to unite devices from different categories under a single ecosystem is wireless connectivity. To help facilitate a wireless movement, Microsoft is taking matters into its own hands with a new "Cellular Data" app (free download from the Windows Store) and accompanying SIM card for certain Windows 10 devices.
There's no official announcement from Microsoft just yet, just the app itself and some reports around the web. Apparently Microsoft partnered up with Transatel, a French mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), which will source the SIM cards for Microsoft.
"We want to promote the adoption of cellular connectivity on Windows tablets and laptops to complement classic Wi-Fi connectivity and make it easier for consumers to connect to the Internet, anywhere, anytime. The Transatel SIM 901 solution helps us reach this objective in multiple markets through a single interface," Microsoft's Eric Lockard said.
According to the app's description, this will be a pay-as-you-go affair. Users will be able to hop onto a "trusted nationwide mobile data network" with their Windows 10 device simply by signing into their Microsoft account. They'll also pay for connectivity using their tablet or laptop, with no fixed contract or long term commitments to worry about.
"This is the easiest way to get online using a trusted nationwide network. Purchase a plan via Windows Store anywhere network coverage is available. The Cellular Data app can get you connected at any time with a secure, high-speed mobile connection. This app is designed to work solely with specific Windows 10 devices and requires a Microsoft SIM card," the app's description reads.
This is similar to Apple offering 4G LTE capable iPad tablets with its own SIM card, one that lets them subscribe to a selection of mobile data partners.
There's no official announcement from Microsoft just yet, just the app itself and some reports around the web. Apparently Microsoft partnered up with Transatel, a French mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), which will source the SIM cards for Microsoft.
"We want to promote the adoption of cellular connectivity on Windows tablets and laptops to complement classic Wi-Fi connectivity and make it easier for consumers to connect to the Internet, anywhere, anytime. The Transatel SIM 901 solution helps us reach this objective in multiple markets through a single interface," Microsoft's Eric Lockard said.
According to the app's description, this will be a pay-as-you-go affair. Users will be able to hop onto a "trusted nationwide mobile data network" with their Windows 10 device simply by signing into their Microsoft account. They'll also pay for connectivity using their tablet or laptop, with no fixed contract or long term commitments to worry about.
"This is the easiest way to get online using a trusted nationwide network. Purchase a plan via Windows Store anywhere network coverage is available. The Cellular Data app can get you connected at any time with a secure, high-speed mobile connection. This app is designed to work solely with specific Windows 10 devices and requires a Microsoft SIM card," the app's description reads.
This is similar to Apple offering 4G LTE capable iPad tablets with its own SIM card, one that lets them subscribe to a selection of mobile data partners.
