It’s been almost a decade since Apple first filed a patent to become a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) in the US, but Cupertino’s plan is reportedly still underway and possibly coming to this side of the Atlantic.
According to Business Insider, Apple is secretly conducting trials to set up its own MVNO service in the US, and is also in conversations with European telecoms companies. This MVNO service would essentially make the Cupertino tech company its own carrier, with iPhone owners paying Apple directly for cell service and data plans.
Even though sources confirmed to Business Insider that Apple is currently testing its MVNO, the report claims that this is a long-term project that could take at least five years before any deals get signed. Apple first filed a patent to create this multi-carrier MVNO in 2006, and it extended the patent application in 2011.
Another recent rumour signalling Apple is serious about launching its own network is the launch of iCloud Voicemail. This service, which will reportedly uses Siri to transcribe voicemail into text messages, will unlink users from having to rely on their carrier to access their stored voicemails.
As an MVNO, Apple would lease mobile network capacity from carriers like Three or Vodafone and sell it directly to consumers. With the carrier-agnostic Apple SIM, your device would be able to tap into any of these carriers’ networks to get the strongest signal based on your location. In turn, carriers would auction off to lease their unused mobile inventory to Apple. Basically this would mean that iPhone users would get the best service in their area for the lowest price available.
The Apple SIM is currently only in the iPad Air 2 and iPad Mini 3, but it’s rumored that the next iPhone will debut with this multi-carrier SIM card.
Macworld and TechCentral Reporters
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