Microsoft joins the MVNO battlefield

New information is confirming that Microsoft is about ready to roll out a pay-as-you-go mobile data service, compatible with Windows 10.

According to reports, a first batch of Windows 10 devices, including laptops and tablets, will be outfitted with SIM cards, issued by Microsoft. These cards will be very similar to the typical SIM found in most cell phones, and will allow access to a Mobile Virtual Network operated by Microsoft. This information goes along with what has already transpired from Microsoft’s new mobile app.

What are MVNO’s?

Any company looking to provide cellular data access, can do so, even if it has no actual infrastructure of its own. This can be done by renting network access from providers like Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and others. the practice is rather common, in fact there are hundreds of MVNOs across the US, including some popular names like Cricket Wireless, and MetroPCS.

Cellular laptops

Special equipment, such as external modems, or smartphone tethering, has been a requirement to connect to cellular data networks up until now. If Microsoft really intends to ship laptops and tablets with a SIM card slot, demand for cellular data may increase considerably, with more MVNO’s focusing on data plans, rather than voice and text, as long as SIM cards are interchangeable.

Will this trend make cellular data plans more affordable? While the chances are strong, it’s unlikely that WiFi usage will be affected, as it’s still the most viable way to access unlimited data. With that said, cellular access for laptops could become a sizable market for brand name tech companies, like Apple and Samsung, who might start investing early in ways to offer access to enterprise customers.