Apple aims to launch an MVNO service that would make it become its own carrier, which would then allow iPad and iPhone users to pay Apple directly for their voice, data, messaging and roaming plans.
Rumors say that Apple is secretly doing a series of service trials in setting up its own MVNO venture. The company sees the project as being skewed on a long-term basis with a timeframe of at least five years for it to establish deals with several telecom companies prior to launching its MVNO service. Apple is also reportedly in talks with telecoms from Europe and hopes to also bring the new venture in the region.
The idea of launching an MVNO service is something that Apple has been pondering upon for several years. A previous report from TechCrunch stated that Apple's patent filing for an MVNO service goes way back in 2006 which has since then been filed for an extension.
John Stanton, former chairman of the CTIA, stated how Apple founder Steve Jobs had wanted to replace carriers. The revelation was said to have occurred following the fair amount of time he spent with Jobs from the year 2005 up to 2007.
"He wanted to replace carriers. He and I spent a lot of time talking about whether synthetically you could create a carrier using Wi-Fi spectrum. That was part of his vision."
Another rumor that may add more weight on Apple's intent to launch its own MVNO service is the company's launching of its iCloud Voicemail. The system will allow users to receive voicemail that has been transcribed into text messages, where Siri makes the transcriptions. If this launches in the future, users will no longer have to rely on their carrier when they need to access their stored voicemail.
When Apple launched the Apple SIM in 2014, the move already signaled the company's intent to assume a carrier gateway role. The Apple SIM is designed to connect to varying types of carriers which, when used, would allow one to switch between networks. It's currently available for the iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3 although Apple aims to also make it available to the iPhones.
If Apple would indeed have its own MVNO service, it would mean that iPad and iPhone users would be able to get the best service in their area and even pay to get such at the lowest price available.
Photo: Hakan Dahlstrom I Flickr
