Companies like Google and Microsoft consider themselves “services” companies, even though they sell hardware like the Nexus and the Surface. Those brands exist to make sure that other hardware partners have the proper “incentive” to continue producing high quality devices to utilize the software that Microsoft and Google produce.
While it’s important that consumers have access to high quality gadgets to run these services, it’s equally important that consumers have access to affordable data networks to utilize services which are becoming increasingly data intensive.
We’re seeing progress in some areas, carriers like AT&T and T-Mobile embracing practices like rollover data, but we’re also backsliding in other areas with Comcast expanding the number of areas where they will be capping data for home broadband even though it won’t have any significant impact on bandwidth or service stability.
For Google and Microsoft, it’s becoming increasingly important to support initiatives which improve coverage, data speeds, and reduce prices for their customers. Where those initiatives don’t exist, it’s up to those two tech giants to create them.
Google has a significant head start in rolling out their own small fiber networks in Kansas City, Austin, and announcing plans for a number of larger markets over the next several years. However for wireless solutions, it didn’t make sense to own and operate their own carrier. Instead they chose to act as an MVNO (Mobile VIRTUAL Network Operator). Under Project Fi, Google leases coverage on both T-Mobile’s and Sprint’s networks, but users pay Google directly. The user will always be transferred to the network with the best coverage.
It’s a promising start, one potential way for other players to enter the wireless space and find ways to shake up the carrier/customer relationship. It’s currently only available for a handful of Nexus phones though, which represent a minuscule portion of Android ownership.
It looks like Microsoft might be plotting a similar solution for Windows PC’s and Tablets, which is hinted at in the description on their “Cellular Data” app.
Are you looking for a reliable, convenient way to stay connected everywhere you go, even when WiFi isn’t available? The Cellular data app allows you to connect to a trusted nationwide mobile data network using only your Microsoft account.
Info is slim on how this service might work, or which “specific Windows 10 devices” might be compatible, but we do know that using the service will require a special Microsoft designed SIM card. In that the app notes detail “a trusted nationwide mobile data network” might give us a hint that Microsoft could be partnering with a single carrier, at least to start.
Microsoft has had a favorable relationship with AT&T supporting numerous Lumia launches. It would make sense to see Big Blue team up with Microsoft here as they are not currently supporting Project Fi. Also, Cellular Data doesn’t look like it would compete directly with the smartphone service AT&T offers, instead providing data for laptops and tablets.
It’s an interesting move from Microsoft. They’re building some momentum with Windows 10 and Surface devices, but their ultimate aim is to make sure people can use their cloud services as reliably as possible. Providing a cell data solution directly to their customers is a smart play, especially if it can evolve to include multiple carriers and other services like voice and text.