While Microsoft hasn't officially announced any plans to release its own SIM card, a Windows Store listing suggests that the company is working on the service. A free application named "Cellular Data" has been published to the Store by Microsoft, and there are several hints as to what it will offer.
Cellular Data will allow customers with a "Microsoft SIM card" and select Windows 10 devices to purchase data through the Windows Store. However, the store description currently implies that the card will only work with a select number of Windows 10 devices and will be available in France, U.K., and the U.S. initially. The full description reads:
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.
Connect with – and pay for – a mobile data plan on your Windows 10 device using only your Microsoft account information. That means no fixed contract and no long term commitments to a mobile network operator. Now you can buy and use mobile data at your own convenience. 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.
Service is available in some markets and offers are for domestic plans only – international roaming offers will be available soon.
The customer's paid mobile data plan starts after they buy it and ends when they've used the amount of data they bought or when the specified amount of time expires - whichever comes first. These are prepaid data plans with one-off charges and the consumer won't be under any contract or facing recurring charges.
The company has also detailed a procedure to purchase data, which also suggests that this data plan will be tied to a Microsoft account. Pricing and availability details have not been released as of yet.
Source: Windows Store via The Verge
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