Scalper1 News
T-Mobile US ( TMUS ) is expected to announce data-only wireless plans soon, targeting consumers adept at using Internet calling apps or making free calls over Wi-Fi networks. The “Uncarrier”-branded wireless firm’s plans will include unlimited text messaging but no voice service, according to reports. T-Mobile’s data-only plans will range from two gigabytes of data at $20 monthly up to 22 GB at $95 a month, said TmoNews . T-Mobile’s move comes shortly after Apple ( AAPL ) provided improved support for Wi-Fi calling in its iOS 9.3 software update. Apple initially supported Wi-Fi calling when it rolled out the iPhone 6 in September 2014. T-Mobile was first to support Apple’s free Wi-Fi calling, followed by Sprint ( S ) and then AT&T ( T ) in 2015. Verizon Communications ( VZ ) says that it will offer the iPhone’s Wi-Fi calling feature to its subscribers following the iOS 9.3 software update. Apple released its new iOS 9.3 operating system in tandem with the new iPhone SE , announced March 21. Wireless firms have upgraded their 4G wireless networks to voice over LTE (VoLTE) technology. VoLTE sends voice calls over 4G networks as data. VoLTE is similar to, but technically not the same as, voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) services that have been offered via fixed-line broadband and Wi-Fi networks. Microsoft ’s ( MSFT ) Skype is the biggest VoIP calling service. AT&T and Verizon are still working on making their VoLTE systems interoperable so that their customers can make and receive calls to both networks, analysts say. VoLTE-based calling apps from Facebook ( FB ), Alphabet ’s ( GOOGL ) Google and other Internet firms have been anticipated, but technical issues remain, analysts say. Wireless firms have already lost significant revenue to free texting apps such as Facebook’s WhatsApp. Scalper1 News
Scalper1 News