If you have a cellular capable Apple Watch, you’d know how handy it is to be able receive calls on your watch when your iPhone isn’t close by. If you’re running, hiking or out and don’t want to have your phone with you, you can use your Apple Watch to send and receive calls and texts. But, in Australia, enjoying that capability has meant sticking with one of the big three carriers; Optus, Telstra or Vodafone.
That has changed with two MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) now offering shared number plans for secondary eSIM devices. CommsDay reports that More and Tangerine have become the first Australian MVNOs to introduce this capability. The option to add a second device to your phone number will cost about $10 per month.
MVNOs buy wholesale network access from the three main network providers and then sell it to consumers. More and Tangerine both provide access to the Telstra Wholesale Mobile Network. It’s worth noting that while their 4G support is strong, 5G access is far more limited.
It’s unsurprising that these two MVNOs have moved in tandem to offer the new shared number service as both were co-founded and are run by the same person, Andrew Branson.
Australia’s competition watchdog, the ACCC, is likely looking carefully at how MNOs (Mobile Network Operators) provide services to MVNOs and whether they are using their market power to stifle competition. This move, by More, Tangerine and Telstra Wholesale is likely to signal a market shift as other MVNOs negotiate for the same access to services. And it narrows the gap between MNOs and MVNOs.
Anthony is the founder of Australian Apple News. He is a long-time Apple user and former editor of Australian Macworld. He has contributed to many technology magazines and newspapers as well as appearing regularly on radio and occasionally on TV.