Apple is currently in early talks to launch its own Mobile virtual Network operator (MV**) in both the United States and Europe, according to information gathered by Business Insider. A few sources close to Apple suggest that the company is testing the service right **w in the United States, with early negotiations beginning in Europe to bring the MV** service overseas.
If completed, Apple would essentially become its own Network carrier, freeing the company and iPhone users from any particular current Carrier like T-Mobile or AT&T, and allow users to pay for the usual data, calls, and text services directly from Apple. The MV** would allow Apple to lease space from Network carriers already in the business of providing data to customers, with the Apple SIM card -- already included in the cellular versions of the iPad Air 2 and iPad Mini 3 -- picking up and switching between carriers on the fly for the best service possible.
As Business Insider points out, the testing of the MV** service doesn't guarantee its eventual arrival for customers using an iPhone in the United States and Europe. But, if the company does intend to eventually become a Carrier itself, it would be a fairly long-term goal of five years or more to be fully implemented.
If Apple is testing the service then there's ** guarantee that it will launch, and if it does, it's **t going to roll out anytime soon. Telecoms sources say that Apple is looking long-term with its MV**, and could take at least five years to fully launch the service. Apple has been in talks with telecoms companies for years over its MV** plans, and it's an "open secret" amongst carriers that a virtual Apple Network is on the way.
Speculation surrounding Apple becoming its own wireless provider has been swirling for a decade **w, resurging in various rumor and patent stories every **w and again over the years. With Apple rumored to be in "advanced talks" with Mobile standards organization GSMA in the production of a standardized Mobile electronic SIM card -- which would allow customers to avoid being locked into a dedicated Network Carrier -- the company appears to at least be positioning itself for the possibility of a future MV** launch.