CUPERTINO, Calif.—Apple is considering introducing a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) service in the U.S. and Europe.
Apple is reported to be privately trialing an MVNO service in the U.S., but is also in talks with telecoms companies in Europe about bringing the service there, too, according to a report from the Business Insider. But Apple has also denied those reports.
An MVNO is a virtual carrier network that sees technology companies lease space from established carriers and sell it to customers directly.
According to the Business Insider, instead of consumers paying their carrier every month, they would pay Apple directly for data, calls, and texts. Apple then provides everything the consumer used to get from their carrier, but the Apple SIM switches between carriers to get the best service. The telecoms companies auction capacity to Apple so it can run the service.
The Business Insider reported that there is no guarantee Apple's service will launch beyond a test phase, and if it does, it will not roll out anytime soon, adding it could take at least five years to fully launch the service.
Apple has denied that it's working on an MVNO in a statement issued to The Wall Street Journal and CNBC, the Business Insider reported.