Apple watch was released in 2015. The first Cellular model: 2017
Does anyone know why MVNO's can't offer number sharing in 2023?
Number share, OneNumber, NumberSync --- Optus/Telstra/Vodafone
RatBargain on 01/05/2023 - 13:00
Comments
I've owned an Apple Watch Cellular since 2017, starting with the S4 model and now the Ultra. However, I have never enabled Telstra One Number on it. To me, it seems unnecessary as I always have my phone and watch with me.
Anecdotally for you yes. But there's a reason e-sims and cellular watches exist
Does it cost an MVNO to provide number sharing? Is it even possible technology/contractually with the wholesaler?
Probably because it costs extra on top of a watch plan on top of your regular plan for a very limited subset of users and MVNO's whole USP is offering better value for money. That means compromising on some extra features.
Maybe not for all, but surely it's not a bad thing to have an extra service you can opt-in and voluntarily pay $5 or $10p/m for.
It's called go to a mobile network provider that has that option.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Market_segmentation
The networks calculate they can maximise profit by restricting LTE watch support to post-paid own customers.
I remember when Telstra postpaid stated at $5/month, now it is $58/month minimum and rising.
So they need some reason for people to pay that much, instead of $99/year prepaid.$99 for 12 months at 40GB a month , on Telstra network . Yes please, who offers this?
It's probably less to do with MVNOs not wanting to offer the service and more to do with the carriers wanting to keep the feature for themselves.
I don't care too much but I say Apple should open the Apple Watch to allow regular eSIMs to be added. Number share with your phone or Family Setup with only one option of provider shouldn't be the only ways to get a cellular reception on an Apple Watch.
Agree, regular eSims should be allowed on Apple Watch.
They can. It's the second service that costs
I agree, but this means you need a service for your phone and another for your your watch.
Which is kinda silly
The big 3 don’t want the others to provide it yet. They want to keep te so called “premium” market to themselves.
Probably because it costs extra on top of a watch plan on top of your regular plan for a very limited subset of users and MVNO's whole USP is offering better value for money. That means compromising on some extra features.
https://www.optus.com.au/support/answer?id=20003