Telstra first Australian operator to launch Windows 10 eSIM connectivity

Telstra has announced a partnership with Microsoft Corp. to provide support for new eSIM technology in compatible Windows 10 Modern PCs.

Telstra will be the first Australian telco to give its customers with Windows 10-based devices with eSIM the ability to connect to the internet without additional hardware, directly via Telstra’s mobile network and the preloaded Mobile Plans app.

Kevin Teoh, Telstra’s Consumer Segment Executive said the solution was a result of close collaboration with Microsoft and would be ideal for people who were on the go and required connectivity or greater security than was available through public Wi-Fi.

“In line with Telstra’s drive towards simpler customer experiences, Telstra and Microsoft are offering customers a new way to connect to Australia’s fastest mobile network. eSIM makes it possible to connect your compatible Windows 10 Modern PC to the internet, without having to go to a store or collect a SIM. It will be easier than ever before to connect on the go,” Teoh said.

From Thursday 7 March, customers with a Modern Windows PC with eSIM capability, running the latest version of Windows 10, will be able to activate a Telstra mobile broadband plan and connect in a matter of moments through the Mobile Plans app. The preloaded app has been developed to detect a computer’s eSIM card and to guide consumers easily through the setup process. Through this partnership, after detecting the eSIM card, the app will connect consumers to the Telstra website where they can choose a plan and get connected.

At launch, the new connectivity option will be available on devices such as Microsoft Surface Pro 4G LTE, and the recently launched premium HP Spectre range – the HP Spectre Folio and Spectre x360 4G LTE models.

“We fully expect this functionality to become more prevalent with a number of new eSIM capable Windows-based devices already slated for launch through 2019,” Teoh said.

Erin Chapple, corporate vice president, platforms engineering, Microsoft, said: “Telstra’s addition to the growing ecosystem of mobile operators providing LTE connectivity for PCs is an important step for both consumers and small business customers who need to connect on the go.”

Microsoft Director of Consumer and Device Sales, Neil Gordon said: “We’re committed to providing our consumer and SMB customers with seamless connectivity solutions they would expect from a modern Windows device, which adapts perfectly to their lives and their needs.

“We know people lead dynamic lives and increasingly are looking for flexibility to choose how they get online. This Mobile Plans partnership with Telstra will allow Australian users with a compatible Modern Windows PC to experience a much simpler connectivity experience to get online in Australia,” Gordon said.

For customers who wish to sample the new technology, until 31 December 2019, Telstra will exclusively offer customers who have a compatible Windows 10 eSIM enabled-device a 30 day trial that includes 30GB free data to use in Australia. Once the trial period or data has expired customers will be able to choose a variety of Telstra prepaid or a post paid offers.