T-Mobile US Inc (NASDAQ:TMUS) has announced a feature which separates mobile phones from phone numbers. The feature named Digits will let customers receive and make calls from across various devices while only using one number. It will also be possible to text or receive texts from across a wide range of devices while using just one number.
The Digits service is similar to what is offered by Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:GOOGL) Voice, Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) Skype and Rakuten’s Viber. The distinction here is that T-Mobile will not be using a secondary number but instead will be using the actual cell number. Customers who will require additional cell phone numbers will incur an extra cost.
Across devices and wearables
The feature, which is still in beta, has already been made available. Those using mobile devices will be required to download the respective iOS and Android apps while computer users can get the feature through their browsers. T-Mobile is also making efforts to bring the functionality to wearables such as smartwatches. Feature phones such as the flip phones from 10 years ago will also be able to enjoy the service in the future.
To choose which mobile devices or computing device calls or text messages can be pushed to, users will have to make their preference known through the T-Mobile app or website. Only an internet connection is required for the feature to work and so even if a user has installed the app on a phone bearing a rival’s SIM card, they will still be able to receive or make phone calls as if they were on a phone connected to T-Mobile.
New feature likely to rattle rivals
“We expect it will be simple and it will be disruptive,” T-Mobile’s Chief Operating Officer, Mike Sievert, said while avoiding giving away too many details.
T-Mobile is the third-biggest carrier in the United States and has become known for moving away from the herd, an effort which has seen it double its customer base .
In Wednesday’s trading, T-Mobile US Inc edged up by 4.29% to close the day at $58.39 a share.