Xiaomi debuts MVNO service with new flagship device

Chinese device manufacturer Xiaomi has launched an MVNO to compete with the country’s three major incumbents.

Operating as Mi Mobile, Xiaomi will offer a prepaid plan which charges CNY0.1 for each voice minute, SMS and 1MB of data, as well as a post-paid tariff which provides users with 3GB of 4G data for a monthly fee of CNY59 ($9).

Neither tariff will charge users to receive calls, or to roam anywhere in China. Subscribers of either package can pay a further CNY5 per month for caller ID.

The new service will be delivered via what Xiaomi has termed a ‘triple-cut’ SIM card, which will be provided to all subscribers to the MVNO. The new design can be used for the three most commonly deployed types of SIM card – standard, micro and nano.

The vendor is also launching a new device to accompany the MVNO’s launch. The Mi 4c features a five-inch Full HD screen as well as a Snapdragon 808 processor, and costs CNY1,300.

Xiaomi will offer services via the 2G, 3G and 4G networks of two of its state-owned rivals, China Unicom and China Telecom. The firm was one of 8 that acquired an MVNO licence in November last year.

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