China-based Xiaomi Corporation has entered into the wireless-carrier business after the Chinese government opened the country’s telecommunications sector to mobile virtual network operators, who lease capacity from existing network owners.
Xiaomi will offer its voice and data services, called Mi Mobile, over a network operated by China Unicom (Hong Kong) Limited. Users will be able to order a SIM card via Xiaomi’s website and pay for voice and data usage. In addition, Xiaomi will also start offering a package of ¥59 ($9.26) per month for 3 gigabytes of data usage through China Telecom Corporation’ network next month onwards.
Apart from manufacturing smartphones and offering wireless services, the start-up, valued at $45 billion, also plans to venture into online finance, smart home devices and air filters market.