As a number of smartwatches introduce wrist-based 4G support, Three has spoken out on the possibilities for wearable-specific contracts.
While many smartwatches currently require a synced smartphone to make and receive calls, a number of devices, including the Samsung Gear S, have recently popped up with integrated 4G connectivity for standalone call handling and web browsing.
Despite suggesting the experiences on offer don’t currently meet the required standards to fully replace your phone, network provider Three has suggested wearable-centric tariffs could soon be a thing of reality.
“It is interesting. For us we are trying to connect as many devices to our network as possible and wearables are another connection which is amazing,” Sylvia Chind, Three’s Head of Devices said speaking with TrustedReviews.
“At the moment we are looking at all of our options.”
Fielding questions on whether wearable-centric tariffs were on the company’s immediate roadmap, she stated: “Right now, no. The experience isn’t great.”
Although Three has no immediate plans to introduce dedicated wearable tariffs, it revealed that as more 4G capable accessories, such as the LG Watch Urbane LTE, hit the market, it could be forced to re-evaluate its position.
“We just need to see the experience be right and work well with the network,” Chind said looking to the future.
Highlighting existing pain points which need to be addressed moving forward, she added: “It is a complicated piece of technology and people won’t want to pay with two lines so you will need a way to incorporate it within one account.
“It’s a keep watching space for us this year.”
Related: Apple Watch vs Pebble Time
The premise of wrist-based calls is not a new one, back in 2009 LG launched the LG GD910 Watch Phone.
Capable of making and receiving calls without the need for a tethered handset, the GD910 helped paved the way for the current crop of smartwatches.
Do you covet wrist-based call handling or see the feature as an unnecessary gimmick? Let us know via the comments section below.
