Amazon is reportedly preparing to add wireless phone plans to its Prime subscription offerings in the United States.
A Bloomberg report says the e-commerce giant has been in talks with major US carriers—Verizon, T‑Mobile, Dish, and AT&T—to explore using their networks to provide wireless service to customers.
According to the report, Amazon might include the wireless service as part of Prime membership benefits or offer it as an optional add‑on for about $10 per month.
However, Amazon has denied that it is currently moving forward with plans to offer wireless service.
“We are always exploring adding even more benefits for Prime members, but don’t have plans to add wireless at this time,” an Amazon spokesperson said.
T‑Mobile and Verizon also denied engaging in negotiations with Amazon. AT&T similarly told The Verge it is not discussing reselling wireless services with the retailer.
Still, the Wall Street Journal, citing unnamed sources, reports that Dish has held discussions with Amazon. Those talks could lead to new mobile plans being sold through Amazon’s platform as soon as next month.
Amazon has a history of entering diverse markets and building successful businesses across groceries, entertainment production, and cloud computing, among others.
Given that background, the prospect of Amazon offering wireless plans is not far‑fetched. Its large customer base and the existing Prime subscription model would give it a strong starting position for bundling or marketing phone service.
Until companies involved provide official confirmation, however, these reports should be treated as speculation.
(Photo by Wicked Monday on Unsplash)
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