U.S. wireless carrier todayunveileda new service, called Digits, which aims to uncouple your phone number from your mobile devices and wireless service plans.
According to T-Mobile CEO John Legere, Digits makes it so that you’re able to use your T-Mobile number across multiple devices like smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, desktop PCs and wearable devices.
Digits will also permit you to use multiple T-Mobile numbers on the same device, making it easy to combine your work, home and personal numbers on a single smartphone with calls and texts appearing from the same number.
In addition to the devices purchased directly from the carrier, your T-Mobile numbers can be used on devices that are not on the carrier’s network, too. An upcoming iPhone app is required for Digits to work on iOS hardware.
On the Mac, Digits will work in a web browser.
“This isn’t the first time you can add extra numbers to a device, but this IS the first time you can do it all—multiple numbers on one device and one number on multiple devices—and do it with carrier-grade quality,” said Mike Sievert, T-Mobile’s COO.
The carrier’s confirmed that Digits will be built into certain Samsung devices, including the Galaxy S6, Galaxy S7 and Note 5, provided they’re purchased on the T-Mobile network.
If Digits is used on a device without cellular service, or it’s not connected to T-Mobile’s network, you’ll receive texts and high-definition calls over a Wi-Fi connection. Regardless of the device you’re on, you’ll see your call log, messages, contacts and voicemail.
During the beta period, you’ll be able to use a single Digits number on up to five devices or up to five Digits numbers on a single device. Though free while in beta, Digits will require an additional fee when it launches for public consumption in early-2017.
