Microsoft announces first mobile carriers to support Always Connected PCs

The push behind the Always Connected PC vision has been ramping up in recent weeks, with manufacturers like HP, ASUS, and Lenovo all joining the fray with their own LTE PCs based on Qualcomm's Snapdragon platform. Now, Microsoft and Qualcomm have announced the first batch of mobile operators that will actively support Always Connected PCs around the world. These initial carriers will help to bring "easy and affordable connectivity plans to consumers on advanced LTE wireless networks," Microsoft and Qualcomm said in a press release.

Throughout the first half of 2018 and beyond, the companies say, mobile operators in China, Italy, the UK, and the U.S. will officially support Always Connected PCs. Here's a look at the carriers you can expect to roll out support in each region:

  • China – China Telecom
  • Italy – TIM (Telecom Italia)
  • U.K. – EE
  • U.S. – Sprint, Verizon

In addition to supporting connected PCs on their LTE networks, you can expect each operator to stock Always Connected PCs in their retail store, Qualcomm and Microsoft say.

In early December, Microsoft and its hardware partners revealed the first entries in the Always Connected PC category. Powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 835, the PCs, like the HP Envy x2 and ASUS NovaGo offer exceptional battery life, instant-on, and a persistent LTE connection. At CES 2018, Lenovo jumped into the fray with its own entry, the Miix 630.

Expect some of the above carriers to stock Always Connected devices throughout 2018, in addition to direct sales from the manufacturers themselves and Microsoft.