What you need to know
- Sprint is now offering $15 a month unlimited 4G data for Windows 10.
- The all-digital plan is offered through eSIM like on Surface Pro X.
- Users can sign up with no contract through Mobile Plans app.
Sprint has been offering $15 unlimited 4G LTE data plans for connected devices since 2018, but it looks like devices like the Surface Pro X (and other eSIM-enabled Windows 10 PCs) now have Sprint as part of the instant-buy plans available through the Microsoft Mobile Plans app.
Up until recently, GigSky and Ubigi were the only two options available for those with eSIM-enabled Windows 10 PCs. While both are decent services, they were not cheap, with Ubigi offering 3GB of data for 30 days (expires) at $29.
Why (and how) Windows 10 PCs with LTE and eSIM will change the game
Now, Sprint is an option too, letting users sign up and agreeing to AutoPay for just $15 a month with unlimited 4G LTE data (the plan is typically $20 a month, but Sprint gives you a $5 discount for using AutoPay). There is no contract required.
Sprint has similar plans with a physical SIM, but with eSIM activation is instant, and users can toggle using a physical SIM when traveling. It also makes getting data on a device like the Surface Pro X much easier than going to a store to sign up or waiting for a physical SIM in the mail.
Unfortunately, there are no other major carrier options for Microsoft's Mobile Plans apps. Service from AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile would be welcomed as well due to the coverage and faster speeds than Sprint. Users can still use any carrier's physical SIM and then toggle over to a Sprint eSIM if they prefer, though, which is not a bad option.
To sign up for Sprint (or any other eSIM provider) users of the Surface Pro X can simply launch the Mobile Plans app from their PC, or use the Settings > Network & Internet > Cellular to toggle to eSIM and sign up that way.
Currently, the Surface Pro X is on sale through Best Buy and Microsoft. Amazon is offering a complete package (8GB/256GB) with keyboard and Surface Slim Pen for $1,249.
Surface Pro X
Surface Pro on ARM
The Microsoft Surface Pro X evolves the Surface Pro formula for the mobile age, adding in an ARM processor, instant-on, and always-connected 4G LTE.
Daniel Rubino is the Executive Editor of Windows Central, head reviewer, podcast co-host, and analyst. He has been covering Microsoft here since 2007, back when this site was called WMExperts (and later Windows Phone Central). His interests include Windows, Microsoft Surface, laptops, next-gen computing, and arguing with people on the internet.
