HMD Global offers a new way to get mobile data wherever you are

HMD Global is best known for the manufacture of Android devices under the brand name Nokia. However, it has now decided to branch out into a new arena, one that is more service-based. It has been set up to sell SIMs that may help a consumer ensure they have internet access wherever they go.

HMD Connect requires that a user order a data-only SIM card. This costs €19.95 (~US$21.37), and also includes 1GB worth of data access (which, in 2020, seems a little restrictive). The customer's next gigabyte thereafter will cost €14.95 ($16.01). This data is bought in "packages", which are only valid for 14 days from the start of their use. However, the size of each package may be subject to one's location on Earth.

This new HMD Global initiative may be helpful to those who (normally) travel a lot and have difficulty finding connectivity that is not public or potentially insecure. On that note, the company asserts that all data sent through Connect is "anonymous and more safe [sic]", suggesting that a VPN of some sort is in effect.

Then again, there could be some drawbacks to this new service. Should a user run out of data on their current package, they can restore it to its original size for an extra €5 ($5.36); however, this does not reset the "timer" in effect for the original package purchased.

In addition, it is less than essential for all travellers: for example, all EU users have the right to use their own pre-existing call, text and data plans as they move from nation to nation within the bloc (well, in theory at least).

However, time will tell if HMD succeeds with this new line of business (although it could have timed its release better). To date, Connect is available in over 120 countries and is controlled using an app available on the Google Play Store.