14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft continues to upgrade its Windows Phone operating system with new features and improvements. Even though the major ones are usually included in more important updates that go under different codenames, some are added through smaller updates.
One of those important new features that might be added to Windows Phone sooner rather than later is the ability to download OS updates through cellular network for free.
Currently, this feature is available for Android users and most carriers offer it to their customers, but Windows Phone owners are usually charged when they download OS updates using their operators’ cellular network.
The good news is that this will most likely change in the coming weeks, especially if we are to believe an OEM documentation filed by Microsoft, which confirms such a feature is meant to be part of the Windows Phone operating system. Here is what the OEM documentation spotted by NokiaPowerUser says:
“This topic shows how Mobile Operators (MOs) can enable and test Windows Phone updates to work with zero-rating. Zero-rating allows users to download data, such as device updates, without being charged for data usage.
Enabling zero-rating: Add the following two URLs to your network as zero-rated sites:
http://wp.download.windowsupdate.com http://wp.ds.download.windowsupdate.com
Once those URLs are zero-rated, there are no more actions to take to get zero rating in place. It will be effective for all Windows Phone devices (both operator variant and open market devices). The first eligible update for zero rating is Windows Phone 8.1 GDR1.”
Windows Phone 8.1 Update 1 will be the first to offer this option
The new feature will be available for both unlocked and carrier-branded devices, so it won’t matter if you’re committed to a long-term contract or not.
However, the option to download Windows Phone OS updates must be specifically enabled by the carrier whose cellular network you’re using. This means that before updating you should inquire your network operator whether it offers this option or not.
If we are to believe this document, free Windows Phone OS update downloads should be available with the first update for Windows Phone 8.1, namely GDR1.
Microsoft is expected to make an important announcement regarding the future of Windows Phone sometime later this month or early next month. The Redmond-based company may drop the “Phone” name from Windows Phone, as well as the Nokia brand.
The information hasn’t been confirmed yet, but sources close to the matter claim the changes will be made by the end of the year.