Microsoft: No data for company iPhones, Blackberrys

It’s not surprising that a company would cut certain fringe benefits in tough economic times, but a new measure at Microsoft hits employees in a peculiar way.

The company confirmed to Ars Technica that it will no longer pay for the data plans on any phone that doesn’t run Windows Mobile. That includes iPhones, Blackberry phones and Palm Pres, and applies even if the phone is being used for business. A representative told Ars that the move is "part of the broader cost saving measures announced earlier this year."

The rep is, of course, referring to job cut intentions announced in January, followed by a round of layoffs that month, and more in May. In total, roughly 4,400 Microsoft employees lost their jobs.

So while it’s hard to laugh at Microsoft’s cost-cutting measures because they likely save more people from getting the axe, this particular one doesn’t make sense to me. Data plans cost money, but the operating system has nothing to do with it. It seems Microsoft is just trying to thin the amount of free data it pays for, and is penalizing the employees who didn’t pledge their allegiance to Windows Mobile.

If it’s any consolation, at least the Gates home lives under similar tyranny.