Statistics predict that by 2023, most people will own at least four smart devices! Think about it. The average adult owns at least two phones and a wearable. And they enjoy interconnectivity between the devices, which enables them to keep track of their communication, fitness stats, time, etc.

As time passes, this increased access to smart devices will heighten the need for new connections, the pressure of which will fall on telecom operators. After all, they will need to figure out how to serve all types of operating systems, with the key competitors being Android (News - Alert) and iOS devices.

The Growing Need for Entitlement Servers

Mobile network operators and mobile virtual network operators are aware of the increasing need to provide automatic internet multimedia services (IMS). Without this provision, they will lose the trust they have garnered in their client bases as they will not provide the required digital experiences. And in this digital age, that is not a comfort that users are willing to relinquish.

But what has affected this IMS provision?

• The lack of OTA device configuration functionalities: This configuration is integral to providing IMS services, e.g., VoLTE. Companies that lack these functionalities have no option but to hard-code the settings in each device. And, of course, the only way to achieve this is by engaging in collaborations with the device manufacturers.
• The Availability of Proprietary Device Provisioning Protocols: Configuring IMS services also comes with the drawback of navigating standard vs. proprietary device provisioning protocols. Thus, mobile operators must navigate the differences in the versions to ensure their users do not suffer setbacks.

The challenges resulting from these differences are not evident on the user's side. Customers want to buy a device and immediately have access to IMS services. They want access to WIFI calling to reduce their calling rates and access people in remote areas. And as a mobile network operator, you must meet this need as it helps you provide more network coverage and services.

How can you do it? – By investing in an entitlement server!

Benefits of Entitlement Servers

Mobile network operators must always aim to enhance their user experiences. And using an entitlement server paves this path through:

1. Service entitlement management which configures devices with the correct IMS service settings. This system works for primary and secondary devices, e.g., smartphones and wearables. For example, when a user connects their phone to their wearable, the entitlement server can handle the authentication process, allowing the user to access their profile from the wearable,
2. Flexibility for service access, as the implementation of an Entitlement Server allows the operator to choose which subscribers can access certain services. For example, services such as VoLTE or 5G can be enabled only for enterprise subscribers or subscribers with certain charging plans,
3. Simplified eSIM provisioning, allowing subscribers to provision or transfer eSIMs to and between primary and secondary devices directly on their phone without having to scan any QR codes or visit the operator’s sales point, and
4. Simplified integration with existing infrastructure, made possible by standard-based integrations with existing network components such as AAA and SM-DP+.

Your customers benefit significantly from this central management as they can access companion device & OTA configuration profiles, automatic updates, and remote roaming configuration. And what better way to achieve these benefits than using Elitnet entitlement server? It boasts the following features:

• VoLTE and VoWiFi entitlement for the current entitlement of VoLTE and Voice over WiFi (News - Alert) subscriptions, respectively,
• 5G entitlement for correct entitlement of 5G network subscriptions,
• Primary device provisioning of eSIMs to primary devices, as well as secondary device provisioning,
• eSIM transfer between subscriber devices for secondary and primary devices,
• Compliance with device provisioning and service entitlement specifications from Apple (News - Alert), GSMA, and Samsung,
• Notification handling by integration with APNs and FCM services, and
•  Websheet integration for eSIM provisioning and transfer use cases.

The security system in the server is airtight and ensures that only authenticated and authorized devices can access the service. Thus, you never have to worry about security breaches which can result in income loss. Moreover, it features integrated server architecture that gives you access to technology without excessive capital investment.