eSIM activation

eSIM provides telcos with a host of digital marketing and distribution opportunities. The digital nature of eSIM also means it can relieve heavy time, resources, and costs compared to managing the traditional SIM card, such as manufacturing, distribution, and retail. Workz offers a comprehensive range of activation solutions to enhance eSIM activation rates and grow telco subscriber bases.
eSIM activation solutions by Workz

eSIM activation

eSIM provides telcos with a host of digital marketing and distribution opportunities. The digital nature of eSIM also means it can relieve heavy time, resources, and costs compared to managing the traditional SIM card, such as manufacturing, distribution, and retail. Workz offers a comprehensive range of activation solutions to enhance eSIM activation rates and grow telco subscriber bases.

Workz eSIM activation and discovery services

Workz offers a comprehensive range of activation solutions telcos can use to activate user eSIM subscriptions. Using a phased approach to your activation channels is recommended, starting with the easiest to implement before establishing market presence and gaining vital subscriber growth before considering what’s ultimately best for the long term. Here’s an overview of some of the main options we offer:

02_qrcode2

Traditional QR code

One of the easiest activation options for telcos to implement involves physical or digital QR codes. The codes are provided to each new subscriber. This method integrates easily with existing infrastructures, requiring the least back-end unification with systems and third parties. 

Workz Universal QR code

Workz’s Universal QR code means that as a network operator, you are no longer required to distribute a unique QR code for each eSIM profile. Instead, a generic QR code can be used, which will dynamically assign a unique eSIM profile once scanned by the user. This makes it easier for subscribers to activate their eSIMs with one single activation code that all your customers can use. This universal QR code solution offers increased activation rates for telcos whilst heavily streamlining the management of activation codes and providing new distribution and marketing opportunities.

Universal QR codes simplify the activation process for eSIM subscribers
eSIM activation via Apple Lookup Service

Apple Lookup Service

Apple’s Look Up Service (ALS) is the most developed and readily available discovery solution. Provided by Apple for cellular activation of all iOS eSIM devices, the Apple Lookup Server triggers the eSIM to install directly to the end user device via a push message, ensuring a seamless user experience that’s straightforward to integrate with the operator’s SM-DP+. This service is currently offered free of charge by Apple.

Samsung Discovery Service

Samsung Discovery Service is another readily available discovery solution available for cellular activation of all Samsung eSIM devices. The Samsung Discovery Server triggers the eSIM to install directly to the end user device via a push message, ensuring a seamless user experience. It requires simple integration with the operator’s SM-DP+. This service is currently offered free of charge by Samsung.

Samsung discovery service
GSMA eSIM Discovery

GSMA eSIM Discovery service

Another eSIM activation method for telcos is Subscription Management Root-Discovery Service (SM-DS). The GSMA Discovery service-based eSIM activation has been available since 2017 and doesn’t require a QR code to be scanned by the activated device, enabling the activation of devices that don’t have a camera. What’s more, it works with open-market consumer eSIM devices so that customers can separate the purchase of a mobile subscription from the purchase of the device itself. The discovery service is a central hub to which devices can connect to download their mobile subscription without requiring integrations between MNOs and OEMs. This way, discovery service-based eSIM activation provides a simple, out-of-the-box mobile subscription activation process that’s also easy to implement. Please note the GSMA charges an annual fee and usage fees for this service, and there is also a one-off development cost for custom-built services.

Default SM-DP+ address set in the eUICC

Operator-branded devices can be pre-provisioned with the address to the operator’s remote SIM provisioning platform (SM-DP+) to automatically retrieve the correct subscriber profile when launched for the first time. This eSIM activation method is convenient for end-users because it ensures a seamless activation experience with minimum effort required. Nevertheless, this solution requires telcos to work hand-in-hand with OEMs to customize their devices, which may generate additional costs for MNOs and limit their ability to maintain a competitive product inventory. This solution is ideally suited only to markets where customers are used to purchasing operator-subsidized devices.

Custom discovery services

Workz also offers network providers a custom-built discovery service for a specific network, which is then integrated into their existing carrier app. The carrier’s mobile app handles the download and installation of the eSIM. Additional functionality, such as subscriber registration/KYC, can be integrated into the app, offering users a fully digital and seamless experience. For more information on this solution, check out Workz’s eKYC onboarding solution.

verify screen ekyc

Workz activation services solution

Comprehensive range of activation options | Workz

Comprehensive range of activation options

Fast and easy deployment | Workz

Fast and easy deployment

Responsive technical support | Workz

Responsive technical support

Custom development services | Workz

Custom development services

eKYC onboarding solution | Workz

eKYC onboarding solution

Grow your subscriber base by offering more and easier ways to join your network with Workz eSIM activation and discovery services. To learn how to activate the growing number of eSIM users on your network, click the get in touch button below.

FAQs

Does the type of device affect the activation method? 

Many new consumer eSIM devices may need additional or different processes to activate subscriptions. For example, an Entitlement server is required if you wish to connect companion devices such as the Apple Watch. A custom-built discovery service may be the only solution for constrained devices that may not have a camera or even a screen.  

Only devices with a camera can activate eSIM using a QR code

For further information on the best way to activate the growing number of eSIM devices on your network, please contact a Workz technical consultant.

Site search