Ever since Apple introduced its first eSIM-enabled devices in 2018, the world of mobile communications hasn’t been the same. To take advantage of the eSIM opportunity, MNOs must select a secure eSIM management hosting option that protects data, ensures reliability, delivery high performance and can be implemented in time and on budget.
What are the key considerations when choosing eSIM hosting?
In the forecast period of 2021 to 2028, the eSIM market is expected to witness market growth at a rate of 15.30% before reaching $26 billion in 2028. The growth is driven by demand across the consumer and M2M/IoT markets as consumers embrace devices that rely on eSIM technology.
3 key benefits of eSIM
“Since eSIMs are nearly 90 times smaller, rugged and can be remotely managed, the chip lends itself to connecting a wide range of devices beyond the traditional mobile phone; including watches, laptops, trackers, and cars like what Vodafone has done with its V series product range,” explains Edwin Haver, CIO at Workz. “This enables operators to offer new services to their existing subscriber base, therefore, increasing their ARPU.”
Vodafone’s V series offering subscriptions for multiple devices
The challenge is that not all MNOs operate with the same budget, timeline, and data residency requirements, among other things, so they must carefully evaluate available eSIM management hosting options to select one that can not only meet all of their current needs but also prepare them for the future.
How have MNOs traditionally implemented eSIM management?
Typically, eSIM hosting has been implemented by MNOs via onsite deployment. These providers are willing to make the necessary CAPEX investment (which can be substantial) and accept higher maintenance costs can host their eSIM management platform of choice with all customer data on site to have complete control over their infrastructure. In countries with data residency laws, onsite hosting may be the only compliant option. The lead time on GSMA auditing for onsite hosting takes approximately one to two years.
Does Workz offer MNOs anything different to other providers?
When choosing between onside and cloud hosting, MNOs should take into consideration security, interoperability, cost, lead time, and support.
Workz offers a cost-effective and quick to deploy both eSIM management as a cloud hosted solution with regional hosting options in France, USA, and Dubai. The solution is certified by the GSMA Security Accreditation Scheme to ensure full security, interoperability and future-proofing and Workz is the first eSIM provider to offer a cloud eSIM management solution with the renowned security certification.
By leasing access to high-quality infrastructure and using it on an as-needed basis, MNOs can avoid making a large upfront investment and dealing with long lead times on GSMA auditing which are highly costly and can take up to two years. Comparatively, MNOs can enjoy a cloud alternative that can be up and running in a matter of days. Furthermore they are also provided with protection against outages thanks to the inherent geo-redundancy of most cloud hosting options.
