How the entitlement server is driving impact for mobile operators
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How the entitlement server is driving impact for mobile operators
Despite being halfway through the 5G upgrade cycle, telco revenues remain subdued. In this context, the entitlement server (ES) has become an important enabler for 5G monetisation. Initially deployed for niche use cases, such as pairing the Apple Watch, the ES has expanded to become the intermediary between mobile network infrastructure and the universe of devices. It authenticates a number of services, including RCS messaging, eSIM, network slices and satellite connectivity.
The investment logic for the ES is strengthened by clear cost savings and revenue opportunities post deployment. GSMA Intelligence estimates potential cost savings of 15–20% from device-level provisioning and fewer support tickets. There are also revenue opportunities in RCS and non-terrestrial networks (NTNs), with implied ARPU premiums of 15–30% in NTNs for direct to device (D2D). Operators should consider a strategy for monetisation and identity management based on ES deployment.
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How the entitlement server is driving impact for mobile operators
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Apple's announcement in September 2024 that it will incorporate support for Rich Communication Services (RCS) in the iPhone and wider device portfolio was a significant move for the messaging ecosystem. This report looks at the device provisioning through an entitlement server required for telcos to enable RCS for Apple and Android that will come into effect in 2025, in particular for securely enabling the message flow between the two OS platforms.
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