How the entitlement server is driving impact for mobile operators
This insight is open to all subscribers and registered users, or available by completing the form below.
Report details
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.
Download the Report
Complete the form below to get instant access to this content. For easier access in the future, you can register for a free account here.
By submitting this form, you agree that your email address and related activity on the platform will be processed for the purpose of generating and providing the requested report. Your data will be shared with GSMA Intelligence for this purpose. For more information, please see the GSMA Intelligence Privacy Policy.
Report details
How the entitlement server is driving impact for mobile operators
Related research
Sealing a comeback: enabling Apple and Android RCS
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.
The Mobile Economy 2026
The mobile industry underpins global connectivity, enabling seamless communication, real‑time data exchange and an expansive ecosystem of consumer and enterprise applications. While extending ubiquitous connectivity through advanced 4G and 5G networks remains a core priority, the industry is also entering a new era shaped by intelligent, adaptive and value‑added digital services. This shift is being enabled by next‑generation mobile networks, such as 5G standalone architectures, and the rapid integration of AI and other transformative technologies across consumer applications and enterprise solutions.
The State of 5G 2026
This report analyses the state of 5G, seven years after its commercial launch, using GSMA Intelligence’s 5G Connectivity Index to benchmark 46 markets across 5G infrastructure and services. It shows broad convergence across the foundation components (coverage, affordability, adoption), but reveals a widening gap on advanced capabilities, including 5G standalone (SA), 5G‑Advanced, uplink performance, fixed wireless access (FWA), IoT and RedCap.
Authors
How to access this report
Annual subscription: Subscribe to our research modules for comprehensive access to more than 200 reports per year.
Enquire about subscriptionContact our research team
Get in touch with us to find out more about our research topics and analysis.
Contact our research teamMedia
To cite our research, please see our citation policy in our Terms of Use, or contact our Media team for more information.
Learn moreRelated research
Sealing a comeback: enabling Apple and Android RCS
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.
The Mobile Economy 2026
The mobile industry underpins global connectivity, enabling seamless communication, real‑time data exchange and an expansive ecosystem of consumer and enterprise applications. While extending ubiquitous connectivity through advanced 4G and 5G networks remains a core priority, the industry is also entering a new era shaped by intelligent, adaptive and value‑added digital services. This shift is being enabled by next‑generation mobile networks, such as 5G standalone architectures, and the rapid integration of AI and other transformative technologies across consumer applications and enterprise solutions.
The State of 5G 2026
This report analyses the state of 5G, seven years after its commercial launch, using GSMA Intelligence’s 5G Connectivity Index to benchmark 46 markets across 5G infrastructure and services. It shows broad convergence across the foundation components (coverage, affordability, adoption), but reveals a widening gap on advanced capabilities, including 5G standalone (SA), 5G‑Advanced, uplink performance, fixed wireless access (FWA), IoT and RedCap.
- 200 reports a year
- 50 million data points
- Over 350 metrics