Smartwatches as Multi-Connectivity Devices

One of the key functions that it's essential for Mobile Network Operators to understand and leverage is the eSIM service enrolment for Secondary Devices. This applies to both one-number and different-number services. 

The enrolment process can be considered in two phases :  

1st Phase: End-User Activities 

1. Pairing the smartwatch with the Primary Device and performing all the actions required for the synchronization process. Primary Device subscription is provisioned on the Carrier systems. 

2. Follow the prompt initiating the signup process for activating the new data plan for a Secondary Device. 

3. Provide all the consent on the web sheets pages, such as accepting Terms & Conditions, selecting appropriate data plan, etc.  

2nd Phase: Entitlement Server Takeover  

Seamlessly for the end-user, the Entitlement Server takes over the responsibility of executing the further operations. The Orchestration Tool plays a prominent role in communication with MNO's BSS and RSP: 

1. Reservation and allocation of eSIM cards in the SM-DP+ platform 

2. Instructing Primary Device to trigger eSIM download on the Secondary Device 

3. Secondary Device downloads and installs the eSIM 

4. Sending activation order towards Operator's BSS. Based on the received order, Carriers perform several activities including provisioning of the service in the CRM, billing, core network, etc. 

5. Entitlement Server receives a notification when the service is fully activated on the Carrier side and populates the service "active" status with the Primary Device. 

6. The Primary Device shares this status with the Secondary Device. From this time, the smartwatch is active in the Operator's network. 

Carrier Benefits 

The following benefits can be identified on Carrier's side: 

• Increase ARPU with One-Number and/or Different Number services 

• Growth of the number of active subscriptions in the network 

• Increase user satisfaction and experience by offering one-click operations 

• Increase user satisfaction and experience by offering one-click operations 

• Offer Value Added Services with next-generation services like Voice over Cellular (including Voice over LTE or Voice over 5G NG-RAN); Private User Identity use case, allows devices to connect to Access Points using EAP SIM-based authentication 

• Improving the efficiency of device management, including high security offered based on the advanced authentication. 

• Decrease the effort on the MNO's side related to new data plan activation; the Entitlement Server is responsible for collecting Terms & Condition acceptance and data plan selection; sending final activation order towards MNO's BSS. 

Visual Guide: Multi-Connectivity Devices