Jean-Philippe Cormier of Google and Nacho Blázquez of HCLTech outline how a key GSMA specification is expanding to support more use cases, including seamlessly connecting devices to non-terrestrial networks.
The latest mobile handsets can connect to satellites when terrestrial networks aren’t available. In the case of an emergency, such as an accident in a remote area, direct-to-device (D2D) satellite connectivity can be a vital lifeline.
Stitching terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks (NTN) together in a seamless way requires some technical wizardry in both the handsets and the networks. But making the magic happen also depends on an important, but often overlooked, element – an entitlement server , which enables the handset to differentiate NTNs from terrestrial networks.
By employing standardised application programming interfaces (APIs), entitlement servers can provide a fast and efficient way to configure connected devices so that they can take advantage of a network’s capabilities. As its name suggests, the entitlement server notifies the device which advanced features it is entitled to use (having checked with the operator’s BSS), enabling the operator to provide different configurations to different users. The device then interacts with the network accordingly. In simple terms, the entitlement server acts as the glue between the device and the network.
The latest version 13 of the GSMA’s TS.43 specification, which standardises the APIs used by entitlement servers, introduces some detailed configurations for devices that may need to access satellite connectivity during an emergency. Depending on the situation, an operator may allow any device in the vicinity to access a non-terrestrial network or it may only allow devices used by the emergency services to connect to satellites, so as to conserve bandwidth. The operator can then use an entitlement server to apply these policies for each device. In short, the entitlement server helps protect the integrity and the capacity of the satellite network.
In response to a request from a device, the entitlement server will inform the device whether it is entitled to use satellite connectivity (either because the end-user subscribes to the service or because it is an emergency) and then configure the device to actually access that connectivity.
Among other enhancements, version 13 also includes a specification that enables an end-user to easily transfer an eSIM (embedded SIM) across different OS platforms e.g. from an iPhone to an Android handset, and vice versa. That functionality should encourage further uptakes of eSIMs, which are making it easier for consumers and businesses to connect to cellular networks.
Enabling immediate access to advanced network capabilities
Interoperability between different devices and networks is a key focus area for the GSMA’s Terminal Steering Group (TSG), which oversees the development of TS.43 by the Service Entitlement Configuration Group (TSGVVEC) sub group. When devices and networks are fully interoperable, end users can immediately benefit from the full range of network capabilities and features, including eSIMs, 5G standalone, RCS (Rich Communication Services), Voice-over-Wi-Fi, Voice-over-New Radio and number verification. The result is a better experience for consumers and businesses alike.
The TS.43 specification is key to achieve that goal. While every mobile operator has different back-end systems, a TS.43-compliant entitlement server obfuscates all the complexity for the device. The end-user can then serve themselves, avoiding the need to contact an operator for help. After establishing whether the customer is entitled to a specific service, the entitlement server helps onboard the user for the first time, and configures the device to work with the relevant network capability.
As well as reducing customer care costs, entitlement servers play a vital role in enhancing digital security by supporting features, such as the standardised Number Verification API. This capability is increasingly essential for banks and merchants to protect users against fraud by ensuring a secure, verified connection, behind the scenes. The rising demand for these robust security measures, along with the shift toward eSIM-only devices and cellular-connected wearables, is a major reason why operators are adopting advanced entitlement servers.
Onwards and upwards: What’s next for TS.43?
Meanwhile, the ongoing development of the TS.43 specification is driven by contributions and requests from the vendors and operators participating in TSGVVEC. As a result, TS.43 is evolving over time to support a growing range of (generally optional) use cases and features. Looking forward, the roll out of 5G Advanced networks, which will better support network slicing and other customisable features, will call for further upgrades to TS.43.
In future versions of the specification, there will be more refinements to how cellular devices access the capabilities of satellite networks, which are becoming an increasingly important piece of the global connectivity jigsaw. As base stations go into orbit, entitlement servers will help ensure that each and every device is always connected to the optimal network, whether that be in the skies or on the ground.
The authors are the current chair (Jean-Philippe Cormier) and former chair (Nacho Blázquez) of the TSGVVEC.
Find out more about the latest PRD (Permanent Reference Document) for TS.43 v13. Learn more about the Terminal Steering Group.
If you are a GSMA Member, find out more about the Service Entitlement Configuration Group (TSGVVEC) by visiting the page on Member Gateway.
The new GSMA Entitlements Service
Shamit Bhat explains how the GSMA is offering operators easy access to entitlement servers in the cloud.
To increase adoption of entitlement servers by mobile network operators and mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs), some vendors offer entitlement servers running in the cloud as a fully managed service. The GSMA Services has also launched such a proposition. Compliant with device standards and the GSMA TS.43 specifications, the GSMA Entitlements Service integrates the GSMA Network Settings Exchange (NSX) into the platform, which means it complements operator effort in helping uniquely identify an operator in an OEM system, distributing the most optimal device settings worldwide and enabling the latest features on device in the operator network.
Working across different technology stacks as per TS.32 specifications, the NSX encompasses more than 400 network parameters that can be configured by OEMs to optimise the compatibility between devices and networks. The new GSMA Entitlements Service offers a straightforward means to ensure the end customers can access the latest network capabilities and features such as transfer of eSIMs, or use of RCS messaging. The GSMA has been proactively trying to leverage its relationships with the major device makers to help ensure that the end customer has a seamless experience regardless of which operator they subscribe to and which device they use.
Shamit Bhat is Senior Director of Product Management at GSMA.
Find out more about the GSMA Entitlements Service.
Other key documents from GSMA Working Groups
As well as the TS.43 Entitlement Server Permanent Reference Document (PRD) highlighted above, a number of other key PRDs have been updated recently by GSMA Working Groups.
The Operator Platform Group has released a new version of OPG.11 – Operator Platform Requirements for Edge Services. This PRD defines how Edge Compute services are realised using the Operator Platform Architecture. It outlines key use cases and requirements, including detailed specifications for platform interfaces, such as Southbound Interfaces for managing compute resources and edge interconnection networks.
The Network Group (NG) have updated NG.113 v14.0. This document provides guidelines on the technical requirements, architectures, procedures, and call flows for the control and user plane, as well as on the security architectures for deployment models for 5GS Roaming. This document also includes the trade-offs of each model, to balance operators’ different business, operational and security requirements. This will provide the reader with a complete picture when making deployment decisions.