Today telecommunication networks are more sophisticated and all-encompassing. Nearly everyone possesses a SIM card and is connected to the communication network. More importantly, IoT devices need to be regularly updated for ensuring complete safety and efficiency. Hence, it is crucial for operators to render updates for applications, data, and services.
OTA refers to Over-The-Air Technology, which is pivotal in allowing network providers to achieve such tasks without physically connecting to the SIM card. In fact, OTA platforms are one of the most cost-efficient mechanisms to enable organisations to launch such updates.
In today’s innovation-driven telecommunications environment, most organisations have deployed OTA platforms to manage only a few activities. But there are overarching benefits of using OTA platforms, making them an incredible asset. This article aims to discuss the areas where OTA platforms are underused and their advantages.
Table of Contents
Common limitations
It is crucial to understand the common limitations operators may face regarding the OTA systems. For instance, there are two cases where operators have to face trouble. Firstly, if you have deployed a proprietary system from an OTA platform provider, the chances of restricting the updates and new are high. As the vendor controls this, it can also lead to restriction of cost of projects.
Furthermore, another instance affecting operators is the installation of technologies that are no longer viable or useful. It can be the case that once, these technologies were incredibly important, but now they no longer fit the business requirements. Hence, it is best to connect with OTA platform providers who can counter such limitations and deliver on the following benefits.
Easing SIM Management
Over-the-air platforms enable the operators to improve and streamline their database for countering cases of SIMs specifications, quantifying the volume, live applications in the field, and more. SIM OTA platforms also allow the operators to build a card repository of new and existing SIM cards for evaluating the potential of the SIM from the perspective of pre or postpaid services, profile type, and applets (a small application for performing a specific task.
Assessing such qualities of the live user profiles and technologies enhances the operators’ ability to understand them better. Such an approach is also pivotal in rendering user-specific and value-added services, including launching effective campaigns.
Quality of Service (QoS)
Quality of Service (QoS) is an integral part of the operator’s sophisticated dashboard, presenting valuable insights on the network performance and other metrics. But this requirement has become more critical and complex with organisations using IoT devices for performing crucial business functions. More importantly, understanding the connectivity has to be supplemented with complete transparency and visibility.
A few providers use RAM (remote applet management) to trigger SIM OTA updates, giving a precise picture of connectivity and performance metrics. Furthermore, operators can also share network performance with their clients to demonstrate the value of the services and business accounts.
Making IoT More Secure
With technologies like 5G, IoT, and embedded-SIM shaping the entire communications landscape, it is crucial to ensure the data received by the end-user is secure. Since devices are changing and organisations using IoT devices in healthcare, automotive, and other core industries, the data is transforming as well. In fact, data security has to be top-notch as these data threats are unprecedented.
For instance, let’s pick the example of the automotive industry, which runs equally on electricity or petrol and sophisticated algorithms or codes. In such a scenario, auto manufacturers can trigger updates remotely to enhance operational and functional efficiency. Tesla launched an over-the-air update in 2017 for the Model S and X cars, which improved the driving range and battery capacity.
Providers are using pathways like Remote Applet Management (RAM) GSMA IoT Safe for ensuring safety and security for steering such updates. It is best to connect with providers complying with such solutions and rendering additional security solutions for premiums offerings as well.
Conclusion
This post listed some virtual functional benefits of SIM OTA. However, the advantages of OTA platforms also significantly depend on the providers. It is best to learn about OTA platforms services and get in touch with the right provider.
