Discovery services: GSMA vs. Apple vs. Samsung vs. eKYC
The number of eSIM connections is expected to keep pace with the exponential rise in cellular-connected devices. GSMA Intelligence reports there will be a billion eSIM smartphone connections by 2025, and more than 50% of smartphone connections will use eSIM by 2028. discovery service for eSIM users
The rise of eSIM use is not confined to the smartphone market. A report by Juniper Research claims that eSIM IoT connection growth will outpace eSIM smartphone gains by 2026, driven by an increasing adoption of eSIM orchestration or IoT device management platforms.
To take advantage, MNOs and MVNXs must consider discovery service-based eSIM activation.
The GSMA eSIM Discovery Service is an industry-standardized method for remote eSIM provisioning, making it easier for eSIM users to activate their devices and connect to cellular networks. It simplifies the process by eliminating the need for manual configuration or intervention from mobile network operators (MNOs).
Unlike QR code-based activation, discovery service-based activation does not require a device to have a camera. Unlike digital activation through operator-branded devices, discovery service-based activation doesn’t require OEMs to pre-provision devices with subscription management data preparation (SM-DP+) addresses.
At the moment, MNOs can use the following discovery service options to enable digital eSIM activation for subscribers, Workz reports:
- GSMA Discovery Service (GSMA DS)
- Apple Lookup Service (ALS)
- Samsung Discovery Service (Samsung DS)
- Custom Discovery Service via eKYC
GSMA eSIM Discovery Service
The GSMA eSIM discovery service is a cloud-based digital activation solution that will eventually be rolled out globally and become a universal directory of all networks. GSMA DS is part of the GSMA remote provisioning specifications for the consumer market.
It is a subscription management root-discovery service (SM-DS). Using the device eUICC identifier (EID), it matches the eSIM to a purchased network operator profile. Once that’s done, it generates and remotely provisions the device with the relevant network operator’s SM-DP+.
Subscription discovery, profile preparation, and profile delivery all take place in the background in a swift and streamlined process. For the end user, it is an exceptionally convenient, one-click digital eSIM activation. For MNOs, it is a simple way to provision subscribers.
That said, it can be costly to implement and expensive to maintain. MNOs pay an annual fee to use the GSMA eSIM discovery service. The service also charges a development fee for discovery service customization.
Apple Lookup Service
The Apple Lookup Service (ALS) is a discovery solution pioneered by Apple to enhance out-of-the-box functionality for Apple eSIM devices. The server automatically triggers the installation of the available operators’ SM-DP+ via a push message.
ALS is a highly developed and mature discovery solution, providing subscribers with a straightforward eSIM activation process. It is also inexpensive for MNOs as operators can use the service for free.
Unfortunately, ALS may be used only with eSIM iOS devices.
Samsung Discovery Service
The Samsung discovery service is like the Apple Lookup Service. This OEM discovery service triggers the installation and activation of eSIM via push messaging.
MNOs may also use Samsung DS free of charge, but it works only with Samsung eSIM devices.
Custom discovery service via eKYC discovery service for eSIM users
Instead of using GSMA DS, ALS, or Samsung DS, MNOs can implement custom discovery through their eKYC deployment.
eKYC is an identification verification mechanism that MNOs implement to comply with data protection regulations like Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorist Financing (AML-ATF) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). It exists to minimize subscription and identity fraud.
Workz can build a custom discovery service for network operators, which they can integrate with their eKYC mobile app. It enables the app to handle not only identity verification functions but also SM-DP+ provision.
eKYC subscriber onboarding for telcos offers subscribers a fully digital and seamless eSIM activation experience, like the other discovery services. However, it gives MNOs full control because a custom discovery service integrated with eKYC limits eSIM connection options to their network.
Full control and one-click digital activation
As eSIM devices become more diverse and eSIM connections increase, MNOs must work hard to attract and retain subscribers. Providing effortless, frictionless digital eSIM activation is one of the ways they can do this.
Discovery service-based eSIM activation accomplishes this without requiring complicated integrations with OEMs. To this end, MNOs can use GSMA, Apple, and Samsung discovery services. A better solution, however, is a custom discovery service integrated with eKYC subscriber onboarding.
Workz provides cloud entitlement, eSIM orchestration, and eKYC solutions to MNOs.
We can develop and integrate a custom discovery service with your eKYC app to provide subscribers with a seamless digital activation experience while letting you retain full control over the activation process.
Here are some indicative prepaid eSIM card prices:
