Mobile Network Operator Approvals
If you are looking for ‘Out of Box’ real world user experience testing our testing solutions might be for you. The IoTAS team have years of experience testing consumer devices across MNOs globally; we are therefore in a great position to check that your product works as expected on the live network.
Test & Approvals
Why do you need Mobile Network Operator Approvals?
The answer is simple. Whilst your handset or device has undoubtedly been through lengthy development and conformance (compliance and regulatory requirements for radio transmissions, etc.) testing it will still need to be accepted for use on Operator networks. All handsets using wireless communications services across Mobile Network Operator (MNO) radio spectrum and infrastructures need to achieve approval from the Operators or risk having their devices barred or blacklisted. This is called Mobile Network Operator Approvals.
Seeking Operator approval can be a daunting task, and this is where IoTAS can help.
Over the years we have developed relationships with MNOs which have allowed us access to understanding the numerous approval processes and how they can be best answered. In the majority of cases additional Live Network Testing can be performed, either within the framework of the GCF or in accordance with a structured test program agreed by the Manufacturer, Operator and Test Organisation.
Test & ApprovalsTest & Approvals
Why use IoTAS?
Due to the unique relationships IoTAS has forged over the years and across the continents, we are able to provide formal Operator Approval testing, sometimes referred to as ‘pre-testing’,
Accordingly, IoTAS is ideally positioned to assist OEMs (Fully Certified and Open Market suppliers), module and chipset manufacturers with:
- Commercial introductions, depending upon location
- Consultancy and direct support of Operator Approval submissions
- Full pre-testing to an approved MNO specification
Test & Approvals
Lets Get You Approved
As MNOs own and control the delivery of mobile services including radio spectrum, infrastructure, billing, CS, etc., anyone wishing to achieve approval must demonstrate a fully compliant, compatible and quality assured device.
In addition, IoTAS can offer the full suite of Live Network Testing services including:
- Functional testing (Static/Mobility)
- Stability testing (KPI)
- IMS testing
- Regression testing
What do you do next?
Simply get in touch with IoTAS Sales and we will begin to explore your options, including the extent of Approval testing you will need to achieve (you may already have partial compliance) and additional Operator submissions required. A comprehensive testing program can be designed and executed in accordance with agreed timescales.
Discuss Your Testing Requirements
Test & Approvals
Open Market and MVNO Services
The rise of Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) has created competition with Mobile Network Operators (MNO) and driven down costs for end users.
Some handset manufacturers have taken advantage by selling Open Market models, which are sold directly to end users and free from carrier customisation.
Open Market handsets must be tested with a wide variety of MVNO SIM cards to ensure a good end user experience.
End users expect all supported features to work reliably, or they may choose to move to another MVNO provider and/or replace the Open Market handset with another model.
Open Market handsets are not SIM locked to the network provider, so end users can quickly change to another MVNO provider by simply inserting a different SIM card or putting a second SIM card into a dual SIM handset. All supported features must work reliably to avoid products being returned as faulty and the overall user experience must be good to ensure customers are happy and retained.
How the MVNO/MNO relationship works
The three core scenarios are:
MVNO leverages the resource from the MNO, sharing spectrum, base stations, and base station controllers.
MVNOs usually provide SIM cards and MSC/HLR to authenticate their users.
The MNO may restrict features or data speeds to differentiate their service from the cheaper MVNO.
Test & Approvals
How we test
Field testing is focused on checking the device under test works correctly with many different MVNO SIM cards. Test plans are carefully optimised to reduce duplication and increase test coverage, keeping costs down.
Our Live Network Testing, tailored to the customers’ requirements, comprises:
- Key selections of MVNO operators
- Device under test compared and assessed against a ‘known’ reference device
- Basic functionality
- Functionality (IOP)
- Stability (KPI)
Test & Approvals
Reporting
IoTAS will provide daily reports which include any test case failures observed during field testing. The final test report will be released at the end of the project, after being reviewed.
More in Test & Approvals
Specialist Support. Connected Expertise.
Consultancy, Design And Technical Support Services
The executive team at IoTAS has extensive experience working for leading manufacturers and test houses with hands-on knowledge in handset design, approvals management and field testing.
Regulatory and Type Approvals
IoTAS have the necessary experience and skills to provide device manufacturers with a complete Test & Approvals Management service to ensure that their products achieve the required industry approvals.
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