Airtel Africa has selected Nokia’s iSIM Secure Connect technology, in a software-as-a-service (SaaS) delivery model, as part of the operator’s wider digitalisation efforts to offer its customers 5G and internet of things (IoT)-based on-demand services.
Nokia’s telecom SaaS, integrated SaaS SIM (iSIM) Secure Connect technology provides communication service providers (CSPs) and enterprises with the capability to securely manage machine-to-machine and consumer device subscriptions for eSIM- and iSIM-enabled devices. Integrated SIM (iSIM) and embedded SIM (eSIM) will give Airtel the ability to remotely store and manage multiple subscriptions for authenticating users and devices on its network.
Nokia has already supported Airtel in deploying iSIM Secure Connect earlier in Nigeria. Airtel now plans to roll out the solution in ten other African markets over the next year. Nokia and Airtel completed a successful pilot project at the end of 2022.
Commenting on the development, Razvan Ungureanu, chief technology officer and information officer, Airtel Africa, said, “We are very pleased to expand Airtel and Nokia’s long-standing partnership in this new area. Nokia iSIM technology gives us new network capabilities, including in the areas of verification and authentication services, while allowing us to offer new network service that our customers are increasingly looking for.”
Meanwhile, Rajiv Aggarwal, head, Central, East and West Africa (CEWA) market unit, Nokia, said, “We envision a world that is more productive with the digitalisation capabilities we build for our operator customers. Nokia iSIM capabilities enable faster service delivery and time-to-value to our customers. With these capabilities, we are proud to help Airtel in Africa expand its digitalisation efforts and provide its customers with new on-demand services, transforming their lives.”
