As a corporate or Internet Service Provider (ISP) the minimum time normally required to deliver an active 3G SIM card to your end user or customer is usually 72 hours, and in some cases can take up to a week.  In the past the only option to help expedite this process was for service providers to set up shop in their customer’s building. “Even with quick access to a service point customers or employees will still need a valid bar-coded ID book, proof of address, salary slip, manager’s authorisation letter and a contract to give to the shop assistant,” says Brett Steingo, Mobile Business Unit Manager at IS. “With any luck they will then be up and running within the 72-hour period normally required for provisioning this type of service.”

 

However, Steingo points out that resellers and procurement, logistic and admin officers are now able to provision 3G activation within 90 seconds, by simply removing a SIM card from storage, logging into IS’ Mobility Manager online and then activating the SIM by capturing user details. “This means that companies and service providers can have mobile users enabled almost instantly, ensuring that they have immediate access to the internet, email and corporate networks while on the go, thereby increasing workforce productivity,” says Steingo.

 

Additional functionality of IS’ Mobility Manager includes online account, user and usage management, simple but detailed itemised invoicing and billing online, as well as inventory control, all through a comprehensive online management system with an easy-to-use user interface. “Customers and service providers are also able to securely hold stock on-site, as de-activated SIM cards are not billed for,” comments Steingo. “Active SIM cards that are lost or stolen can also be deactivated within 90 seconds so that they are not fraudulently used.” Users can also receive automatic replenishments of inventory should stock levels reach a minimum threshold limit, ensuring that users always have sufficient SIM cards with which to activate new users.”

 

“IS’ Mobility Manager is therefore enabling simpler and more convenient mobile broadband connectivity, which is essential in today’s fast paced, mobile business world,” says Steingo. “It takes essential connectivity services that are readily available and turns them into powerful business tools through the functionality of the management and reporting tools bundled with the service,” he concludes.