BT and Ivanti Partner on Secure by Design, Remote e-SIM

Swapping a physical SIM from a mobile phone is a relatively quick task, but imagine having to change thousands of SIMs across dozens of countries.

That idea is now not as far-fetched as it might seem. With mobile device management (MDM) platforms, it is possible to configure eSIM connectivity remotely across thousands of Android devices without any manual intervention.

BT Business and Ivanti have worked with Android to create this very capability, allowing IT security teams to provision network access through the same systems they use to enforce security policies and application controls.

The solution addresses one of the more time-consuming aspects of deploying corporate mobile devices. Organisations no longer need to physically handle each handset or guide users through manual setup processes that could introduce configuration errors.

Remote provisioning through MDM

MDM platforms allow IT departments to configure and secure devices used across an organisation. The new integration adds eSIM installation to these existing workflows.

Businesses can now set up connectivity for new devices while applying corporate security policies and required applications. This approach means device security controls and network access can be configured together from the start of the device lifecycle.

IT teams gain visibility over mobile deployments from day one. The system treats connectivity provisioning and device management as a single workflow rather than separate processes.

Devices can either install eSIMs automatically or through a short installation process using a single digital route. According to the companies, this is the first time a telecoms provider has enabled businesses to install and activate eSIMs directly through an MDM platform.

Security risks of manual processes

The capability could address pressure on IT security departments to reduce manual processes that might introduce errors.

The announcement notes that 92% of security professionals report that automation reduces response times when dealing with security incidents.

"As organisations scale their mobile fleets, setting up connectivity must be as automated and manageable as the devices themselves," says Bruce Payne, Principal Field CTO at Ivanti.

"Embedding eSIM installation and activation directly into the management workflow allows organisations to further standardise provisioning, reduce manual effort and maintain control as mobile estates grow."

Bruce added that the collaboration with Android and BT could help businesses improve user experience by removing unnecessary complexity and making large-scale Android deployments faster and more consistent.

By removing manual steps from the eSIM setup process, organisations could reduce the risk of configuration errors while accelerating how quickly devices reach end users.

Ivanti follows Secure by Design principles in its product development. Its core offering is its AI-based Neurons platform, which works to provide users with visibility, scalability and secure solution implementation.

Platform integration for fleet deployment

The collaboration brings together Android's device ecosystem, Ivanti's management platform capabilities and BT's mobile expertise.

"Customers want devices that are ready when their people need them," says Sally Fuller, Mobile and Unified Mobility Director at BT.

"Working with Android and Ivanti has allowed us to create a simple and reliable way to switch on connectivity across Android devices.

"It removes processes which can slow organisations down and replaces it with a single digital process that works sustainably and at scale."

BT Business is one of BT Group's four customer-facing business units. The others are Consumer, Openreach and International.

Recently though, BT Group and Verizon Communications announced they have signed an agreement to merge their international enterprise operations into a 50:50 joint venture.

The new entity will serve more than 3,000 customers across more than 180 countries, generating approximately US$4bn in combined annual revenue.