GSMA Partners With NetLync to Launch Next-Generation Device Entitlement Platform

The new platform allows mobile network operators around the world to streamline device activation and management, enhancing connectivity and user experience

September 4, 2025, London - GSMA, the global mobile industry association, today announced the launch of GSMA Entitlements, a new innovative cloud-based platform to help mobile operators rapidly activate and manage next-generation features and applications on devices that operate using Apple iOS and Android platforms.

In partnership with telecom software company NetLync, GSMA Entitlements helps mobile network operators (both MNOs and MVNOs) simplify and speed up the time it takes to activate new services, including eSIM Transfer, Satellite messaging, Cross RCS, 5G data management, VoWiFI, and companion devices. The platform is designed to help network operators overcome costly and complex onboarding processes, accelerate their time to market, and comply with device manufacturer requirements - without the need to build or maintain their own entitlements infrastructure.

Traditional entitlement server setups require several months of custom development and integration work using device maker specifications, and the process is repeated when new features or specifications emerge from device manufacturers.

Sianne Ryder, General Manager, GSMA Services, said: "GSMA Entitlements marks a major step forward in simplifying mobile feature activation. As connectivity evolves, operators need solutions that are fast, secure, and device manufacturer-compliant by default. Our platform removes the integration burden, shortens deployment times, and helps operators of all sizes deliver seamless experiences across devices and operating systems."

GSMA Entitlements helps all operators quickly launch new features in as little as four to six weeks using NetLync's Diameter Security Gateway (DSG). The service achieves this by combining SaaS and PaaS capabilities and single integration with the GSMA's Network Settings Exchange (NSX) service. GSMA is increasingly focussed on enabling stronger operator manufacturer engagement through its interoperability solutions. GSMA Entitlements, on top of interoperability testing and NSX services further enforces this.

Solving an industry-wide challenge

Mobile operators are facing increasing pressure to deliver seamless device experiences and reduce operational costs while managing the complexity of multiple use cases and proprietary device manufacturer processes and standards.

Google, Samsung, and other Android device manufacturers now require entitlement servers for full compatibility with the latest GSMA specifications for eSIM, RCS, companion devices and 5G services. Apple requires entitlements to provision iOS features, such as eSIM Quick Transfer, Apple Watch, device authentication for FaceTime and iMessage and cross platform RCS. In response, most operators either work with third-party vendors or build custom in-house solutions - a costly, time consuming, and often piecemeal process, especially when onboarding new features or platforms.

GSMA Entitlements changes that, enabling operators to centrally manage feature activation across both Android and iOS devices, authenticating users and devices, coordinating with device makers, and delivering policy-driven configurations to the device, all in one central platform with advanced AI assisted APIs and reporting features.

Emir Aboulhosn, CEO & Co-Founder, NetLync, said: "NetLync was founded to simplify entitlement deployments and accelerate innovation. With GSMA Entitlements, we're delivering the industry's first true Entitlements-as-a-Service platform, built from the ground up for speed, transparency, and agility. By working hand-in-hand with OEMs and carriers worldwide, we're enabling operators of every size to integrate new features in weeks, measure performance in real time, and confidently be ready for the future. We are excited to partner with the GSMA to empower operators and set higher standards for the industry."

GSMA Entitlements key capabilities

GSMA Entitlements supports a wide range of features and future use cases, including:

• Developer led platform for self-onboarding, testing, diagnosis and reporting

• eSIM transfer (Android)

• eSIM Quick Transfer (iOS)

• Cross-platform RCS messaging

• VoLTE and VoWiFi provisioning

• Apple Watch

• Android Wear (including Samsung)

• Satellite messaging (Android)

• iMessage and FaceTime authentication

• Phone number verification (Android)

• Hotspot tethering

• EAP-AKA device authentication (iOS and Android)

The service is also fully compliant with device manufacturer entitlement specifications (including GSMA TS.43) and is already trusted by leading operators globally. Additionally, GSMA Entitlements works alongside existing entitlement solutions, offering a low-risk, futureproof upgrade path with no disruption to current operations.

In fact, most operator customers who have trialled the service have integrated GSMA Entitlements into their OSS/BSS stack in just four weeks, using only two or three developers.

GSMA Industry Services will be hosting a Showcase Live webinar on "Improving the user experience for iPhone with GSMA's Network Settings Exchange & Entitlement services" with Apple and NetLync on September 24th at 11:00 BST. Find out more: here.

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About GSMA

The GSMA is a global organisation unifying the mobile ecosystem to discover, develop and deliver innovation foundational to positive business environments and societal change. Our vision is to unlock the full power of connectivity so that people, industry, and society thrive. Representing mobile operators and organisations across the mobile ecosystem and adjacent industries, the GSMA delivers for its members across three broad pillars: Connectivity for Good, Industry Services and Solutions, and Outreach. This activity includes advancing policy, tackling today's biggest societal challenges, underpinning the technology and interoperability that make mobile work, and providing the world's largest platform to convene the mobile ecosystem at the MWC and M360 series of events.

We invite you to find out more at gsma.com

About NetLync

NetLync, led by a dedicated team of telecom industry experts, collaborates closely with OEMs, successfully launching Entitlement-as-a-Service that get MNOs and MVNOs up and running with enhanced cellular features at little cost. Headquartered in Dublin, with offices in London and Vancouver, NetLync addresses challenges faced by carriers and OEMs, preparing for the upcoming era of digital acquisition and onboarding.

Media Contacts

GSMA Press Office
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