TS.43 is a key GSMA specification that defines the standardized procedure for service entitlement configuration on devices during activation or verification. Over the past decade, TS.43 has evolved, with Release 11 expanding its scope to include SIM and eSIM-based authentication across various network types and enabling secure, consent-based access for both operator and third-party services.
Today, it explicitly addresses IP-based telecom services such as Voice-over-WiFi (VoWiFi), Voice-over-LTE (VoLTE), 5G Voice over New Radio (VoNR), SMS over IP (SMSoIP), and On-Device Service Activation (ODSA) for both primary and companion devices.
TS.43 establishes a direct and secure interaction between the device’s entitlement client and the operator’s entitlement configuration server, enabling real-time verification of service availability and user subscription status. This process operates independently from general device provisioning flows, ensuring precise and dynamic entitlement checks.
Why Service Entitlement Matters for Operators and Device Manufacturers
For telecom operators and device manufacturers, service entitlement is a critical enabler of seamless, user-focused service activation. TS.43 simplifies and harmonizes entitlement verification across multiple advanced services and device types. This reduces operational complexity and accelerates time-to-market.
The Need for Standardized Entitlement Configuration
Before TS.43, service activation faced many challenges due to inconsistent and fragmented methods. Operators and device makers mainly used static provisioning approaches like GSMA TS.32, IR.51, and IR.92. These focused on general device or service setup but lacked real-time checks for user subscription or network readiness. As a result, services often failed to activate properly, causing poor user experience and extra operational work.
Limitations of Previous Entitlement Methods
- Relied on initial triggers such as SIM detection or factory reset only
- Did not verify if the user was actually entitled to the service at activation
- Lacked dynamic updates for subscription changes or network conditions
- Treated services independently, without unified activation across VoWiFi, VoLTE, SMSoIP, etc.
- Increased risk of revenue loss due to unauthorized service use
- Created inconsistent user experiences across devices and networks
TS.43 solves these problems by providing a standardized, device-based entitlement configuration protocol. It verifies subscription status and network readiness in real time. This enables seamless, user-driven activation across multiple IP-based services and connectivity options like cellular and Wi-Fi. The result is a more reliable, efficient, and user-friendly service activation process.
| Feature/Scope | TS.43 | TS.32 / IR.51 / IR.92 / RCC.14 |
| Primary Purpose | Service entitlement configuration | General service/device configuration |
| Timing in Service Lifecycle | After initial provisioning, at activation | During device setup/provisioning |
| Parameter Focus | User-specific, entitlement, activation | General, device/service-wide |
| User Subscription Awareness | Yes | No |
| Independence from Other Specs | Yes (standalone entitlement process) | No (part of broader provisioning) |
| Notification/Activation Features | Yes (e.g., SMS, cloud notifications) | No |
What is Service Entitlement?
Service entitlement refers to the applicability, availability, and status of a telecom service on a device before it can be offered to the end user. It defines whether a user’s subscription and the network’s readiness allow access to services like VoWiFi, VoLTE, SMS over IP (SMSoIP), or On-Device Service Activation (ODSA).
Essentially, entitlement is the permission granted to a device to use a specific service based on real-time checks against the user’s subscription profile and network conditions.
Entitlement vs. Service Configuration
GSMA TS.43 separates these two: entitlement is about authorization and status verification, while service configuration deals with device settings and network parameters defined in other GSMA specs like IR.51 and IR.92.
- Entitlement determines if a service can be activated or used by the user on a device.
- Service configuration involves setting the technical parameters that enable the service to function properly on the device.
Applicability, Availability, and Status of Services on Devices
The entitlement client on the device queries the Entitlement Configuration Server to receive this information. Based on the response, the device can dynamically activate or deactivate the service, prompt the user for consent, or display relevant information.
- Applicability: Is the service relevant to the device and user subscription?
- Availability: Is the network ready and capable of supporting the service?
- Status: Is the service currently enabled, disabled, or pending activation?
How TS.43 Affects Major Services
VoWiFi (Voice-over-WiFi)
TS.43 enables dynamic entitlement checks for VoWiFi. Devices verify user subscription and network readiness before activating the service. It supports regulatory requirements like Terms & Conditions and physical address capture, ensuring compliant and seamless VoWiFi activation.
VoLTE (Voice-over-LTE)
For VoLTE, TS.43 ensures activation only occurs if the user is entitled and the network supports it. This real-time verification prevents unauthorized use and allows immediate updates on service status, improving reliability.
VoNR (Voice over New Radio, 5G)
TS.43 extends entitlement verification to 5G VoNR, confirming that both subscription and network capabilities permit service activation. This facilitates smooth transitions to 5G voice services with consistent user experience.
SMS over IP (SMSoIP)
With TS.43, SMS over IP activation is tied to entitlement checks. Devices enable SMSoIP only if permitted by subscription and network conditions, ensuring secure and controlled messaging services.
eSIM Activation
TS.43 governs entitlement for eSIM activation on companion and primary devices. The device communicates with the entitlement server to verify eligibility and network readiness before activating the eSIM profile, supporting flexible, user-driven activation.
Benefits for Carriers and End-Users
- Carriers gain precise control over service access, reducing revenue leakage and ensuring compliance. They can dynamically manage advanced services like VoWiFi and eSIM activation with confidence.
- End-users enjoy faster, smoother service activation with fewer errors. They only see services they are entitled to, improving clarity and user satisfaction.
By unifying entitlement logic across key mobile services, TS.43 enhances automation, compliance, and reliability for both operators and subscribers.
Conclusions
By bringing real-time entitlement checks and seamless user verification together, TS.43 helps operators deliver services that just work, without frustrating delays or guesswork. For device makers and carriers, it offers a clear, consistent framework that simplifies complexity and supports new technologies like 5G and eSIM. Ultimately, TS.43 makes life easier for everyone involved—operators, manufacturers, and most importantly, the end users who expect their services to be ready when they need them.
Get in touch with the GTC team if you have any questions related to the new TS.43 standard.
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Global Telco Consult (GTC) is a trusted independent business messaging consultancy with deep domain knowledge in application-to-person (A2P) services. GTC provides tailor-made messaging strategies to enterprises, messaging service providers, operators and voice carriers. We have expertise in multiple messaging channels such as RCS, Viber, WhatsApp, Telegram and SMS for the wholesale and retail industry. Additionally, GTC offers Digital Identity and Fraud advisory services, aiding clients in navigating the complexities of digital identity verification and fraud prevention, while also providing Recruitment services, assisting businesses in acquiring top talent within the telecom and technology sectors.
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