Powering cellular smartwatch connectivity with Telstra Wholesale eSIM Companion Plan
Smartphones are a vital part of everyday life. However, the way we stay connected on the move is becoming increasingly diverse, thanks in large part to wearable technology.
In 2022, the number of wearable devices worldwide soared past 1.1 billion. This growth is primarily driven by smartwatches, with analysts expecting 400 million smartwatches to be sold globally in 2026. Recent data shows Australians are enthusiastic adopters of smartwatches , with 36% now owning a smartwatch.
We are launching eSIM Companion Plan to help MVNOs seize the opportunity in wearables and create a new channel to customers with smartwatches.
With companion device plans our customers can be among the first MVNOs in Australia to support eSIM-enabled connectivity for smartwatches. eSIM Companion Plan will be available on both pre and post paid plans, making our MVNO customers among the very first pre-paid services sellers in Australia to add companion device plans.
Grow revenue and delight customers
There's a strong consumer appetite for the freedom offered by cellular-enabled smartwatches. According to research by Ericsson, “83 percent of all smartphone users expect wearables to have some form of standalone connectivity.”
Cellular connectivity enables end users to use their companion device for voice and data, independently from their paired smartphone. Consumers can leave their phone at home while they go for a run for example, safe in the knowledge they will be connected through their smartwatch.
Meeting customer demand for standalone smartwatch connectivity can help MVNOs increase the average revenue per user (ARPU) by adding incremental revenue from the companion plan.
As well as ARPU gains, creating a mobile ecosystem offering can help to differentiate the brand and increase customer retention. Value-added bundles combining wearable and mobile connectivity can help make customers stickier when they take more products and services from their MVNO.
Deliver an easy, intuitive user experience
According to Omdia, “Smart devices that ‘just work’ with little to no effort from the consumer stand the greatest chance of success.’ We have built an automated activation process to make set up as simple as possible. End users can get their smartwatch connected simply and quickly, all through their primary device.
It’s also easy for MVNOs to offer, activate and manage companion devices. Simple add-on pricing, and service management through the Telstra Wholesale Mobile Evolution platform make it straightforward to offer smartwatch connectivity.
With Telstra Wholesale One Number functionality, end users will share their existing mobile number with their smartwatch. MVNOs have the option to offer separate data allowances for the smartwatch, or share the primary device’s data pool.
We have automated the activation process, which means end users can get their smartwatch connected simply and quickly, all through their primary device.
Companion device connectivity on a trusted network
Connected smartwatches on our network will have the same coverage as end users’ primary mobile devices. MVNOs will be able offer their customers smartwatch connectivity on a trusted network with a huge 1.6m square km footprint and 4G coverage reaching more than 98.7% of the Australian population.
Investing in the future of mobile
Our new companion device plans are just the start of our consumer IoT journey. We’re committed to working with our partners, including world-leading radio connectivity provider Ericsson, to deliver high quality experiences of bringing MVNOs new opportunities for growth and differentiation.
With simple activations, and extensive mobile coverage, MVNOs can now offer consumers the freedom to stay connected without their mobile phones.
To find out more about this exciting opportunity, visit our eSIM Companion Device Plan page.
