How Android Device Management Solutions Save Time in Telecom
For many telecoms, product bundling is a great way to extend their customers’ lifetime value. Compared to the dial-up systems introduced a few decades ago, broadband services offer faster and better connections to the internet. With so much bandwidth available, telcos can afford to offer customers smart device bundles that significantly boost their subscription use. To keep these devices running in optimal condition, they rely on strong Android device management platforms.
Device bundles typically include mobile phones, tablets, smart TVs, and set-top boxes (STBs). But thanks to streaming services, Android TV-powered smart TVs and STBs are among the most popular bundle devices with households.
Despite deploying device bundles to customer homes, telcos still hold control of these units. These companies remain the primary stakeholders in charge of managing, maintaining, and securing their fleet bundles. Having reliable Android device management software provides the complete solution. What’s more, device managers also allow telcos to deliver push messages, send advisories, and communicate directly with subscribers.
Simplifying Device Provisioning and Enrollment
Remote connectivity is the key element to every successful Android device management platform. Using cloud technology, IT administrators can connect with one, several, or all telco devices to monitor device health, perform maintenance services, collect usage data, or deploy security measures.
Cloud connectivity also means setting up new units easier after delivery to new subscribers. Instead of requiring customers to bring their new devices for setup at the nearest service center, they can just set them up remotely in their own homes.
Most devices come pre-installed with the needed software to run popular streaming and social services. However, users can also download and install additional software updates remotely. At the same time, telco IT admins help simplify the onboarding process via preconfigured settings and policies.
Centralized Management and Remote Control
It’s important for telcos to stay connected to their bundled devices—especially those running under active subscriptions. Smart devices perform optimally when they run on up-to-date system software and firmware. In addition, individual applications require constant updates and occasional patches. Until they get the latest updates, some software features simply won’t function.
Having a reliable Android device management platform ensures that all telco devices remain connected to the system. As a result of this connectivity, they can receive the needed updates, fixes, and patches as soon as they become available.
And instead of asking users to perform the updates, admins can initiate the maintenance tasks as needed. They can target only the affected devices, certain batches, or the entire fleet. More importantly, admins are able to schedule the fixes during device downtimes to minimize disruptions. They can wait for device idle times before initiating the sequence to download and install files.
Troubleshooting problems and resolving issues also take a similar tack. IT admins can remotely take over devices to diagnose problems and apply the necessary fixes. This remote method is far more efficient and less expensive than sending your IT staff out into the field every time a device needs repairs. It also reduces the dependence on service calls during the troubleshooting process.
Automating Security and Compliance Measures
Like most smart devices, personal data passes through bundled telco devices to access certain services. This usually consists of the user’s personal data, which can include payment information.
Certain areas fall under specific privacy guidelines. Relying on end users to handle compliance with applicable privacy laws can pose some significant risks. Instead, the right Android device management software can ensure that private data within each device remains hidden and secure. This includes enforcing strict password protocols that require alphanumeric characters and frequent changes.
Compliance with local privacy rules can also mean applying stringent encryption methods during data transmission. To generate maximum protection, Android device management platforms should utilize secure cloud servers such as Amazon Web Services (AWS). AWS uses an industry-standard AES-256 encryption algorithm and provides reduced latency.
Android Device Management Software Can Implement Security Services
The right Android device management software can also bring an added dimension to securing individual bundled units. Using the broadcasting feature, customer service agents can send reminders to subscribers with delinquent accounts. Lack of action can lead to admins disabling or freezing devices pending the resolution of outstanding dues.
Admins can also enforce strict security protocols when devices are in danger of getting compromised. Lost, missing, or stolen devices can broadcast their location so admins can arrange recovery efforts. If there’s an imminent threat of data breach or device theft, admins can disable devices or remotely wipe data to render the units useless.
Simplifying App and Content Distribution
Like other smart devices, applications remain the main driver for the increased usage of telco bundles. Android TV is the telco version of the highly popular Android operating system. As such, it allows subscribers to install their favourite mobile apps on their smart TVs and STBs, including streaming and social apps.
With Android device management software, managing apps becomes much easier. The device manager can store app updates in the cloud so users can access and install the latest updates on demand. Cloud access is also great for fleet management, as it lets admins perform critical updates across the board. Should users encounter problems with the new version, admins can easily roll back updates and impose version control.
Android device management also helps with monitoring and analytics tasks. Remote accessibility means C-suite executives and analysts can gather usage data from devices and generate insights. Management can then use these learnings when setting future directions.
Manage, Maintain, and Secure Telco Devices With Android Device Management
When telcos invest in tools to enhance the customer experience, they should include Android device management. Offering bundled devices to telco subscribers to increase their broadband usage is a step in the right direction.
However, telcos should also make sure that these devices remain well-managed, maintained, and secured throughout their lifespans. Subjecting users to downtime due to manual updates or user-initiated repair sessions can dilute their experience.
By making these routine tasks automatic and cloud-based, users can get more bang for the buck on their telco bundle acquisitions. This results in more loyal customers, longer contracts, and improved lifetime values.
