Jola Cloud Solutions' Blog

Mobile Manager is Jola’s unique mobile data management platform. It is multi-carrier and has the ability to eliminate bill shock for end users.

Mobile Manager is used by MSPs and resellers to order and manage mobile data SIMs. The white label portal communicates in real-time with multiple 4G networks. Partners can grant access to their end users to view data usage and manage SIMs. Mobile Manager handles SIM activations, ceases, suspensions, reports, alerts and bolt-ons. It also allows you to create and manage data pools and Private APNs.

Why was Mobile Manager developed?

It was designed to help channel partners grow profitable revenue streams from SIM-only solutions. Our partners win opportunities for DSL and Ethernet 4G back-up, fixed line replacement, IoT and M2M projects as well as SIM base moves from large corporates. Resellers can brand and package their own 4G data solutions for multiple devices all over the world.

How does it manage overages?

Mobile Manager solves the problem of bill shock from data overages by allowing partners to track usage and add bolt-ons to help eliminate overage charges completely. This is the exact opposite of what the market typically does. Carriers earn super-profits from overage charges and the channel loses customers because of it. We are the first company in the channel to challenge this and put the resellers and their customers first.

Can it support multiple networks?

Yes. For applications where it is critical to have a strong 4G internet connection at all times, businesses are opting for un-steered multi-network roaming SIMs. These SIM cards have no preferred network, therefore always connect to the strongest 4G signal.

We offer a range of multi-network and roaming options. Our Tariff Tool allows MSPs to select the countries and data allowance they need and obtain all the in-country 3G and 4G roaming network packages available.

Pooled Data

Pooled data is the ability to have 4G data shared across more than one associated SIM card. Pooled data plans allow unused data from low users to be gifted to high users, to help negate overage charges.

What types of pools are available?

Fixed pools are available for resellers who know how much data they need for their customer. Their monthly data usage is predictable, and the customer wants to pay for an amount of data each month, which can be shared across multiple users.

Aggregated pools are available for resellers whose customer’s SIM estates are growing or shrinking. The pool increases or decreases every time a data SIM is added or removed.

Buffer pools are available to help negate overage charges at an account and network level. Resellers need to buy separate buffer pools for each carrier network; however, they can use the buffer to negate any overage charge from that carrier in their estate. It reduces the data overage cost significantly.

Jola

Jola is the leading supplier of mobile data SIMs to the channel. We are the ‘anti-bill shock’ company and introduced a white label management SIM portal called Mobile Manager, to help the channel control data usage and eliminate bill shock.

Our partners win more 4G data opportunities, by analysing customer data usage and proposing competitive and flexible solutions. Resellers can set up data pools themselves, assign or remove SIMs from pools, and protect customers from high data overage costs, using alerts and Buffer Pools.

It is well-documented that mobile data can be expensive, if you go over your monthly allowance. Businesses need to predict their monthly usage accurately, to avoid data overage charges.

Unlimited 4G

SMEs may be tempted to choose unlimited options directly from the mobile carriers, however heavy users run the risk of throttling by the networks, slowing down their services. Some of these are residential products and business resellers servicing this market are keen to provide a solution that is fit-for-purpose and priced competitively, to create good recurring margin.

Jola

Jola is the leading supplier of mobile data SIMs to the channel. We are the ‘anti-bill shock’ company and introduced a white label management SIM portal, to help the channel control data usage and eliminate bill shock.

Our partners win more 4G data opportunities, by analysing customer data usage and proposing competitive and flexible solutions. Resellers can set up data pools themselves, assign or remove SIMs from pools, and protect customers from high data overage costs, using alerts and Buffer Pools. We also offer a managed 4G router with a no bill-shock guarantee.

Mobile Manager

JolaMobile SIMs, pools and private APNs are managed by Jola’s unique portal, Mobile Manager. By logging in, resellers can view usage data, set-up alerts, add auto-bolt-ons and manage SIMs directly.

Resellers selling voice and data SIMs to businesses often find themselves up against the carriers directly. How do they compete?

Compare and contrast

They gather as much information as they can on the competition. If they have a good relationship with the customer, they may obtain details about the exact deal they are up against. By analysing the customer’s bill, existing requirements and competitive offer, they pitch a customised deal with an edge.

Offer a mix of networks

Some customers have a network preference, but some networks are stronger than others in particular areas. Users also have a preference. Offering a mix of networks rather than the single network offering from the carrier, can be powerful.

Contract terms

Often the carriers demand longer contract terms. More flexible contract terms can sometimes be the difference to clinch the deal.

Demand 

4G is widely available in the UK with typical download speeds of around 20Mb/s and theoretical speeds of up to 150Mb/s. We have seen a surge in demand for data-only SIMs for mobile broadband solutions in rural areas, on construction sites and in retail outlets.

Benefits

4G is fast, reliable and quick to set up. Jola, offers up to 500GB data packages on short-term contracts. Data SIMs are available on all the major mobile networks, with back-dateable bolt-ons and management tools.

Bill shock

The issue for many is bill shock. Unlike FTTC, which is largely unlimited (usually with a fair use policy), mobile broadband is sold with monthly usage allowances and financial penalties for over-usage.

Mobile Manager

To allow resellers to manage large estates of mobile data SIMs, Jola developed Mobile Manager. Mobile Manager handles SIM activations, ceases, suspensions, reports, alerts and bolt-ons. SIMs are managed in real-time. Pooled data and data buffers are available to share data usage across estates and avoid bill shock. Self-serve Private APNs can be set-up and managed within Mobile Manager for private 4G networks and seamless private 4G fail-over solutions.

JolaNet 4G

For resellers wanting to send a pre-configured 4G routers to site, they are available next day, JolaNet 4G is a managed 4G router with an integrated data SIM. Choose from a selection of data SIMs from all the leading mobile network operators, multi-network and Fixed IP options. Resellers can view data usage directly from the device in five minute intervals. It comes with a no bill-shock guarantee.

Are you winning clients who need private networks in multiple locations, with 4G back-up? Could you benefit from direct control over SIM assets and the ability to aggregate data across sites?

Jola provides a range of data-only SIM packages including multi-network roaming SIMs with pooled data options. MSPs only need to contract with one supplier. They have access to an automated management portal and complete visibility and control over their entire SIM estate.

Jola partners don’t need to survey each site to establish the best signal. Our multi-network SIMs connect to the strongest available signal in the EU. Having all the networks isolates issues to the device rather than the network.

MSPs are able to order new SIMs and pools, add SIMs to pools, set up alerts and monitor the pool. If any site fails, they have a data pool to draw from and a buffer. They can even set up and manage private APNs.

We partner with some of the world’s largest MSPs, managing private networks for blue chip companies globally. We are a more attractive alternative to partnering with multiple in-country mobile network operators.

In a market where businesses can put residential SIMs in routers and setting up channel relationships with the networks is challenging, what are the benefits of working with channel specialists?

Avoid the risk of being cut-off

Most networks’ terms and conditions prohibit the use of residential services in business environments. By using SIMs designed for consumer mobile phones, you run the risk of having your service switched off. This could damage the relationship you have with your end user, who could lose service unexpectedly until you can get the SIM replaced. This is much more difficult when devices are scattered across the globe.

Avoid the complexity of managing multiple relationships

To buy business SIMs directly from the mobile networks, you need to establish relationships and manage multiple portals. Some mobile networks do not offer wholesale or resale and insist that you set up an MVNO. If you don’t have a channel model you may be losing out on recurring revenue and run the risk of losing your end user to the networks directly.

Find the best package in seconds

With so many packages available, how do you know you are proposing the best solution for your customers? This is where specialists like Jola come into their own. They have established relationships with all the mobile carriers and have their own APIs and ordering and management systems.

The UK Security System Services market consists of 2,203 businesses, employing over ten thousand employees, generating £1.4bn in revenue with an annual growth of 11.8%. Factors driving growth are concerns over a rise in crime and the threat of terrorism. Businesses are upgrading security systems and Governments are focussing on national security. 

Security specialists are investing in 4G to provide internet connectivity in rural locations, where 4G speeds are fast and fixed line services are slow. 4G CCTV is growing in popularity, as they don’t require direct power or a WiFi connection. 

4G Broadband

4G broadband packages are available, providing WiFi connection with up to 300GB monthly data allowance, on short-term contracts.

Managed 4G WiFi

Pre-configured 4G routers are available with next-day delivery, with a choice of contract terms for companies who want to monitor data usage and avoid bill shock.

4G Failover

Wireless 4G connectivity provides a powerful failover solution, ensuring there is a connection to central databases and systems if the fixed line fails. It can also provide primary connectivity in rural locations where fixed line speeds are not sufficient.

Many organisations use 4G for temporary connectivity initially, while they wait for the fixed line to be installed, and then continue to use it for failover afterwards – maximising the return on their investment.

4G CCTV

Data SIMs with static IP addresses within 4G routers allow users to access their CCTV camera footage, when fixed line connectivity is not available. Un-steered multi-network roaming SIM packages always connect to the strongest signal. External antenna can increase signal strength and routers are generally pre-configured for a plug-and play solution, that works in every location.

According to a recent report, global spending on IoT in manufacturing is predicted to grow from £1.3 billion in 2018 to £9.9 billion in 2024. IoT is enabling M2M devices, which Capgemini estimate will worth £5.45 billion by 2020.

Four key elements driving demand for IoT in manufacturing are cost reduction, shorter-time-to-market, mass customisation and a desire for improved safety.

Cost reduction

Optimising asset and inventory management can reduce machine downtime, make operations more agile, improve energy efficiency and lower operational costs.

Shorter time to market

Faster, more efficient manufacturing and supply chain management can reduce production times and get products to market faster.

Mass customisation

Products can be tailored and produced in volume. IoT facilitates mass customisation by becoming a source of real-time data.

Improved safety

IoT can help to make workplaces safer. Wearable devices can help to monitor potentially hazardous substances, giving employees early warning signs to put on protective equipment or evacuate the area.

EE

You may have read that EE launched the UK's first next-generation 5G mobile network, with a concert by Stormzy, live-streamed from a boat on the River Thames.

5G is promising to deliver a better mobile experience, delivering faster internet speeds and a more reliable data connection in busy places. EE is promoting a near-instant connection when opening apps and websites, playing games or connecting to smart home devices.5G is available on EE with 5G handsets in limited areas of Belfast, Birmingham, Cardiff, Edinburgh, London and Manchester.

Vodafone

Vodafone is planning to switch on its 5G network for both consumers and direct business customers in seven cities across the UK in July 2019. Vodafone will also offer 5G roaming in the UK, Germany, Italy and Spain over the summer. Vodafone is pricing 5G the same as 4G and has four 5G smartphone models, with a home router due to launch shortly.

Three

Three announced that it will be switching on its 5G network in August. Three’s 5G network will initially be launched as a home broadband service in London, and then rolled out to the following places before the end of the year:

London, Birmingham, Bolton, Bradford, Brighton, Bristol, Cardiff, Coventry, Derby, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Hull, Leeds, Leicester, Liverpool, Manchester, Middlesbrough, Milton Keynes, Nottingham, Reading, Rotherham, Sheffield, Slough, Sunderland and Wolverhampton.