To ensure the smooth running of an in-field mobile computers and WWAN, ProScan's services include Activation and Provisioning of cellular network SIM cards for WWAN-capable data collection devices:

Activation

This is the process of establishing a subscriber account with the respective Wireless WAN cellular service provider. Activation allows the device to be recognised on the carrier’s network. As soon as Activation takes place, charges for subscriber services may start accruing. Without Activation, the device may be operational, but it is not authorised to join the network and send or receive data or voice.

Provisioning

This is the process of configuring the WWAN-capable end device so that it is physically and logically capable of authenticating to the carrier network. Provisioning enables the device to receive and send data and voice signals. Without Provisioning, the device may be registered on the carrier’s Wireless Wide Area Network, and probably accruing service fees, but is not physically capable of sending or receiving data or voice over the WWAN. Provisioning can only take place while the device is “in hand”, and cannot be performed remotely.

Summary

Enabling WWAN Capability

Differences in WWAN service carrier technology and operational methods may result in a variation of the way ProScan is able to process Activation or Provisioning service requests. Some carriers and technologies do not require Activation, for example. The length of time it takes for these procedures to be completed, may vary for the same reasons. In any case, it is important to remember that until Activation or Provisioning (or both, for some devices) has been completed, the WWAN-capable device is just that – capable, but not yet enabled.

As Provisioning requires the device to be in physical possession of the provisioning agent, and Activation requires exchange of WWAN account information between the user and the carrier, the conduct of these activities may add to the total amount of time it takes for purchased devices to arrive at the customer site. Because each device is uniquely associated with a WWAN service carrier account, neither Activation nor Provisioning can take place cost-effectively under mass-production factory conditions. And, as provisioning is technically a post-sale activity and requires physical possession of the device, customers will need to sign a transfer of title document so that ProScan technicians can legally perform work on the customer’s equipment once it has physically left the factory.