The News: T-Mobile introduced T-Mobile secure access service edge (SASE), a network management and Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) platform that helps customers securely connect employees, systems, and endpoints to remote networks, corporate applications, and resources. The new security offering, which includes T-SIMsecure, SASE device client, Private Access, Secure Internet Access, and T-Mobile Security Slice, will be available for organizations by the end of 2023. Read the full press release on the T-Mobile website.
MWC23 LV: T-Mobile Dazzles With SASE and Slicing Breakthroughs
Analyst Take: T-Mobile debuted T-Mobile SASE, a SIM-based SASE solution that also offers customers a network slice dedicated to SASE traffic. T-Mobile’s innovative offering consists of components designed to ease how organizations protect vital corporate data and network resources from nearly anywhere. Organizations are relying more on software-based solutions, such as SASE, to better defend their corporate assets from expanding cybersecurity threats. For instance, 68% of business leaders feel that cybersecurity risks are increasing, according to Accenture.
However, existing software-based SASE offers protection only when client software is downloaded onto devices and configured, creating administrative complexity for IT and security teams while potentially leaving devices unguarded such as routers and IoT hardware. As such, T-Mobile collaborated with Versa Networks to offer T-SIMsecure, a new SIM-based SASE solution that uses International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) and International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) for clientless authentication.
T-Mobile’s hardware-based component approach enables devices that are connected to T-Mobile’s network to be automatically authorized through the SIM card. From my view, the offering can streamline workload demands and strengthen security policy control for IT and security teams by decreasing administrative burdens. Plus, the mobile experience can be improved for today’s increasingly distributed workforce including frontline and field services workers as well as employees working from remote locations.
Organizations can integrate their IoT devices and routers into their overall SASE implementation, avoiding potential security gap nightmares. Notably, devices without a T-Mobile SIM can still download and set up the SASE device client regardless of Wi-Fi network or alternative carrier.
T-Mobile SASE: Ensuring Comprehensive Organization-Wide Security
T-Mobile SASE delivers two additional security capabilities that are integral to the implementation of a comprehensive SASE architecture. Accordingly, Private Access protects business applications and data on the corporate network using a ZTNA-based approach to virtual private networks (VPNs) that provides devices with secure, direct, least privileged access that ensures only authorized employees have access to organization data and applications regardless of location. Secure Internet Access protects internet-connected devices from threats such as malware, viruses, and ransomware through features such as web filtering (secure web gateway), protection for SaaS applications (Cloud Access Security Broker), and advanced IT network security (next-gen firewall).
Moreover, T-Mobile offers T-Mobile Security Slice as part of its SASE solution. I see T-Mobile establishing swift differentiation for its network slice capability through time-to-market advantages over its top-tier carrier rivals. T-Mobile’s offering can utilize its nationwide 5G standalone (SA) network to use 5G SA-enabled devices that provide improved latency and enhanced mobile broadband speeds that compare favorably to Wi-Fi, LTE, and 5G non-SA with built-in security and control safeguards.
I see the new T-Mobile SASE solution aligning fully with the rapid growth of the overall SASE market. Specifically, SASE adoption increased by 33% in 2022, and the market is expected to generate $9 billion in revenue by the end of 2023. This growth provides T-Mobile with a high upside market opportunity to diversify and expand its revenue, taking advantage of its built-in nationwide 5G SA network capabilities.
Key Takeaway: T-Mobile SASE Stirs Competitive Landscape, Threatens Verizon and AT&T
From my view, T-Mobile SASE puts competitive pressure on key rivals Verizon and AT&T to refresh their respective SASE offerings. Both operators launched their SASE packages in 2021 with fanfare. However, Verizon and AT&T have not subsequently moved the needle with their respective SASE solutions. Verizon is also aligned with Versa plus Zscaler, Cisco, and Palo Alto Networks in supporting its managed SASE service, while AT&T is partnered with Fortinet to support its managed SASE offering. Now both operators need to update their managed SASE offerings by the end of the year or risk losing significant mind share and influence across the enterprise realm.
Overall, I believe T-Mobile SASE, including the T-SIMsecure and Security Slice innovations, can provide T-Mobile competitive advantages over key rivals in meeting the mounting cybersecurity threats of its customers underpinned by its unmatched nationwide 5G SA network.
Disclosure: The Futurum Group is a research and advisory firm that engages or has engaged in research, analysis, and advisory services with many technology companies, including those mentioned in this article. The author does not hold any equity positions with any company mentioned in this article.
Analysis and opinions expressed herein are specific to the analyst individually and data and other information that might have been provided for validation, not those of The Futurum Group as a whole.
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Author Information
Ron is an experienced, customer-focused research expert and analyst, with over 20 years of experience in the digital and IT transformation markets, working with businesses to drive consistent revenue and sales growth.
Ron holds a Master of Arts in Public Policy from University of Nevada — Las Vegas and a Bachelor of Arts in political science/government from William and Mary.
