Ubigi for Business: Transatel’s Flagship for Global Connectivity Without Compromise

“How do you keep international teams productive, safe, and connected?” This question is at the heart of Transatel’s mission. With its “Ubigi for Business” solution, the company is tackling common pain points in corporate mobility while offering cost savings of up to 90% on international roaming fees. 
 
In an exclusive interview by Diana Künstler in Connect Professional, Transatel CEO Jacques Bonifay addresses the transformative power of eSIM technology and how it is redefining enterprise connectivity in an increasingly borderless world. 

Could you provide an overview of Transatel’s vision and mission, particularly with regard to the growth of Ubigi for Business?

Transatel’s mission is to deliver seamless global cellular connectivity. This vision is built on three key pillars: 

1. The Automotive Market: We provide connectivity solutions that empower automotive manufacturers to meet the sector’s connectivity needs and accelerate their digital transformation. 

2. The Connected Industries Market: Our IoT services are tailored to enhance the efficiency and performance of industrial enterprises. 

3. The End-User Connectivity Market: We simplify and secure connectivity for global travelers and corporate employees, ensuring seamless and cost-effective mobile access. 

In 2020, Transatel introduced Ubigi, an eSIM-based service that quickly gained traction – especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially designed for individual consumers, Ubigi addressed a pressing need: reducing international roaming costs for travelers. 

But Transatel didn’t stop there. Recognizing the growing connectivity challenges faced by businesses, the company expanded its offering with Ubigi for Business, a solution designed to tackle three critical concerns for enterprises: 

• Security: In today’s era of escalating cyber threats, corporate data security is non-negotiable. With Ubigi for Business, employees connect via cellular networks instead of relying on often unsecured public Wi-Fi. This ensures a higher level of data protection, mitigating risks associated with cyberattacks and unauthorized access. 
• Productivity: A stable, uninterrupted connection is crucial for employees who travel frequently. Ubigi for Business guarantees consistent and reliable connectivity, allowing teams to stay fully operational – regardless of their location. At Transatel, the impact of this approach is already evident: the company’s own international teams have been leveraging similar solutions for over 15 years to maintain peak efficiency. 
• Cost Management: Managing international roaming costs can be a logistical nightmare for enterprises. Ubigi for Business streamlines this process, offering companies a cost-effective and easy-to-deploy alternative that significantly reduces expenses without compromising on quality or security. 

Since its inception in 2000, Transatel has been at the forefront of telecom innovation, reshaping the way businesses and travelers stay connected. From the very beginning, the company set itself apart with a multi-number SIM card – an advanced solution that consolidated multiple international phone lines onto a single device. This innovation not only simplified connectivity but also delivered significant cost savings, reducing expenses by 20% to 80%. 

With a relentless commitment to innovation, Transatel continues to evolve, offering solutions that meet the demands of a rapidly shifting digital landscape. Whether empowering enterprises or enhancing global mobility, the company remains a driving force in seamless communication beyond borders. 

How has the global connectivity market evolved with the increasing internationalization and digitization of businesses?

The global wireless connectivity market is witnessing robust growth, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.10% from 2021 to 2028. This surge is primarily driven by the rapid adoption of the Internet of Things (IoT) and the evolution of smart infrastructure.
(Source: https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/fr/reports/global-wireless-connectivity-market).

Furthermore, the ongoing digital transformation of businesses, coupled with the shift to remote work and rising cybersecurity threats, underscores the need for secure and seamless access to corporate resources—no matter where employees are located.

Amidst this landscape, Transatel has observed a notable shift in customer awareness regarding eSIM technology, which is increasingly valued for its flexibility and enhanced security features. 

In addition, the resurgence of business travel has intensified the demand for reliable corporate cellular connectivity. According to the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), international business travel reached more than 65% of pre-pandemic levels by 2023, highlighting the growing need for efficient, global connectivity. 
(Source : https://www.lechotouristique.com/article/en-chiffres-trois-ans-apres-le-debut-de-la-crise-le-tourisme-international-presque-completement-remis-du-covid-selon-lomt)

Many companies are still unaware of the benefits of the eSIM technology. How does Ubigi for Business stand out from traditional eSIM offerings, particularly in the B2B sector?

Mobile operators have historically been hesitant to embrace eSIM, wary of how it empowers users to easily switch providers—a scenario traditional carriers have sought to avoid. This reluctance has shaped the adoption of eSIM, particularly among individuals and businesses alike. 

However, the pressure from smartphone giants, notably Apple, has pushed the technology into the mainstream. Apple made its first move in 2018 by incorporating eSIM into the iPhone XS, but it wasn’t until 2022 that the company launched eSIM-only iPhones in the U.S. Now, eSIM is rapidly becoming the new industry standard. Expectations are growing that future iPhone models in Europe will adopt eSIM exclusively, mirroring the U.S. trend. This shift highlights eSIM’s growing strategic importance and its role in driving innovation across the telecom sector. 

In this evolving landscape, Ubigi for Business stands out as a leading European pioneer, offering a sophisticated and seamless eSIM solution tailored to meet the dynamic needs of modern businesses 

The Unique Benefits of Ubigi for Business: 

1. A single eSIM for global connectivity: With Ubigi’s single eSIM, employees gain instant access to local rates in over 200 countries and territories – no manual reinstallation is required. Unlike many competitors, Ubigi’s eSIM allows for dual SIM functionality, meaning businesses can retain existing local operator contracts for voice, SMS, and domestic data while leveraging Ubigi for seamless international coverage. This dual approach maximizes both cost efficiency and operational flexibility. 

2. An Intuitive Web Interface for Fleet Management: 

Customized Pricing Options for Every Line

• Usage-Based Pricing: Charges based on actual consumption and charged per kilobyte, with real-time alerts to keep costs under control. 

• Fixed Packages: Businesses can choose from predefined packages tailored to their specific needs in terms of data volume, validity period, and geographic coverage. This allows for cost optimization per gigabyte and better budget forecasting.

Tracking and Alerts: This enables businesses to monitor real-time consumption across their fleet and set proactive spending controls. 

3. Employee Autonomy: Through the Ubigi app, employees can track their data usage in real-time and—when needed – subscribe to personal data plans, billed separately under the same eSIM profile. This ensures corporate data usage remains distinct while giving employees the necessary flexibility. 

4. Optimized Performance and Latency: Backed by Transatel’s global connectivity platform, Ubigi for Business delivers low-latency, high-performance data services—a critical advantage for bandwidth-intensive applications like video conferencing and real-time collaboration. With technical infrastructure deployed across multiple continents, Ubigi guarantees a stable and optimized user experience worldwide.  

5. Complete Control of the Technical Solution: Unlike solutions dependent on third-party providers, Transatel fully owns and manages the Ubigi platform, ensuring rapid issue resolution and full visibility into network performance. This level of control translates to enhanced troubleshooting capabilities, superior analytics, and unparalleled service reliability. 

With potential savings of up to 90% on roaming fees, you’re addressing a significant issue for businesses. Could you explain how these savings are made possible from both a technical and strategic perspective?

National mobile operators often adopt an aggressive pricing strategy for local consumption but apply very high margins on international communications, particularly for roaming. This creates a major challenge for businesses trying to manage their international costs.

Ubigi for Business adopts an innovative technical and strategic approach to address this challenge and offer competitive rates to businesses: 

1. Direct and Ongoing Negotiations with International Operators 
   Transatel collaborates with over 250 mobile operators worldwide, unlike local operators that primarily focus on domestic communications, Transatel places roaming at the core of its strategy. By continuously negotiating and renegotiating agreements, we secure optimized pricing structures tailored to specific regions and countries, passing these benefits directly to our clients. 
2. A Flexible and Customized Pricing Model 
   Ubigi for Business offers bespoke plans and pay-per-use options, enabling businesses to manage their budgets more effectively. With this flexibility, companies pay only for the data they actually consume while enjoying competitive rates. 

Through a combination of strategic negotiations and flexible offerings, Ubigi for Business enables companies to reduce their roaming costs by up to 90%, all while ensuring reliable connectivity tailored to their international needs. 

Companies are increasingly concerned about the security of mobile connections, particularly when teams are spread across the globe. How does Ubigi ensure secure and stable connections, especially in comparison to public Wi-Fi?

Ubigi for Business offers a secure and reliable solution for companies with globally distributed teams by providing an alternative to potentially risky public Wi-Fi networks. Here’s how Ubigi ensures safe and stable connections: 

1. Enhanced Security with 4G/5G Mobile Networks:  
   Unlike public Wi-Fi networks, which are often unencrypted and susceptible to cyberattacks, Ubigi leverages mobile networks with end-to-end encryption. This ensures that data transmitted over the network is protected from third-party interception. Sensitive information, such as emails or login credentials, remains secure throughout its transmission. 

2. Eliminating Risks from Fraudulent Access Points: 
   Ubigi removes the concern of fraudulent Wi-Fi access points, commonly known as “Evil Twins,” which mimic legitimate connections to lure unsuspecting users. By connecting through a secure mobile network, employees bypass these potential threats, safeguarding the integrity of their data. 

3. Protection Against “Man-in-the-Middle” Attacks 
   Public Wi-Fi networks are notorious for enabling “man-in-the-middle” attacks, where cybercriminals intercept data traffic. Ubigi’s connections rely on secure mobile network infrastructures, significantly reducing the likelihood of such attacks. 

4. Reliable and Stable Connectivity 
   With 4G and 5G mobile networks, Ubigi delivers a more stable and higher-quality connection compared to public Wi-Fi, which is often congested or prone to instability. 

Ubigi for Business is providing companies with a solution that ensures both data security and continuous connectivity, even when their teams are working internationally, by prioritizing secure mobile networks over public Wi-Fi. 

Flexibility is a key feature of your platform. What advantages do you offer to businesses when choosing between eSIM and physical SIM cards?

Ubigi for Business understands that every company has unique connectivity needs. This is why we offer maximum flexibility by allowing businesses to choose between eSIM and physical SIM cards. Here are the benefits of this approach: 

1. Rapid Deployment with eSIM :  

• Instant Activation: Simply scan a QR code sent by email to set up the eSIM. 

• No Complex Logistics: There is no need to store, ship, or replace physical SIM cards, greatly simplifying management for IT teams. 

• Ideal Solution for Travel: Employees can activate their connectivity in just seconds, no matter where they are in the world. However, this solution does require the use of devices compatible with eSIM technology. 

• An Additional SIM for More Flexibility: With eSIM, it’s possible to keep a physical SIM card active alongside it. This allows businesses to maintain contracts with local operators for voice, SMS, and local data services while using Ubigi for Business for international connectivity, thus maximizing efficiency and reducing costs.  

• Compatibilité universelle avec la carte SIM physique : Idéale pour les équipements non compatibles eSIM ou les usages industriels.  

The ability to manage both physical SIM cards and eSIMs from the same interface enables businesses to centralize all their connectivity needs abroad, regardless of the type of device fleet they have. 

How does your affiliation with the NTT Group play a role in your strategic development and innovation capabilities? Are there any advantages that this brings to your clients?

NTT Group, with an annual revenue surpassing $112 billion, stands as one of the world’s largest IT service providers. Its substantial investments in research and development, exceeding $3.5 billion, further cement its position as a technology leader.
(Source: https://www.global.ntt/about-us/) 

Transatel is capitalizing on the technological and commercial synergies within NTT Group, strengthening its position in key industries such as automotive and the Internet of Things (IoT). By working closely with NTT’s global subsidiaries, the company is expanding its footprint and accelerating innovation. 

A prime example of this strategy is the recent partnership between NTT DATA and Cisco, which integrates Transatel’s global 5G connectivity solution. This collaboration underscores Transatel’s role in enabling seamless, high-performance mobile connectivity for enterprises worldwide. (Source) 

These strategic advantages have already translated into major wins. Transatel recently secured a significant contract with a leading German corporation, with a commercial launch set for July. This milestone reflects the company’s ability to harness NTT Group’s global strength to meet the complex connectivity demands of multinational enterprises. 

Could you provide some examples of best practices or success stories from clients who use Ubigi for Business?

Leading automotive giants – Jaguar Land Rover, Stellantis, BMW, and Toyota – have placed their trust in Ubigi to power seamless onboard connectivity, from infotainment systems to in-car Wi-Fi. These longstanding partnerships are a testament to the reliability and innovation of Ubigi’s solutions.  
 
Now, building on this success, Ubigi for Business extends the same robust technology to enterprises, offering a high-performance connectivity solution designed to optimize mobile fleet management and rein in roaming costs. While these automakers leverage our services in a consumer-facing context, Ubigi for Business is purpose-built to address the unique mobility challenges of modern enterprises. 

Which sectors particularly benefit from your solution? Are there specific needs you address, particularly in sectors such as automotive or aviation? 

Ubigi for Business caters to the needs of companies with employees who frequently travel internationally. 

Among our clients are companies from the following sectors: 

• Airlines: Some airlines use our solution to provide secure, global connectivity for their in-flight personnel, such as pilots and crew members. This reliable connectivity meets their professional needs while helping to manage roaming costs effectively. 

• Large Industrial Corporations: Our solution is particularly beneficial to key players in industries such as chemicals, food production, and automotive, among others. These companies, often operating across multiple countries like China or other parts of Asia, use Ubigi for Business to streamline connectivity at their production sites and ensure continuous, optimized communication between their teams. 

• International Law Firms 

• Investment Banks and Financial Services 

• International Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) 

• Consulting Firms 

In general, any company with mobile and international teams can benefit from Ubigi for Business to simplify device fleet management, reduce roaming costs, and ensure continuous and secure connectivity. 

With the advent of 5G and future generations of mobile technology, how is Transatel preparing to integrate these new technologies into Ubigi for Business?

At Transatel, we are deeply committed to leveraging the latest technological advancements to meet the evolving needs of our clients through Ubigi for Business. Our strategic focus is clear: staying ahead in the global connectivity landscape by continuously expanding our 5G capabilities. 

We have already rolled out 5G NSA (Non-Standalone) across a vast number of destinations and are rapidly expanding this footprint as operators worldwide enable 5G roaming. But we’re not stopping there—our teams are actively working on the deployment of 5G SA (Standalone), with a particular focus on connected automotive applications. These advancements will significantly enhance connectivity, and security, and reduce latency, delivering substantial benefits to Ubigi for Business in the years ahead. 

As an active member of the GSMA, Transatel remains an integral part of the global telecommunications ecosystem. This involvement allows us to collaborate with key industry players, anticipate emerging standards, and remain at the forefront of technological innovation. 

With this proactive approach, Ubigi for Business is set to continue delivering secure, high-performance connectivity tailored to the demands of modern enterprises—ensuring seamless, reliable communications in an increasingly connected world. 

What are the next major milestones for Transatel and Ubigi for Business? Are there any new features or expansions that your clients can expect in the near future?

Transatel is committed to providing global connectivity with competitive and consistent pricing while delivering a service quality that surpasses that of traditional mobile operators.

To achieve this goal, several strategic initiatives are currently underway:

1. Cost Optimization through Ongoing Negotiations

Transatel continues to negotiate and strengthen its agreements with mobile operators around the world. Our ambition is to expand our network of partners to over 300 mobile operators in the next 12 months. This initiative aims to ensure consistently lower and more uniform pricing for our customers, while also providing reliable global coverage. 

2. Investments in Connectivity Infrastructure 

As we continue the worldwide deployment of our Packet Gateways, Transatel is setting new benchmarks in global connectivity. These advanced network gateways are designed to reduce latency, enhance bandwidth, and optimize data speeds—delivering a seamless, high-performance user experience. Unlike national mobile operators, whose infrastructure remains regionally bound, Transatel ensures premium connectivity for clients wherever they are in the world.

This strategic expansion reinforces Transatel’s leadership in the global connectivity market, offering solutions that are not only competitively priced but also technologically superior to those of traditional mobile operators. This momentum extends to Ubigi for Business, which capitalizes on Transatel’s cutting-edge infrastructure to provide tailored, future-ready connectivity solutions for enterprises navigating an increasingly digital landscape.

Interview originally published (in german) in Connect-professional DE.