In today’s mobile world, devices travel almost as much as people. Whether a phone is being resold, traded in, or shipped across borders, one question always arises: Will it work on the network it’s heading to? Device compatibility has never been more essential. It’s not just about matching brands or models; it’s about knowing whether a specific phone will connect, perform, and deliver the experience users expect. Compatibility checks are rapidly becoming a must-have tool across the mobile device lifecycle, helping businesses reduce risk and enhance customer outcomes.
What is device compatibility?
Device compatibility refers to whether a specific device will function properly on a particular carrier or MVNO’s network. It is not a broad model-to-network match, but IMEI-specific. Two phones with the same make and model may perform very differently on the same network.
What causes compatibility issues?
There are three primary drivers of compatibility challenges. First, OEM-specific variations: manufacturers often create different device configurations for carriers, countries, or partners, even when the model number is identical. Second, regional standards: devices designed for one region may not support the bands or technologies used elsewhere, leading to activation or performance issues when phones are resold internationally. Third, evolving network technologies: networks change, but devices do not. A phone that worked well on a network two years ago might no longer support today’s coverage or performance requirements, particularly with the rise of 5G.
How is compatibility measured?
Compatibility is calculated as a percentage of network fit, based on the device’s support for various bands and technologies. Results are typically broken down by generation: 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G (both SA and NSA). For instance, a device may be 100% compatible with a carrier’s 3G network, 80% compatible with 4G, and offer no 5G support at all.
What problems does it help solve?
Device compatibility data helps businesses reduce friction across the mobile ecosystem. It lowers return rates by flagging incompatible devices before resale or shipment, improves BYOD onboarding by ensuring carrier compatibility upfront, and supports smart routing for MVNOs selecting the best carrier for each device. It also prevents failed activations with loan and replacement phones and streamlines warehouse operations through more efficient triage and processing.
How does it work?
With the Device Compatibility system, users simply enter an IMEI or a batch of IMEIs, select a carrier or country, and receive compatibility results within seconds. These insights can be accessed via a web portal, handling up to 5,000 IMEIs per batch or through a RESTful API to keep data flowing seamlessly. Behind the scenes, PrologMobile’s patented technology evaluates device banding, modems, and network infrastructure to generate a trusted, real-time “fit score” across major networks and geographies.
How accurate is the data?
The data is powered by a direct partnership with the GSMA, the global authority on device and network standards. The Device Compatibility system updates daily to reflect the latest network changes and device profiles. Because compatibility depends on both the device and the constantly evolving network environment, scores may change over time, but they remain a reliable indicator of expected performance.
Why does this matter now?
The solution emerged from real-world needs. A client purchasing phones in Europe and shipping them to Australia experienced massive monthly return spikes due to network failures. Another logistics provider sending devices into Ukraine faced an estimated 40% device failure rate. These challenges inspired the partnership between PrologMobile and GSMA, leading to the research and development of the Device Compatibility tool.
What’s next?
The future of compatibility extends beyond traditional networks. PrologMobile is exploring satellite connectivity, broader international coverage, and predictive analytics to anticipate device performance across future network upgrades. At its core, this work supports global device reuse with trusted, actionable data and insights, reducing friction, improving transparency, and keeping more devices in circulation, where they belong.
Market
Trade-in
Repair
Refurbishing
