#Switzerland #Bern #BroadForward #Comfone #5G Roaming

Comfone Revolutionizes Global Roaming with 5G Standalone Service

Comfone, a renowned leader in mobile roaming interconnect services, has marked a significant milestone with the launch of its 5G Standalone (SA) roaming signaling service. This innovative offering, powered by BroadForward's Security Edge Protection Proxy (SEPP), enables seamless 5G SA roaming services worldwide.

A Year of Development and Testing

The launch follows an extensive year-long selection process and rigorous trials conducted in collaboration with two Asian telecommunications operators. With these preparations, Comfone is now fully operational in the realm of live 5G SA roaming. This breakthrough aims to provide mobile operators, Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs), and Internet of Things (IoT) service providers with scalable and secure roaming solutions that are ready for the future.

The integration of BroadForward's SEPP is a pivotal enhancement, acting as a safeguarding gateway to manage and secure all 5G SA roaming signaling traffic. This not only enhances global connectivity but also ensures that services remain reliable and secure. The SEPP operates on BroadForward’s award-winning BFX Unified Signaling Core, an architecture that supports a comprehensive range of network functions from legacy systems to the latest 5G technologies.

A Comprehensive Roaming Service Portfolio

Comfone has a rich history in the roaming industry, starting from 1991, and offers an extensive suite of IPX interconnect services, including GRX, SS7, Diameter, and HTTP/2 signaling. Its centralized Roaming Hub Service is especially noteworthy, allowing operators to manage all their roaming agreements effectively through a single contract connection. This system currently processes over 70,000 connections spanning more than 500 networks worldwide.

Research by telecommunications market analysts Juniper Research signifies that the rapid rollout of 5G Standalone technology is set to be a major driver for global wholesale roaming revenue, projected to amplify from $9 billion in 2024 to $20 billion by 2028. This indicates a burgeoning landscape for new services and growth in the telecommunications market.

Leaders in Collaboration

Daniel Heutschi, the CEO of Comfone, remarked on this venture, stating, "This milestone showcases our strong global capabilities and commitment to providing resilient infrastructure to over 600 clients worldwide. After thorough testing and evaluation, we chose BroadForward as their BFX product emerged as the most advanced solution available. Their professional collaboration has been crucial in propelling our 5G SA roaming business forward."

Taco Schoute, CEO of BroadForward, also expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, citing Comfone's pivotal role in the IPX ecosystem. He highlighted that their SEPP solution is adeptly designed to address the unique demands of IPX services, ensuring unmatched interoperability, flexibility, and deployment versatility.

Building Future-Ready Networks

Comfone's operations are anchored in their Key2roam Platform, which offers a comprehensive portfolio of services necessary for establishing a profitable roaming business. This platform integrates core IPX, clearing, and hubbing services that facilitate the smooth handling of signaling, data roaming, and clearing traffic.

It’s anticipated that the data streams generated from Comfone's extensive range of roaming services will create substantial opportunities for leveraging Big Data and advanced analytics tools. Such capabilities are vital for telecom operators looking to optimize their operations and enhance customer service in the ever-evolving telecommunications landscape.

As the mobile landscape continues to evolve, Comfone's commitment to innovation and reliability in roaming services positions it strongly for future developments in the 5G era and beyond.