How to prepare networks and partnerships for standalone 5G roaming at scale
5G Roaming Evolution
As 5G technology continues to expand worldwide, mobile network operators (MNOs) have an unprecedented opportunity to boost revenue and introduce new services. The next-generation 5G platform promises a highly connected world, supporting vast numbers of devices such as smartphones, connected vehicles, and massive IoT sensor networks through an accessible wireless mesh of interconnected MNOs. This hyper-connectivity enables large-scale data transmission and drives modernization across industries throughout society.
The 5G Roaming Opportunity
5G’s growth is reshaping the mobile ecosystem and roaming is central to this transformation. According to Kaleido Intelligence, global 5G roaming revenues will reach $30 billion by 2028,1 propelled by global 5G rollouts and increased international travel. 5G roaming traffic is forecast to represent more than 78% of total roaming traffic,2 making it one of the fastest-growing segments in mobile connectivity.
Standalone (SA) 5G networks will drive roaming beyond smartphones, with IoT roaming connections expected to reach nearly 480 million by 2030.3 Adoption in transport, logistics, automotive, and industrial sectors will further boost 5G roaming revenues, especially as operators monetize differentiated service tiers and advanced use cases enabled by SA capabilities.
Achieving this potential requires more than network coverage. The initial Non-Standalone (NSA) phase, which leverages 4G infrastructure, restricts automation, service innovation, and advanced features such as network slicing. To realize new revenue streams, improve efficiency, and enhance user experiences, MNOs must move to SA-based roaming and adopt solutions that manage its complexity.
Transitioning from NSA to SA is not just a technical upgrade. It redefines how networks connect, authenticate, and deliver advanced services worldwide. Accelerating readiness for SA roaming is essential for MNOs to capitalize on the next wave of mobile innovation.
Technical and Operational Readiness
The shift to true 5G roaming means moving from the NSA architecture (which combines 5G radio with the existing 4G core) to the SA that uses both a 5G radio access network (RAN) and a 5G core network. The SA upgrade is a full architectural transformation, adopting a cloud-native, service-based approach that replaces legacy protocols (Diameter and GTP) with HTTP/2, utilizing HTTP which is a modern web-friendly signaling protocol.
Key Enablers for SA
SA roaming requires new components, starting with the 5G Security Edge Protection Proxy (SEPP). Located at the network edge, SEPP ensures secure interconnection and roaming by providing integrity, confidentiality, and topology hiding — crucial for end-to-end security. MNOs must also implement the Billing and Charging Evolution (BCE) process, which replaces outdated TAP billing and enables real-time, event-based charging for 5G services. Underpinning these functions is a cloud-native infrastructure, delivering agility and scalability for rapid deployment.
Interoperability Challenges
As 4G, 5G NSA, and 5G SA networks will coexist for years, they must interoperate seamlessly. MNOs need unified signaling platforms that mediate between Diameter (used for 4G and NSA) and HTTP/2 (used for SA), accelerating partner onboarding and reducing complex bilateral testing.
Monetizing SA Capabilities
SA’s most valuable feature is network slicing, letting operators create virtual network segments tailored for specific uses such as connected vehicles or industrial IoT. For roaming, this means offering premium SLA-based products — guaranteeing low latency and quality for enterprise customers across borders. This shift from bulk data sales to differentiated service offerings enables new, higher-margin revenue opportunities.
Transform the technical promise of SA into a scalable, profitable reality
The challenge of global 5G SA roaming, from ensuring signaling security to maximizing SLA-driven revenue, demands more than fragmented, bilateral partnerships. Syniverse stands at the forefront as a trusted leader, providing MNOs with a complete, integrated end-to-end 5G SA solution that streamlines the entire transition and accelerates time-to-profit.
Syniverse’s robust platform features a 5G Signaling Controller and hosts the 5G SEPP within its global IPX network, instantly delivering a secure, HTTP/2-compliant backbone for seamless, standards-based connectivity. Advanced interworking between Diameter and 5GC (EPS Fallback) is managed directly, expediting readiness for new partners and markets, while Network Domain Security across Syniverse’s IPX ensures compliance with the strict encryption requirements of standalone architectures.
On the commercial side, the Syniverse Universal Commerce platform supports both legacy TAP and innovative BCE standards, enabling flexible billing and settlement for advanced 5G services such as network slicing. The forthcoming Mobile Policy Control Center (MPCC) will empower operators to enforce dynamic, profitable roaming policies for both 4G and 5G, while the Total Visibility analytics platform will provide rich, actionable insights by integrating data from signaling, clearing, and policy systems. Together, these capabilities transform the promise of 5G SA into a scalable, profitable reality for the industry, positioning Syniverse as the partner of choice for the future of global roaming.
MNOs should immediately evaluate their SA readiness strategies. By partnering with Syniverse, MNOs gain access to proven, integrated solutions that enable seamless, secure, and rapid monetization of the next phase of 5G roaming, turning infrastructure investments into competitive advantages.
Learn more about expanding your 5G roaming opportunities with Syniverse.
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