- Syniverse-powered interoperability enables cross-border 5G SA connectivity, marking a milestone for international mobile communications
- Breakthrough promises faster speeds, lower latency and more reliable connections for international travellers
- T-Mobile, Jio eye next-generation consumer, enterprise and AI-enabled services through seamless network collaboration
NE BUSINESS BUREAU
BELLEVUE, WASH., SEPT 23
Cross-border 5G has taken a historic leap, with T-Mobile and Reliance Jio achieving what they describe as the world’s first 5G Standalone (SA) roaming connection. Enabled by Syniverse’s global connectivity and mediation platform, the breakthrough demonstrates how next-generation mobile networks can interoperate across national boundaries, opening possibilities for a more seamless international connectivity experience.
The achievement enables T-Mobile customers to experience 5G SA roaming while travelling internationally, marking a milestone in the evolution of global wireless communications.
Unlike conventional roaming experiences, 5G SA roaming is designed to deliver faster speeds, lower latency and more reliable connectivity, supporting applications that require consistent, high-performance connections. These include the Internet of Things (IoT), real-time communications and immersive technologies.
The collaboration between the US-based T-Mobile and India’s Jio also lays the groundwork for further cross-network capabilities, including differentiated consumer and enterprise services and AI-enabled applications.
T-Mobile: A journey that began in 2020
Ankur Kapoor, Chief Network Officer at T-Mobile, described the development as a major advancement for global wireless connectivity.
“This is a monumental step for global wireless, and T-Mobile is proud to lead it,” Kapoor said.
He said the company had begun preparing for a 5G Standalone future in 2020, with the latest achievement extending that effort through its collaboration with Jio.
“We started this journey back in 2020, laying the groundwork for a 5G Standalone future — and today, we’re continuing that leadership with Jio India as a partner on a global stage,” he said.
Highlighting the practical implications for international travellers, Kapoor said, “Leave one country, land in another, and your 5G experience is just as seamless — whether you’re streaming, sharing travel reels or running business apps. That’s the breakthrough power of this technology.”
Jio sees new possibilities beyond roaming
For Jio, the milestone represents an opportunity to expand the capabilities of interconnected 5G networks beyond conventional roaming services.
“This is a transformational milestone and far more than just roaming—it’s about what becomes possible when two leading 5G Standalone networks work together,” said Mark Yarkosky, Head International Network, Partnership and Services, Jio.
He said the collaboration was laying the foundation for a new generation of cross-network capabilities and services.
“T-Mobile and Jio are laying the foundation for a new generation of cross-network capabilities and services, from differentiated consumer and enterprise experiences to AI-enabled services, leveraging the unique capabilities of 5G Standalone,” Yarkosky said.
He added: “This is the future of 5G SA: seamless, interoperable, and built to unlock new value.”
Syniverse enables secure network interconnection
Syniverse’s connectivity platform played a key role in enabling the interoperability between the two operators, facilitating secure interconnection and supporting the transition towards next-generation roaming.
John Wick, Chief Product Officer of Syniverse, said, “Syniverse is proud to help enable this industry-first 5G Standalone roaming milestone, demonstrating how secure interworking and advanced mediation can make next-generation roaming commercially viable at a global level.”
He highlighted the company’s security capabilities and established partnerships across the mobile ecosystem.
“Built on long-standing partnerships across the mobile ecosystem, our home-grown SEPP capabilities and proven platform help operators test, navigate, and launch 5G SA roaming with confidence,” Wick said.
He added: “We are able to support all 5G-ready customers from validation through production as more operators come on board.”
SEPP, or Security Edge Protection Proxy, is a security function used in 5G networks to protect inter-operator signalling and communications.
Building a more connected 5G future
The T-Mobile–Jio collaboration underscores the potential of interoperability to extend the capabilities of advanced mobile networks beyond domestic markets.
By enabling 5G Standalone roaming, the companies are establishing a foundation for international connectivity that could support evolving consumer, business and technology requirements.
The milestone also highlights the role of secure network interconnection in enabling operators to expand next-generation services across borders, as more telecommunications companies explore the possibilities of 5G SA.
