T-Mobile and Jio, with interoperability enabled by Syniverse, have announced a 5G Standalone (SA) roaming connection. The companies describe the connection as the first of its kind, marking a step toward broader interoperability between 5G SA networks across borders.

The capability allows T-Mobile customers to use 5G SA roaming while traveling internationally on participating networks. 5G SA roaming can support higher speeds, lower latency and more consistent connectivity, providing a foundation for applications such as IoT, real-time communications and immersive technologies that require reliable network performance.

Syniverse’s connectivity platform supports the interconnection between the networks, including the secure exchange and mediation functions required to facilitate 5G SA roaming. The platform is intended to help operators validate and deploy 5G SA roaming as adoption expands.

Ankur Kapoor, T-Mobile's Chief Network Officer, states this is an important step for global wireless connectivity. “We began preparing for a 5G Standalone future in 2020, and this collaboration demonstrates how that work can support interoperable 5G services across international networks. Customers traveling between countries can use compatible 5G services for activities ranging from streaming and sharing content to running business applications,” said Kapoor.

“This is a transformational milestone and far more than just roaming—it’s about what becomes possible when two 5G Standalone networks work together. 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,” said Mark Yarkosky, Head International Network, Partnership and Services, Jio.

“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,” said John Wick, Chief Product Officer of Syniverse.

The collaboration between T-Mobile, Jio and Syniverse represents a step toward greater interoperability among 5G Standalone networks and could support the development of additional cross-border connectivity services and applications.

Source: T-Mobile

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