Cellular carriers are in a digital decluttering phase and are shutting down aging 2G and 3G networks. This frees up valuable real estate on the electromagnetic spectrum, the invisible airwaves that carry our calls and data. Think of it as cleaning out a cluttered attic to make room for shiny new furniture – in this case, the faster and more efficient 4G and 5G networks.
However, this network overhaul comes with a crucial caveat: namely, ensuring smooth connectivity for roaming customers. Before flicking the off switch on 2G and 3G, carriers must guarantee Voice over LTE (News - Alert), or VoLTE, capabilities. This technology allows calls to transition to newer networks and prevent dropped calls when users travel outside their home network's coverage area.
Carriers need to forge agreements with numerous roaming partners – over 1,200 according to GSMA (News - Alert) Intelligence – and conduct rigorous VoLTE roaming tests. While navigating this complex web of partnerships can be a logistical hurdle, each successful agreement unlocks a lucrative opportunity.
Every MNO must undergo the VoLTE roaming testing phase at some point in its transition to 5G. Operators that prioritize it avoid lengthy bottlenecks in the future and maximize revenues, competitiveness and improved subscriber satisfaction sooner.
Syniverse's new Global Services taps into the largest network of directly connected MNOs to identify suitable roaming partners.
Syniverse (News - Alert) is known to weave together the tapestry of global networks, devices and individuals. Their engagement platform creates a smarter, more effective communication experience and strengthens connections between businesses, customers and employees.
Syniverse's Global Services, which includes the power of its VoLTE roaming testing process, helps MNOs quickly and easily implement agreements, conduct testing services establish interoperability with other operators, and meet the standards set in place by the GSMA.
An unparalleled proprietary knowledge database catalogues all known configuration errors and provides proven solutions and a well-controlled management service, with transparent status reporting, facilitates a quicker time to launch.
"Launching services with a roaming partner consumes time and resources that operators may not have," said John Wick (News - Alert), Chief Product Officer of Syniverse. "It can be difficult to procure testing experts. Fortunately, we've demonstrated we can accelerate that process. We've achieved over 387 launches with roaming partners and are obtaining final commercial launch status in two to four weeks instead of six months.”
In addition to its VoLTE testing, Syniverse provides several other roaming testing services, including those that meet the GSMA's IR.24 (voice/SMS), IR.32 (CAMEL), IR.35 (GPRS), and IR.38 (LTE) specifications, as well as other 5G standalone and narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) and LTE-M requirements.
Edited by
Alex Passett
