In a significant advancement for global 5G Standalone (SA) technology, BICS, a global communications enabler, has expanded its 5G SA roaming services with the collaboration of Finnish telecommunications operator Elisa and Austrian firm Hutchison Drei. The initiative, facilitated by BICS’s Service Hub solution, has positioned Elisa and Hutchison Drei as pioneers in their respective markets, allowing them to offer streamlined 5G SA roaming connections. This expansion follows extensive trials and contributes to BICS’s ongoing efforts, which have already supported the 5G SA initiatives of eight other operators worldwide.
The Future of 5G SA Technology
BICS’s Comprehensive Service Hub Solution
The Service Hub provided by BICS acts as a robust connectivity exchange platform, equipped with advanced Transport Layer Security (TLS) and a sophisticated management portal. These features are integral for enabling functionalities such as steering of roaming and detailed analytics, ensuring seamless and secure communication across international borders. Additionally, the dedicated 5G core network on which 5G SA operates promises significantly lower latency and improved efficiency compared to its predecessor, which relies on a 4G architecture. This architectural advancement is critical for supporting advanced enterprise applications and the deployment of Internet of Things (IoT) solutions. Data from Kaleido Intelligence highlights an anticipated 500% increase in 5G IoT roaming traffic over the next two years, signifying a burgeoning demand for reliable and expansive 5G SA connectivity. This trend underscores the importance of robust and innovative infrastructure to meet the growing needs of IoT and other data-intensive applications. Jorn Vercamert, chief product officer at Proximus Global, the parent company of BICS, emphasized that the full potential of 5G technology hinges on the efforts of operators and industry leaders to drive innovation and invest in the necessary infrastructure.
Strategic Importance of Infrastructure Investments
Investing in the right infrastructure is essential for telecommunications companies looking to lead and thrive as 5G technology becomes more widely adopted. The BICS Service Hub’s advanced capabilities are a testament to the importance of such investments. A dedicated 5G core network not only enhances service quality but also facilitates network slicing, which allows multiple virtual networks to be created on a shared physical infrastructure. This feature is particularly beneficial for supporting various business cases with specific requirements, ranging from high-speed consumer internet to mission-critical industrial applications.
The collaborative efforts between BICS, Elisa, and Hutchison Drei demonstrate a forward-thinking approach to global connectivity. By streamlining 5G SA roaming connections, these companies are setting a precedent for others in the industry. Bernhard Sommer from Drei Austria and Mika Pyyppönen from Elisa have both expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting its role in enhancing next-generation connectivity on a global scale. Such collaborations are crucial for expanding 5G SA, Voice over LTE (VoLTE), and Voice over New Radio (VoNR) roaming service coverage globally.
Expanding Global 5G Connectivity
Milestones Achieved by BICS
Since its first lab connection in 2021, BICS has made significant strides in developing 5G SA capabilities. Key milestones include achieving live roaming connections between various regions, including the Middle East and Europe, and later extending to Asia with Thailand’s Advanced Info Service (AIS). These developments are indicative of BICS’s commitment to facilitating global 5G connectivity and ensuring that operators can offer reliable and seamless service to their customers. The success of these initiatives is reflected in the growing number of operators adopting BICS’s 5G SA solutions. By providing a comprehensive and secure platform, BICS is enabling operators to meet the demands of an increasingly connected world. The company’s efforts are not just about enhancing current technologies but also about laying the groundwork for future innovations and applications.
Industry-wide Impact and Future Directions
The expansion of 5G SA roaming services heralds a new era in international connectivity. It supports the rising demand for advanced enterprise applications and IoT solutions, paving the way for a more interconnected and efficient global network. The strategic importance of international partnerships and dedicated infrastructure investments cannot be overstated. These elements are critical for realizing the full potential of 5G technology and ensuring that it can meet the evolving needs of businesses and consumers alike. Looking ahead, the focus will likely remain on further enhancing 5G SA capabilities and expanding coverage. Continued collaboration between telecommunication operators and technology enablers like BICS will be essential for driving innovation and ensuring that the benefits of 5G SA technology are fully realized. As the industry progresses, the lessons learned from these early implementations will inform future developments and help shape the direction of global connectivity.
Transforming International Connectivity
In a major step forward for global 5G Standalone (SA) technology, BICS, a notable global communications enabler, has broadened its 5G SA roaming services through a partnership with Finnish telecom operator Elisa and Austrian company Hutchison Drei. Enabled by BICS’s Service Hub solution, this collaboration has established Elisa and Hutchison Drei as leaders in their respective markets, enabling them to offer efficient 5G SA roaming connections. This growth is the result of extensive trials and is part of BICS’s ongoing mission, which has already supported the 5G SA advancements of eight other operators worldwide. The progress made reflects BICS’s commitment to enhancing global connectivity and providing seamless 5G SA services across different regions. By pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the telecom sector, BICS continues to play a vital role in the evolution of next-generation mobile communications, aiming to bridge gaps and set new standards for quality and service in the increasingly connected world.