The global transition to 5G networks has presented unique challenges for mobile network operators (MNOs), particularly in maintaining reliable SMS delivery for inbound roamers. As MNOs phase out 2G and 3G infrastructures, this problem becomes even more pressing. Syniverse’s new solution, “Evolved Mobility for Messaging,” aims to address these challenges effectively by ensuring the consistent delivery of SMS messages. This innovation supports SMS over the Diameter protocol while maintaining compatibility with legacy SS7 networks, a crucial feature that facilitates the transition to VoLTE and 5G without compromising essential SMS roaming capabilities and associated revenue streams.
The Importance of Supporting Legacy Technologies
Addressing Revenue Loss Risks
John Wick, Syniverse’s Chief Product Officer, emphasized the critical importance of this innovation for MNOs who are at risk of losing revenue from roaming subscribers without SS7 fallback support for SMS. The reliance on legacy technologies presents a unique challenge; according to the GSMA, about one-third of mobile connections worldwide still operate on 2G or 3G networks. This underscores the necessity of ongoing support for these older infrastructures even as the transition to more advanced technologies like 5G and VoLTE accelerates. Evolved Mobility for Messaging answers this need by enabling signaling between Diameter and SS7 protocols, thus supporting over 100 new VoLTE partnerships.
Facilitating a Smooth Transition to 5G
For both visited and home networks, Evolved Mobility for Messaging functions as a Diameter SMS center and a 3G GSM roaming interface, respectively. This duality allows comprehensive call detail records (CDRs) and captures the necessary billing information seamlessly. Being able to manage SMS delivery during the transition is vital to preserving the revenue streams associated with roaming services. Operators can thereby ensure they don’t lose out on significant revenue opportunities while they continue to modernize their network infrastructures. It is a crucial feature that underlines Syniverse’s commitment to providing solutions that meet the evolving needs of MNOs and their subscribers.
The Technical Aspects of Evolved Mobility for Messaging
Ensuring Seamless Implementation
One of the standout features of Evolved Mobility for Messaging is its cloud-based deployment, which facilitates quick and scalable implementation without requiring any changes from home or visited networks. This significantly reduces operational disruptions, allowing MNOs to focus on more pressing aspects of their 5G rollout. The cloud-based nature also means that MNOs can scale the solution according to their specific needs without heavy upfront investment in new hardware or extensive reconfiguration of existing systems. This flexibility is crucial for MNOs looking to maintain service reliability while managing the transition to next-generation network technologies.
Comprehensive Call Detail Records (CDRs)
Another critical technical aspect is the solution’s ability to provide comprehensive call detail records (CDRs), capturing necessary billing information accurately and efficiently. This feature ensures that all financial interactions related to SMS delivery are meticulously documented, which is essential for maintaining the integrity of revenue streams during the transition period. By offering robust support for both modern and legacy network protocols, Syniverse’s solution helps bridge the gap between current technological demands and future advancements, thereby playing a central role in the evolving mobile connectivity landscape.
Ensuring SMS Reliability During 5G Rollout
Preserving Revenue Streams
One of the overarching themes in the development of Evolved Mobility for Messaging is the necessity of maintaining SMS service reliability throughout the 5G transition. The deletion of 2G and 3G infrastructures poses a considerable risk to the consistent delivery of SMS messages, which can affect revenue streams for MNOs. By offering a solution that supports both Diameter and SS7 protocols, Syniverse ensures that MNOs can continue to provide reliable SMS services to their inbound roamers. This dual compatibility allows operators to safely navigate the technological landscape without losing sight of customer satisfaction and financial stability.
Expanding Roaming Capabilities
The ability to support over a third of the world’s mobile connections, which still rely on older technologies, makes Evolved Mobility for Messaging a vital tool for the expansion of roaming capabilities. Its role in enabling a seamless transition cannot be understated, as it ensures that operators can offer uninterrupted SMS services even as they move toward more advanced network infrastructures. These innovations are part of Syniverse’s broader Evolved Mobility suite, including solutions like Evolved Mobility for Outbound and Evolved Mobility for Inbound, designed to help MNOs navigate the complexities of the 5G network transition efficiently.
A Key Enabler in the 5G Era
The global shift to 5G networks has created significant challenges for mobile network operators (MNOs), particularly in ensuring reliable SMS delivery for inbound roamers. As MNOs decommission 2G and 3G infrastructures, these challenges are increasingly critical. Syniverse has developed a new solution called “Evolved Mobility for Messaging” to effectively address these issues by ensuring consistent SMS delivery. This innovative solution supports SMS over the Diameter protocol while maintaining compatibility with legacy SS7 networks, a key feature that aids in the transition to VoLTE and 5G. This ensures SMS roaming capabilities remain intact, preserving essential revenue streams. Additionally, the solution offers enhanced security and reliability, reducing the risk of message failure. By bridging the gap between old and new technologies, Syniverse’s solution not only helps MNOs navigate the complexities of evolving network standards but also ensures that customers experience seamless communication, thus reinforcing user satisfaction and loyalty.