b2b-daily
Home | IT | Networking

Vodafone and A1 Achieve 5G SA Roaming Milestone

Avatar photo
by Alistair Miller
April 23, 2025
Image Credit: freepik / Freepik
Vodafone and A1 Achieve 5G SA Roaming Milestone
Article Highlights
Off On

Vodafone Group and A1 Group have achieved a significant milestone by successfully enabling 5G Standalone (SA) roaming between their networks. This marks a successful connection of A1 Bulgaria’s subscriber to Vodafone Germany’s 5G SA infrastructure. The accomplishment was made possible by using commercially available 5G core network software compliant with the latest 3GPP standards, offering advanced voice capabilities such as immersive surround sound. Unlike Non-Standalone (NSA) 5G, which relies on LTE infrastructure, 5G SA operates using a cloud-native 5G core with Service-Based Architecture, unlocking the full potential of 5G features.

Alberto Ripepi, chief network officer at Vodafone Group, emphasized the enhancement of user experiences at international events and consistent connectivity across diverse business locations. The success of this trial was supported by Ericsson’s dual-mode 5G Core and Security Edge Protection Proxy (SEPP) platforms used by both Vodafone and A1, which ensure subscriber and network data protection during international usage in line with GSMA guidelines.

The trial’s adherence to 3GPP and GSMA standards simplifies the automatic setup and centralized management of inter-operator connections, streamlining roaming agreements and accelerating market entry. Todor Tashev of A1 Group highlighted the importance of this achievement in delivering high-quality mobile connectivity to European citizens and tourists alike. Monica Zethzon from Ericsson noted that out of over 60 live or deployed 5G SA networks worldwide, more than 40 utilize Ericsson’s core and radio solutions, ensuring consistent service quality and security. Roaming capabilities are crucial to meeting user expectations, especially during major events. Looking ahead, Ericsson’s Mobility Report projects that by 2030, 60% of global 5G subscriptions—approximately 3.6 billion—will be 5G SA-enabled. European consumers are also reportedly willing to pay up to 15% more for better application performance and connectivity, indicating a bright future for 5G SA with enhanced connectivity and user experiences globally.

Explore more

ERP Systems Shift From Bolt-On to AI-Native Architecture
July 23, 2026

The traditional enterprise resource planning market has recently crossed a significant threshold where the superficial application of artificial intelligence no longer suffices for complex industrial operations. By 2026, a distinct divide has emerged between legacy platforms that merely retrofitted AI features onto old code and those built from the ground up for the modern era. This evolution is changing how

How Will XRP and Ethereum Define the 2026 Crypto Market?
July 23, 2026

The transformation of the cryptocurrency market from a speculative frontier into a foundational pillar of the global financial system has fundamentally reshaped how institutions and retail investors perceive digital assets. Today, the landscape is defined by clear regulatory frameworks and significant participation from major banking institutions, moving away from the volatility of previous cycles toward a more professionalized environment. Within

Is Workplace Abuse Behind the Climate Official’s Death?
July 23, 2026

The sudden passing of a senior director within the international climate policy framework has sent shockwaves through the scientific community and raised urgent questions about the psychological toll of high-pressure public service roles. While initial reports focused on health complications resulting from chronic stress, subsequent leaks of internal emails and whistleblower testimonies suggested a disturbing reality of systematic bullying and

Is the Future of the Linux Desktop Atomic?
July 23, 2026

The Linux desktop has undergone a radical transformation as the community moves away from the fragile, manual configuration methods of the past toward a much more resilient, image-based future. For several decades, the quintessential Linux experience was defined by a fundamental paradox where users enjoyed unparalleled control over their environment while simultaneously facing a constant risk of catastrophic system failure

Proactive Layered Strategies Neutralize Ransomware Threats
July 23, 2026

The persistent threat of digital extortion has transformed from a rare occurrence into an unavoidable reality that demands a fundamental shift in how individuals approach their computer’s security landscape. Relying solely on the hope that a system will remain unnoticed by malicious actors is no longer a viable strategy in an environment where automated exploitation tools are constantly scanning for