3 mins read
In our hyperconnected world, where global travel is easier than ever, international roaming is not only an expectation but a daily necessity for travelers and businesses worldwide.
As the world becomes interconnected, telecom operators must provide seamless and uninterrupted connectivity services. International roaming keeps us connected when we need it the most. Whether it’s making an important business call or navigating foreign streets with GPS.
In order to gain deeper insights into the topic, we partnered with Kaleido Intelligence to conduct a research study. This study focuses on understanding the shifting demands and expectations of consumers and businesses, particularly in the context of low latency roaming. We explored the current state of roaming and its impact on the telecom industry, aiming to uncover the strategies that telecom operators need to embrace in order to thrive in the evolving global connectivity landscape.
5G roaming: a paradigm shift
The international travel landscape has witnessed a remarkable resurgence, signaling a turning point following the pandemic.
According to Kaleido Intelligence, global roaming revenues reached $47 billion in 2023, an increase of 63% compared to 2022. Amid this shift, the rise of consumer data roaming and the steadfast growth of IoT roaming have taken center stage. Operators worldwide are strategically steering their course toward 5G roaming, bidding adieu to legacy 2G and 3G technologies. Among the larger telecom conglomerates, the emphasis is firmly placed on 5G Standalone (SA) and IoT/M2M roaming solutions, with a clear focus on delivering low latency services.
In contrast, smaller operators are not only diligently expanding their 4G roaming capabilities but also placing a new focus on VoLTE Roaming and 5G Non-Standalone (NSA). This strategic move is designed to elevate user experiences and propel revenue growth to new heights.
Tackling the latency challenge for a seamless 5G experience
As we embrace the era of 5G, the key challenge is delivering ultra-low latency experiences that unlock the potential of this ground-breaking technology.
Enabling low latency through mechanisms such as Local Breakout (LBO) and Regional Breakout (RBO) is essential for improving user experiences during international roaming using different networks or in different regions, as well as addressing specific enterprise needs, such as those related to IoT/M2M applications.
Our low latency roaming survey reveals that a staggering 73% of telecom operators are actively exploring low latency capabilities, recognizing the significant interconnect cost savings associated with Local Breakout (LBO).
BICS and SK Telecom reach a milestone in low latency roaming
In an outstanding collaboration, BICS and South Korea’s leading mobile operator, SK Telecom (SKT), achieved a groundbreaking feat in low latency intercontinental roaming between Asia and Europe. This successful initiative, recognized by the World Communications Awards, involved the utilization of BICS’ IPX Transport service in conjunction with Samsung Electronics and AWS. The joint roaming breakout trial resulted in a remarkable breakthrough latency of 90 milliseconds in a 5G connection between a mobile device in Spain and SKT’s mobile network in South Korea.
Subsequently, BICS and SK Telecom developed the Roaming Edge Cloud (REC) solution, deploying cloud-based data processing equipment in key overseas countries. This solution led to a substantial enhancement in roaming service quality, boasting an impressive 83% reduction in response time compared to conventional roaming services. This technological milestone eliminates the need for long-distance data travel, providing users with a superior roaming experience worldwide.
You can explore further how BICS and SK Telecom reshaped with their award-winning solution on our website.
What does the future hold for low latency roaming?
The emergence of low latency roaming services is set to revolutionize the way we experience connectivity. These innovations are now a necessity for delivering high-quality video streaming, healthcare solutions, and key IoT applications in the 5G era.
In this pursuit of excellence, operators must remember that they can and will play a key role in the revolution towards a more reliably connected world.
Accelerating the global adoption of 5G is a key part of BICS’ mission.
At BICS, our goal is to lead and accelerate the global adoption of 5G technology. As the telecommunications landscape evolves, we recognize the transformative potential of 5G in reshaping industries, enhancing connectivity, and driving innovation on a global scale.
If you’re ready to embark on a journey toward the future of technology, we invite you to explore the possibilities with our help.
Let’s connect and explore the opportunities and insights uncovered in our research study. Join us at MWC to further discuss how we can collaborate and navigate the evolving landscape of consumer and business demands in the telecom industry.
Together, let’s shape the future of connectivity.
Visit us at bics.com to discover how we can bring your 5G aspirations to life.
Watch our recent webinar with Kaleido: https://youtu.be/hPxWE77NKso
