The deployment of 5G networks promises to revolutionize connectivity by enabling high-speed, low-latency, and reliable connections. The cloud-native design and modular framework of 5G will facilitate versatile application deployment, including network slicing. The 5G market is on an optimistic growth trajectory, with an expected surge in adoption throughout 2023 and beyond. Kaleido Intelligence forecasts a significant increase in the total number of 5G cellular connections across consumer and IoT roaming use cases, signifying a remarkable shift: global 5G cellular connections are forecast to exceed 7.5 billion by 2028, up from a base of 500 million in 2021, indicating an average yearly growth of around 50% over a 5-year period.

While initial 5G deployments primarily utilized NSA (Non-standalone) architecture, the transition to SA (Standalone) networks is gaining momentum. Kaleido Intelligence estimates more than 45 domestic 5G SA commercial launches (compared to nearly 60 core network launches), across over 35 country markets; with another 20 expected to launch over the next 12 months. This shift brings 5G NR (5G New Radio) and 5GC (5G Core) access, enabling enhanced service customization and bolstered security. For more industry insights, download the Improving 5G Roaming Services with SEPP white paper.

Unlocking Roaming Revenue Growth with 5G Expansion

This expansion promises to enhance mobility and connectivity services from a roaming perspective. The adoption of 5G is expected to drive revenues for both consumers and enterprises. Roaming revenues, in particular, are poised for growth, with 5G and IoT roaming use cases playing a pivotal role. However, while 5G NSA roaming is gaining traction with availability exceeding 60+ country markets, 5G SA roaming is expected to witness initial rollouts very soon. In 2023, many regional operators have been actively expediting the testing and implementation of essential core products and functions for 5G SA roaming. According to Kaleido Intelligence, about 85% of operators planning 5G SA roaming services are actively testing new protocols and functional components needed.

SEPP'’s Crucial Role

Deploying 5G SA roaming presents significant challenges and potential advantages that demand meticulous consideration, including but not limited to signaling and interconnect, security, clearing and settlement, and value-added services like analytics and fraud management. Security Edge Protection Proxy (SEPP) is a critical component in ensuring the security and integrity of 5G networks. It plays a vital role in securing roaming services, enabling secure communication between networks, and enhancing end-to-end security. All roaming signaling between networks must be transferred via the SEPP for security purposes. 

Currently, a substantial majority of operators are prioritizing testing and trialing of new 5G security and network functions, with SEPP being a fundamental component of this evolution: according to Kaleido Intelligence, around (87%) of operators consider SEPP as one of the top 3 immediate roaming priorities in 2023.

Enable New Roaming Use Cases with the TOMIA 5G SEPP 

As 5G networks continue to advance, SEPP will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of mobile connectivity and roaming applications by not only enhancing security but also enabling innovative use cases and business opportunities that will continue to shape the evolving landscape of 5G connectivity. SEPPs can exchange information and negotiate the rules and policies related to security. This negotiation process involves various security-related tasks, including filtering to determine which messages are allowed or blocked, routing control and modification, enforcing security rules and regulations, as well as making it harder for external entities to understand the network's structure.

Implementing SEPP alongside roaming VAS services can improve data management, enhance service quality, and open up revenue opportunities, fostering collaboration within the roaming ecosystem. For example, it can address complex challenges associated with signaling routing and real-time monitoring and contribute to robust roaming data management, supporting real-time analytics and fraud prevention. The integration of SEPP with roaming VAS platforms can further enhance Steering of Roaming services, enabling intelligent and the efficient management of steering criteria such as QoS parameters. It can also ensure the continuity of roaming communication services by monitoring roaming mobility events and subscriber behavior.

Download the Improving 5G Roaming Services with SEPP white paper to understand how the TOMIA 5G SEPP platform can be a critical source to enhance roaming service requirements such as steering optimization, QoS guarantee, revenue assurance, mobility management, and IoT detection.