The cross-network connection, enabled by Syniverse, is designed to bring 5G SA roaming to international travelers and support new enterprise and IoT applications.
T-Mobile (NASDAQ: TMUS) and Jio have completed what the companies describe as the world’s first 5G Standalone (SA) roaming connection, marking a step toward interoperable 5G networks across international borders.
The connection was enabled through Syniverse, whose connectivity platform provides the interconnection between the two operators’ networks. The companies said the achievement allows T-Mobile customers traveling internationally to maintain a 5G SA connection when roaming on Jio’s network in India.
Unlike 5G networks that continue to rely partly on existing 4G infrastructure, 5G SA operates on a dedicated 5G core. It is designed to support lower latency, network slicing and other capabilities that can enable more specialized wireless services.
5G SA Roaming Targets Global Connectivity
The companies said 5G SA roaming can provide faster connectivity, lower latency and more consistent performance for international users. Those capabilities could become relevant to applications that require continuous connectivity, including IoT, real-time communications and immersive technologies.
The development also addresses one of the challenges associated with 5G SA adoption: enabling standalone networks operated by different carriers to interoperate across borders.
T-Mobile said its work toward 5G SA began in 2020, as the U.S. carrier built out the architecture for its standalone network. The latest collaboration extends that effort into international roaming.
“This is a monumental step for global wireless,” said Ankur Kapoor, chief network officer at T-Mobile. He said the collaboration with Jio is intended to make the 5G experience more seamless when customers move between countries.
Syniverse Provides Network Interconnection
Syniverse supplied the connectivity infrastructure used to connect the two networks.
The company said its platform supports secure interconnection and mediation between mobile networks and is designed to help operators validate and deploy 5G SA roaming.
A key component is Syniverse’s Security Edge Protection Proxy (SEPP) capability, which is designed to secure signaling traffic between 5G core networks. SEPP is part of the 5G architecture used to protect communications between operators’ networks when roaming services are established.
John Wick, chief product officer at Syniverse, said the company’s platform can support operators from testing and validation through production deployment.
Jio Sees Broader Cross-Network Applications
For Jio, the connection could provide a foundation for services extending beyond conventional international roaming.
Mark Yarkosky, head of international network, partnership and services at Jio, said interoperability between two 5G SA networks could support consumer and enterprise services, including applications incorporating artificial intelligence.
The companies did not disclose commercial terms, customer volumes or the broader timetable for expanding 5G SA roaming beyond the initial T-Mobile-Jio connection.
The milestone nevertheless demonstrates an important shift in 5G roaming: moving from simply maintaining mobile connectivity while traveling to enabling the underlying capabilities of standalone 5G across independently operated networks.
