The roaming connection between Vodafone and A1 was enabled via a 5G SA structure leveraging Ericsson’s dual-mode 5G Core and SEPP platforms
Britain’s Vodafone Group and Austria’s A1 Group have introduced a key milestone: a profitable 5G Standalone (SA) roaming connection between two separate operator teams.
The connection, established between Vodafone Germany and A1 Bulgaria (a member of A1 Telekom Austria Group), enabled a cell subscriber from A1 Bulgaria to roam on Vodafone Germany’s 5G SA community utilizing a regular system. The roaming session was powered by commercially accessible 5G core community software program compliant with the most recent 3GPP requirements. Along with knowledge connectivity, the take a look at efficiently demonstrated superior voice capabilities, together with immersive encompass sound anticipated to be supported by next-generation smartphones.
Not like Non-Standalone (NSA) 5G, 5G SA doesn’t rely upon an LTE EPC to function. Quite, it pairs 5G radios with a cloud-native 5G core community. The 5G core itself is designed as a Service-Based mostly Structure (SBA) which virtualizes community features altogether, offering the complete vary of 5G options and capabilities.
“Finally, 5G SA roaming will improve the client expertise at worldwide occasions like soccer championships and supply the identical constant, quick connectivity at an organization’s warehouses and factories throughout many markets,” mentioned Alberto Ripepi, chief community officer at Vodafone Group.
The roaming connection was enabled via a 5G SA structure leveraging Ericsson’s dual-mode 5G Core and Safety Edge Safety Proxy (SEPP) platforms, deployed by each Vodafone and A1. Ericsson’s Safety Edge Safety Proxy (SEPP) — a part of its Cloud Signaling portfolio — was put in at Vodafone Germany and offers superior built-in safety capabilities to guard subscriber and community knowledge throughout cross-border utilization, in step with GSMA suggestions.
A SEPP acts because the safety gateway on interconnections between dwelling community and visited networks. It offers utility layer, end-to-end authentication, integrity and confidentiality safety through signatures and encryption, essential administration mechanisms for setting cryptographic keys, in addition to permits message filtering and policing, topology hiding and validation of JSON objects.
The trial additionally utilized 3GPP and GSMA-defined requirements to allow computerized setup and centralized administration of inter-operator connections. This standards-based method simplifies the institution of roaming agreements, reduces configuration complexity, and shortens time to market.
Todor Tashev, senior director of the Competence Supply Heart for A1 Group, A1 Bulgaria, emphasised the importance of the achievement: “It is a key technological milestone and we’re proud to associate with Vodafone and Ericsson to realize it. A1 is investing within the experience and sources wanted to ship the most effective buyer expertise throughout all our markets. This preliminary connection is a essential step towards offering European residents and vacationers with high-quality cell connectivity on the transfer.”
Ericsson’s Head of Answer Space Core Networks Monica Zethzon claimed that of the greater than 60 reside or deployed 5G SA networks worldwide, greater than 40 of them make the most of the seller’s core and radio options. “As these networks go reside, customers will anticipate the identical high quality of service and safety when touring overseas. Roaming for 5G SA is crucial to assembly these expectations, and we’re excited to assist make {that a} actuality with companions like Vodafone and A1,” she added.
Trying forward, the momentum for 5G SA continues to develop. Based on the Ericsson Mobility Report, by 2030, practically 60% of worldwide 5G subscriptions — an estimated 3.6 billion— can be 5G SA-enabled. Analysis from Ericsson additionally reveals that European shoppers are prepared to pay as much as 15% extra for improved app efficiency and connectivity, particularly at main occasions like live shows and sporting competitions.
By leveraging commercial-grade software program and GSMA-aligned roaming structure, Vodafone, A1 Group, and Ericsson have proven that 5G SA roaming is each technically possible and operationally scalable.
