T-Mobile, Jio achieve world's first 5G standalone roaming connection with Syniverse

T-Mobile and Jio have achieved what they describe as the world's first 5G Standalone (SA) roaming connection, marking a major development in cross-border wireless connectivity. The milestone was enabled through interoperability with Syniverse, a connectivity platform that supports interconnection between mobile networks.

The achievement allows T-Mobile customers to access 5G SA roaming while travelling internationally, marking what the companies called a first for the global wireless industry.

What is 5G Standalone roaming?

5G SA roaming is designed to provide a more seamless experience when customers move between networks in different countries. Unlike 5G services that rely partly on existing 4G infrastructure, 5G SA uses a dedicated 5G core network.


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The technology can support faster speeds, lower latency and more reliable connections. It could also enable applications that require consistent connectivity, including Internet of Things (IoT) services, real-time communications and immersive technologies.

T-Mobile, Jio partnership targets cross-border 5G

The Chief Network Officer at T-Mobile, Ankur Kapoor, described the development as a major step for global wireless connectivity.

"This is a monumental step for global wireless, and T-Mobile is proud to lead it," Kapoor said.

He said T-Mobile had begun laying the groundwork for a 5G Standalone future in 2020 and highlighted Jio as its partner in bringing the technology to an international setting.

According to Kapoor, the aim is for customers to maintain a seamless 5G experience when travelling between countries, whether they are streaming content, sharing travel videos or using business applications.

Jio highlights new cross-network capabilities

The Head of International Network, Partnership and Services at Jio, Mark Yarkosky, called the development a transformational milestone, saying the collaboration goes beyond conventional roaming.

“This is a transformational milestone and far more than just roaming, it’s about what becomes possible when two leading 5G Standalone networks work together,” Yarkosky said.

He said the partnership could support new consumer and enterprise services, as well as AI-enabled applications, by leveraging the capabilities of 5G Standalone networks.

Syniverse enables 5G SA network interoperability

Syniverse played a key role in enabling the connection by providing the technology required for secure interconnection and interoperability between the two networks.

The Chief Product Officer at Syniverse, John Wick, said the company was proud to support the industry milestone and highlighted the role of its security and mediation capabilities in making 5G SA roaming commercially viable.

The company said its platform can support operators through the process of testing, validating and deploying 5G SA roaming services as more networks adopt the technology.

5G SA could reshape international roaming

The collaboration between T-Mobile and Jio highlights the potential for 5G Standalone technology to expand beyond individual networks and support interoperable services across borders.

The companies said the development could lay the foundation for new connectivity services and experiences built around advanced 5G networks, including applications for consumers, businesses and emerging technologies.