In the fast-paced world of telecommunications, the shift from 5G Non-Standalone (NSA) to 5G Standalone (SA) networks is a game-changer. Whilst 5G NSA helped kickstart 5G by using existing 4G infrastructure, 5G SA is where the real magic happens.

This evolution is set to transform international roaming and redefine how roaming hubs operate. Let’s dive into the differences between NSA and SA, the impact of 5G SA on roaming hubs, and the challenges and opportunities ahead…

What exactly is 5G SA?

5G SA networks are built on entirely new 5G infrastructure, unlike 5G NSA networks that rely on 4G LTE core network. Here’s why 5G SA is exciting:

Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB)

• High data rates – expect blazing-fast internet speeds for smooth streaming and quick downloads
• Increased capacity – supports more connected devices, ensuring excellent performance in crowded places like stadiums and cities

Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communications (URLLC)

• Lower latency – aims for latency as low as 1 millisecond, which is crucial for real-time applications such as autonomous vehicles and remote surgeries
• High reliability – ensuring that communication is reliable and consistent, making it suitable for critical applications that cannot tolerate delays or interruptions

Massive Machine-Type Communications (mMTC)

• IoT connectivity – supports a vast number of connected devices, perfect for smart cities and industrial IoT
• Energy efficiency – optimises network resources for low-power, long-battery-life devices

Network slicing

• Customised network segments – allows operators to create virtual networks tailored to specific applications, offering varying levels of speed, latency and reliability
• Service differentiation – useful for enterprises needing dedicated network resources for specific use-cases like healthcare or logistics

Network security

• Advanced security protocols – enhanced measures to protect against cyber threats, ensuring data integrity and privacy
• Trust and authentication – strengthened processes to prevent unauthorised access and ensuring only trusted devices and users can connect

How will this change Roaming Hubs?

1) Billing and Charging Evolution (BCE)

With the phasing-out of TAP, a new charging standard, BCE, is essential for 5G SA roaming agreements. Currently, only a few operators are BCE compliant, so Roaming hubs must support both BCE and mixed scenarios.

The Key2roam Hub fully supports BCE alongside having a unique service – Phoenix Key2roam. This is designed to apply new charging models within the Key2roam Hub for new IoT/ M2M players without the need of any of the operators to be BCE compliant. This is a necessary solution for Mobile Networks while BCE is not yet widely available.

2) Optimised performance

The high-speed, low-latency nature of 5G SA networks will optimise performance for data-intensive applications, such a streaming, gaming, and IoT services, during international travel. Roaming SLAs between Mobile Operators might finally come to life to guarantee the highest QoS for high-demand customers.

Roaming Hubs need to heavily invest in their infrastructure to make all these new use-cases possible. They also need to adjust their Roaming SLA’s accordingly.

The Key2roam Hub handles over 30,000 roaming connections for over 480 networks. This ensures reliable  and efficient communications to cope with the explosive growth of IoT devices. Our state-of-the-art IPX service guarantees a smooth handling of all of the traffic in our fully redundant and geo-distributed Key2roam Platform.

3) Network security

Security is a top priority with 5G SA networks. The advanced architecture allows for more robust security protocols, which are essential for protecting user data and preventing cyberattacks.

Roaming Hubs will benefit from these enhanced security measures, ensuring that international travellers can trust their connections are safe and secure. This is especially important as more critical applications and sensitive data rely on mobile networks.

Roaming Hubs need to be seen as a trusted party and provide guaranteed end-to-end security.

Challenges ahead

Complex upgrades

Upgrading to 5G SA requires significant changes to current network infrastructure, which can be costly and time-consuming. Network providers need to overhaul existing systems, which involves both hardware and software upgrades. On the other hand, mobile operators still need to maintain the legacy networks, leading to increased complexity.

Compatibility issues

Ensuring seamless compatibility between different countries’ networks is a major challenge. This requires global cooperation and standardization to ensure that 5G SA networks can communicate effectively across borders.

And mobile operators need to take into account that in 5G SA there´s no fallback to legacy Circuit Switched (CS) Voice.

Roaming Hubs must be versatile enough to handle various network technologies and standards.

Network security

While 5G SA offers enhanced security features, the complexity and scale of the network also introduce new vulnerabilities. Network operators and Roaming Hubs must stay vigilant against potential cyber threats. This includes implementing advanced security measures such as encryption, secure access controls, and continuous monitoring for threats.

And how to guarantee full security when roaming in visited networks not yet supporting 5G SA architecture?

Use cases

As 5G SA rolls out, expect new applications like advanced smart cities and more reliable IoT devices that we haven’t even thought of yet. Innovations in healthcare, transportation, and industrial automation will likely lead the way.

The challenge on mobile operators is to have to invest based on the expectation that use cases will come in a near future. What if they take longer to arrive on the market?

What’s next?

Switching to 5G Standalone (SA) networks is a significant leap for the telecom industry, bringing both challenges and vast opportunities. Roaming Hubs that embrace this change can offer better services, improve user experiences, and stay ahead of the curve in global connectivity.

The transition to 5G SA promises faster speeds, lower latency, and enhanced security, paving the way for a new era of international roaming. The future of roaming with 5G SA looks bright, and we’re excited to see how it will reshape global connectivity and drive innovation across industries. The journey ahead is promising, and those who adapt will undoubtedly lead the charge into a connected, 5G-enabled world.

Are you ready for the future with 5G SA? Join the Key2roam Hub 5G SA Proof of Concept (PoC) and be at the forefront of this technological revolution. Experience the benefits first-hand, contribute to the evolution of international roaming, and ensure your network stays ahead in the rapidly advancing world of 5G.

Let’s pioneer the next generation of global connectivity together!