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April 23, 2025
Vodafone, the A1 Group, and Ericsson have achieved a significant milestone in mobile technology: the first successful 5G Standalone (SA) roaming connection between two different operator groups. The connection between Vodafone Germany and A1 Bulgaria demonstrates the potential for seamless, high-performance roaming for private and, in particular, business customers in an international context.
Unlike previous 5G implementations, which often rely on the existing 4G infrastructure (Non-Standalone, NSA), 5G SA utilizes the fifth generation of mobile technology throughout, both in the radio access network (antennas) and in the core network. This end-to-end 5G architecture is crucial to fully exploit the transformative possibilities of the technology, such as extremely low latency and increased reliability.
The successful test paves the way for commercial 5G SA roaming services. In the future, travelers abroad can expect the same high speed and responsiveness they are used to from their home network, even in densely populated areas such as city centers or major transport hubs.
5G SA roaming opens up entirely new possibilities for businesses. Applications that require consistent, low-latency performance across borders will become feasible. These include dedicated "Network Slices" – customized virtual networks for specific requirements – which, for example, enable the remote control of industrial robots, the management of autonomous vehicles in international logistics processes, or the use of AR/VR glasses at international events.
The demonstration was carried out with a standard mobile device of an A1 Bulgaria subscriber in the live network of Vodafone Germany. The data connection was established via generally available core network software according to the latest 3GPP industry standards. In addition to the data connection, the potential for improved voice roaming quality was also tested, using features that future smartphones are expected to support, including immersive surround sound capabilities.
The technical basis of the test was formed by solutions from Ericsson, including the Dual-Mode 5G Core platform. Security, a central concern in cross-border communication, was ensured by multi-layered and multi-vendor Security Edge Protection Proxy (SEPP) platforms operated by both the Vodafone Group and the A1 Group.
The standardization of the roaming architecture according to 3GPP/GSMA simplifies the setup and management of connections between operators. This is expected to facilitate the agreement of roaming contracts and accelerate the market launch of 5G SA roaming services.
The trend towards 5G SA is underpinned by market forecasts. Ericsson's Mobility Report predicts that by 2030, almost 60% of global 5G subscriptions (around 3.6 billion) will use 5G SA. The demand for improved connectivity exists: According to Ericsson studies, European consumers are willing to pay up to 15% more for enhanced mobile experiences at major events such as concerts or sporting events – scenarios in which robust 5G SA roaming will be essential.
Sources: - https://www.telecomstechnews.com/news/vodafone-a1-ericsson-demo-first-5g-sa-international-roaming-link/ - https://www.ericsson.com/en/press-releases/3/2025/vodafone-a1-group-and-ericsson-establish-world-first-5g-standalone-international-roaming-connection-between-two-operator-groups - https://newsroom.vodafone.de/5g-standalone-international-roaming - https://www.capacitymedia.com/article/ericsson-claims-first-cross-operator-5g-sa-international-roaming-connection - https://www.golem.de/news/vodafone-a1-und-ericsson-internationales-roaming-im-5g-standalone-netz-getestet-2504-195556.html - https://www.telecoms.com/5g-6g/vodafone-a1-and-ericsson-herald-world-s-first-5g-sa-roaming-connection - https://x.com/Gadget_Ry/status/1914704516500410666 - https://www.telecomstechnews.com/categories/telecoms-operators/vodafone-telecoms/ - https://www.threads.net/@gadget_ry/post/DIwQ8OxIV9z/as-more-5g-sa-networks-go-live-users-globally-will-expect-the-superior-service-a - https://www.rcrwireless.com/20250422/5g/vodafone-ai-5g-sa