GSM Association Press Releases 2007
GSMA completed testing of new hub-based roaming structure to simplify roaming agreements for Operators
09th February
2007 - London: The GSM Association has completed testing of a new hub-based structure which will enable mobile operators, especially those in emerging markets, to establish roaming agreements more rapidly and efficiently.
The new structure will give operators a single point of contact to make agreements with multiple parties by using hubs that facilitate multi-lateral roaming relationships.
Importantly, this initiative should encourage operators of all sizes to extend their roaming services - including 3G - because it will be simpler and faster to set up agreements. Mobile users will also benefit directly, enjoying a wide range of multimedia services when roaming in many more countries around the world.
Developed in direct response to a specific need among operators facing increased complexity and expense in establishing and maintaining roaming agreements, the new structure will help to streamline this process. Operators will be able to form relationships with multiple parties and maintain them through the single contact point of the hub.
To date, individual roaming agreements have been achieved bi-laterally. This new structure will make it easier to facilitate shared roaming agreements where they are required, for example in the case of multimedia services.
The Association's Chief Technology Officer, Alex Sinclair commented on this milestone: "Following the successful trial of the GSMA SMS Hubbing solution in the second half of 2006, our priority was to develop a similar model for roaming and bring the benefits of hubbing to roaming services.
"This initial testing is the first step towards developing a GSMA hub-based roaming solution that complies with the principles of Open Connectivity and is attractive to all mobile operators - large and small. The tests, supported by 9 hub solution providers and 13 operators from around the world, are solid progress towards our goal."
The following hubs and hub solution providers took part in the initial testing:
Belgacom/Roamware |
Teleglobe/Cibernet |
CITIC1616 |
Worldcell |
Starhome |
Wireless Solutions International |
Syniverse |
n-Tel Communications |
The participating mobile operators were:
Bharti |
|
C & W Panama |
Proximus P4 |
Cellcom |
Rogers Wireless |
CTM |
Teletalk |
Hong Kong CSL |
Viking Wireless |
Hutchinson Essar |
|
The next major step for the GSMA's Open Connectivity Programme will be the Roaming Hubbing Trial, which is planned for the second half of 2007.
About the GSM Association
The GSM Association (GSMA) is the global trade association representing more than 700 GSM mobile phone operators across 218 countries and territories of the world. In addition, more than 200 manufacturers and suppliers support the Association's initiatives as key partners.
The primary goals of the GSMA are to ensure mobile phones and wireless services work globally and are easily accessible, enhancing their value to individual customers and national economies, while creating new business opportunities for operators and their suppliers. The Association's members serve more than 2 billion customers - more than 80% of the world's mobile phone users.
For more information please contact:
Mark Smith / David Pringle
GSM Association
Email:press@gsm.org
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