Reliance Jio and T-Mobile have jointly announced the world’s first successful implementation of 5G Standalone Architecture (SA) roaming, offering a more robust and consistent 5G experience for international travellers. The achievement, confirmed by T-Mobile in a press release, allows Jio subscribers visiting the United States to access 5G SA, and similarly enables T-Mobile customers in India to utilise 5G SA on Jio’s network.
This new roaming capability is powered by interoperability facilitated by Syniverse, a connectivity platform that ensures secure and seamless connections between the two networks. Syniverse’s platform is intended to accelerate the global adoption of next-generation 5G technology.
According to T-Mobile’s Chief Network Officer, Ankur Kapoor, this represents a “monumental step for global wireless,” building on work begun in 2020 to prepare for a 5G Standalone future. He said the technology provides a seamless 5G experience for users, whether they are streaming content, sharing social media, or using business applications.
Mark Yarkosky, head of international network, Partnership and Services at Jio, described the development as “transformational,” going beyond simple roaming to unlock new possibilities. He stated that Jio and T-Mobile are establishing a foundation for advanced cross-network services, including enhanced consumer and enterprise experiences and AI-driven applications, leveraging the specific benefits of 5G SA.
Jio currently holds the distinction of being the only telecom operator in India with a nationwide 5G SA presence, positioning it as a key partner in this global roaming initiative. T-Mobile has millions of users who travel internationally, and this new service will provide them with faster speeds, lower latency, and more reliable connections while abroad.
