Syniverse has announced an agreement to enable Saudi Telecom Company (STC), a telecommunications operator in the Middle East region, to launch LTE roaming.
The agreement makes it possible for the operator’s inbound and outbound roamers to enjoy seamless service through Syniverse’s IPX Network Solution, the network backbone that makes LTE roaming possible, as well as a host of Managed Services.

“As the leader in LTE enablement, Syniverse allows us to deliver next-generation mobile experiences to our subscribers,” said Eng. Walid Al-Wabel, general manager of STC’s Wholesale Operations Management. “Through a single connection to Syniverse’s expansive IPX network, we are able to deliver LTE roaming while also future-proofing our network to support advanced technologies like VoLTE and to increase bandwidth as LTE volumes continue to rapidly grow.”

STC’s one-stop access to a full suite of solutions offered through the Syniverse IPX serves as a simplified way to reduce the number of one-to-one LTE network connections the operator must manage on its own. The Syniverse IPX provides a carrier-grade connection that currently serves more than 1,000 LTE roaming routes with reach to more than 230 operators in 44 countries. This reach includes over 100 direct connections that enable Syniverse to launch LTE networks around the globe. As a result, Syniverse has direct LTE connections with 14 of the 16 operators that have launched VoLTE, and Syniverse recently enabled the world’s first transoceanic VoLTE roaming call, as well as the first commercial VoLTE service.

Building on its 10-year-plus relationship with STC,  Syniverse provides the operator with a suite of capabilities to quickly expand its roaming footprint while cutting costs, finding new revenue streams, and delivering services faster. In addition to leveraging Syniverse’s data and financial clearing, IOT Discount Management and Near Real-Time Roaming Data Exchange, STC  uses the Gain Management suite to facilitate international roaming agreement negotiations and to perform TADIG testing to help expand the operator’s voice, data, CAMEL and LTE footprint.

“Always-evolving technology requires mobile operators to enhance network efficiency through improved connectivity and visibility,” said Nour Al Atassi, Regional Vice President and Managing Director, Middle East and Africa, Syniverse. “The interconnected global reach achieved by using Syniverse as a single connection point positions STC to meet its existing needs while enabling a smooth transition to VoLTE and other advanced services.”

The agreement with STC builds on Syniverse’s momentum in the Middle East, which is a region where Syniverse has provided solutions for 37 mobile network operators and 30 other businesses, including Viva Bahrain – one of STC’s subsidiaries.