T-Mobile, the second-largest telecommunications operator in the US, and Reliance Jio, a company preparing for an IPO, have announced the launch of the world's first 5G Standalone (SA) roaming connectivity. This capability became possible through compatibility with Syniverse, as stated in an official announcement on Monday.
This agreement allows T-Mobile customers to use the Jio 5G SA network while traveling in India, and Jio customers to connect to the T-Mobile 5G SA network while in the US. Previously, Indian operators, including Jio, had agreements for 4G roaming with global carriers, which were offered to users through special packages.
T-Mobile emphasized that 5G SA roaming provides higher data transfer speeds, lower latency, and a more reliable connection. This paves the way for the implementation of revolutionary applications in the Internet of Things (IoT), real-time communications, and immersive technologies that depend on stable, high-performance global connectivity.
Executive Comments
Ankur Kapoor, T-Mobile's Director of Network Operations, stated: 'This is a monumental step for global wireless connectivity, and T-Mobile is proud to lead it. We started this journey back in 2020, laying the foundation for the future of 5G Standalone, and today we continue this leadership in partnership with Jio India on the global stage. Move from one country to another, and your 5G experience will be just as seamless—whether you are streaming, sharing travel videos, or using business applications. That is the breakthrough potential of this technology.'
Mark Yarkoski, Head of International Network Interconnect, Partnerships, and Services at Jio, noted: 'This is a transformative phase and something more than just roaming—it's about what becomes possible when two leading 5G Standalone networks work together. T-Mobile and Jio are laying the groundwork for a new generation of interconnectivity and services, from differentiated consumer and enterprise experiences to AI-powered services, utilizing the unique capabilities of 5G Standalone. This is the future of 5G SA: seamless, compatible, and built to unlock new value.'
John Wick, Product Director at Syniverse, expressed pride in the company: 'Syniverse is pleased to help realize this industry-first milestone in 5G Standalone roaming, demonstrating how secure interconnection and advanced mediation can make next-generation roaming commercially viable globally.' He added that the company was able to support all 5G-ready customers from the testing phase to production as new operators joined.