Comfone Launches 5G SA Roaming with BroadForward SEPP

Comfone has taken a major step forward in global mobile connectivity with the commercial launch of its 5G Standalone (SA) roaming signaling service, powered by BroadForward’s Security Edge Protection Proxy (SEPP). Following an extensive year-long selection process and live trials with two Asian operators, the service is now fully operational, offering mobile network operators (MNOs), MVNOs and IoT providers scalable, secure and future-ready roaming solutions.

The service supports GSMA-approved Hosted and Outsourced SEPP Deployment configurations, reinforcing Comfone’s commitment to global roaming innovation.

Daniel Heutschi, CEO of Comfone, said: “This milestone reflects the strength of Comfone's global capabilities and our commitment to serving more than 600 customers worldwide with a solid and resilient technical infrastructure.

"After extensive evaluation and live trials, we chose BroadForward because their BFX product stood out as the most advanced and user-friendly solution. We were equally impressed with their professional collaboration, which has been instrumental in advancing our 5G SA roaming business.”

BroadForward SEPP Enables secure 5G signaling

At the core of Comfone’s 5G SA offering is BroadForward’s SEPP, which acts as a gateway securing and managing all 5G SA roaming signaling traffic.

Running on the award-winning BFX Unified Signaling Core, the SEPP provides advanced network functions spanning 2G to 5G, including STP, DRA/DEA, SCP, signaling firewalls and number portability.

Taco Schoute, CEO of BroadForward, notes: “Comfone's leadership in IPX makes them a natural partner.

"Our SEPP is well-suited to meet the specific demands of IPX, offering unmatched interoperability, flexibility and deployment options.”

BroadForward’s hardware-agnostic solutions are designed for virtualisation, containerisation and cloud deployment, enabling operators to modernise networks while transitioning from legacy to next-generation technologies.

It is recognised globally for its innovation, with multiple GSMA GLOMO nominations and wins for Best Mobile Technology.

Key2roam platform powers global roaming services

Comfone delivers its 5G SA roaming service via its Key2roam Platform, which already serves more than 600 customers worldwide, including MNOs, MVNOs, SMS A2P providers, IoT/M2M solution providers and OTT web service providers.

The platform integrates a full portfolio of IPX, clearing and hubbing services, enabling seamless transport of signaling, data roaming and clearing traffic.

Key2roam’s architecture supports value-added services (VAS) and analytics, creating opportunities for big data insights and cross-analytical tools that enhance roaming business profitability.

By centralising roaming agreements and connections, Comfone’s Roaming Hub Service handles over 70,000 connections across more than 500 networks globally.

Driving the growth of 5G SA roaming

The launch aligns with projections from Juniper Research, which forecast global wholesale roaming revenue to grow from US$9 billion in 2024 to US$20 billion by 2028, driven by accelerating 5G Standalone deployments.

Comfone’s offering provides operators with the infrastructure and interoperability needed to capitalise on this market opportunity.

By integrating BroadForward’s SEPP into its IPX platform, Comfone ensures global 5G SA roaming services are both secure and resilient, supporting the complex demands of MNOs, MVNOs and IoT connectivity providers.

Expanding the future of wholesale roaming

With a legacy dating back to 1991, Comfone continues to lead in IPX interconnect, supporting GRX, SS7, Diameter and HTTP/2 signaling alongside data and financial clearing.

The new 5G SA roaming service positions it to deliver next-generation roaming solutions on a global scale, combining advanced technology with operational excellence and strategic partnerships.

By leveraging BroadForward’s SEPP, Comfone provides a robust, flexible and interoperable platform that empowers operators to scale services efficiently, manage complex roaming agreements and prepare for the next era of mobile connectivity.