WiFi and VoLTE provide new opportunities for global roaming services

In each generation of mobile networks, roaming has been a critical challenge, and in 4G, it involves carrier WiFi as well as LTE itself. More and more service providers offer combined WiFi/cellular packages, and with the introduction of standards like Passpoint and Next Generation Hotspot, there will be seamless authentication and hand-off between the two. Along with the shift to IP, particularly the introduction of voice services (VoLTE and WiFi Calling), the challenges are severe, but they will create new opportunities for roaming services. LTE roaming has already boosted business for IPX service providers, whether independents like BICS and Syniverse or carrier divisions. VoLTE, with the huge volumes of SIP signalling it generates, will add to the complexities, and now…