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BroadForward selected to enable advanced signaling solutions for Japan Communications Inc.
Barcelona, Mobile World Congress March 3, 2025. BroadForward, a global leader in intelligent signaling software, is pleased to announce that Japan Communications Inc. (TSE Prime: 9424; hereinafter referred to as "JCI”), a pioneer and leading MVNO in Japan, will be deploying BroadForward's Diameter Routing platform (DRA/DEA), Gateway Mobile Location Center (GMLC) and Signaling Transfer Point (STP) solutions to enable JCI’s launch of its “Neo-Carrier” service by May 2026. This service will be achieved by connecting voice, SMS, and data networks to MNOs, eliminating the constraints traditionally imposed by them. JCI selected BroadForward's solutions for their converged signaling architecture, which supports multiple protocols and network functions on a flexible platform. This approach simplifies network operations, reduces complexity, and provides a future-proof path for network evolution, including the transition to 5G. By deploying BroadForward’s flexible and scalable signaling platform, JCI will be able to rapidly bring new and innovative services to market while ensuring a high level of integration, resilience, and flexibility to meet the evolving demands of the telecommunications market. With numerous MVNOs worldwide already leveraging BroadForward’s solutions, JCI will benefit not only from BroadForward’s innovative technologies but also from its expertise and industry-leading skills, ensuring the foundation for successful network transformation. Naohisa Fukuda, Representative Director-President of JCI, commented, "The deployment of BroadForward's signaling solutions will significantly enhance our network's signaling capabilities. BroadForward’s flexible and scalable software architecture allows us to efficiently manage our point-to-point network connectivity, ensuring seamless service for our customers." Taco Schoute, CEO of BroadForward, added, "We are excited to support JCI in advancing their network services with BroadForward’s cutting edge solutions. JCI has been a pioneer of innovation in Japanese telecommunications market for decades, and we are thrilled to partner with JCI on this transformative journey. About Japan Communications Inc. (JCI) Japan Communications Inc., founded in 1996, is a pioneer that has brought innovation to the telecommunications industry and played a leading role in shaping the MVNO market. Focused on simple and rational mobile communication services, JCI has established a stable revenue model while striving for continued growth. With its strengths in patented technologies such as the wireless leased line "Closed SIM-to-SIM Communication" and the digital authentication technology "FPoS," JCI focuses on providing both mobile communication services and an advanced digital authentication infrastructure built around authentication technology. Its PCI DSS-certified private mobile line is trusted by high-security sectors, including law enforcement and banking, while FPoS offers an industry-leading combination of world-class security and user convenience. Guided by its mission to "Secure and Reliable Transportation of Bits," JCI is committed to building a secure, borderless mobile infrastructure and driving sustainable growth and corporate value enhancement. Read moreBroadForward expands global 5G footprint with multiple SCP deals
Leading operators opt for BroadForward’s Service Communication Proxy (SCP) with enhanced interoperability and adaptive signaling capabilities
Amersfoort, Netherlands – 26 February 2025. BroadForward, the leading expert in intelligent signaling solutions, has secured multiple new global customers for its Service Communication Proxy (SCP) solution, further solidifying its position as a key enabler in the evolving 5G landscape.
At the heart of BroadForward’s signaling solutions is the award-winning BFX Unified Signaling Core, a converged software architecture recognized by the GSMA for its unparalleled flexibility. This unique software architecture provides extensive routing and interworking capabilities across SS7, Diameter, and HTTP/2. As operators transition towards 5G standalone, BroadForward’s SCP is a crucial component in addressing 5G Core signaling challenges. Many of these issues revolve around interoperability and multi-vendor deployments. BroadForwards BFX SCP mitigates these challenges and provides a future-proof solution designed specifically to adapt to evolving requirements. In most cases, even without lengthy R&D efforts that you will find with traditional network equipment vendors.
The SCP is essential for 5G as a critical intermediary that manages signaling traffic, ensuring smooth communication between network components. In a multi-vendor and multi-technology environment, the SCP should be able to address interoperability, optimize network performance and scalability, and enhance security.
The BroadForward SCP, deployed at the heart of the 5G network, is designed to offer seamless integration with other 5G elements, enabling operators to easily manage signaling challenges such as incompatibilities between vendor network technologies. Unlike traditional signaling solutions, often requiring scripting or coding changes, the BroadForward SCP empowers users to manage the solution through a web-GUI and make adaptations independently, without the need for R&D efforts.
Adding to its deployment flexibility, BroadForward SCP supports both the C model (indirect communication without delegated discovery) and the D model (indirect communication with delegated discovery). These options enable the agility needed to tailor deployments to specific infrastructure needs.
BroadForward CEO Taco Schoute commented: “We are noticing a strong increase in demand for SCP from operators currently deploying their 5G Core networks. While some choose to operate without a dedicated SCP for now or rely on a basic version from their network vendor, an increasing number are opting for an advanced solution from a specialized vendor like BroadForward. This shift reflects a growing recognition of the SCP’s crucial role in handling demanding requirements such as complex routing logic, protocol mediation, interworking with legacy platforms, and network discovery and selection.”
As 5G adoption accelerates, BroadForward remains at the forefront of advanced signaling solutions, delivering capabilities that go beyond standardization requirements. Schoute added, “With our SCP, operators and connectivity providers can confidently navigate the rapidly evolving telecommunications landscape, ensuring they remain agile and future-ready.” Read more
Industry perspectives: The adoption of SEPP for 5G roaming – why it matters and what’s next
The role of SEPP in 5G Standalone (SA) core network deployment
The telecom industry is slowly adopting a 5G Standalone (SA) Core to be able to unlock its potential to open new revenue streams. Supporting this transformation is the Security Edge Protection Proxy (SEPP), a key technology for enabling secure and seamless 5G roaming. As operators around the globe adopt SEPP, it’s important to understand why it matters, how it’s evolving, and why independent vendors like BroadForward are leading the way. Why operator cloud readiness matters for SEPP, 5GSA and roaming 5G Standalone (SA) networks are designed to support secure signaling for interconnect. This marks a significant shift from earlier generations like 4G and 2G/3G, which relied on intermediary systems (such as a Gateway STP and DEA) to handle roaming traffic without securing end-to-end integrity/encryption. The SEPP deals with this omission by securing the communication between roaming partners and protecting signaling traffic. And while it is widely understood that establishing secure inter-connectivity is essential for services relying on 5G Standalone (5GSA), the practical reality is that this fully depends on the availability of the mandatory Security Edge Protection Proxy (SEPP). SEPP however is typically implemented in a cloud-native environment - an operational model that at this moment isn't yet available at roughly 70% of operators worldwide (source: Heavy Reading 2025). As a result, SEPP uptake has been slow. Analysts at Juniper and Analysys Mason even project that fewer than half of operators will offer cloud-based network services by 2028, constraining and delaying both 5GSA roaming and slowing 5GSA adoption.Although the BroadForward SEPP supports cloud-native deployment (as well as bare metal and virtualized environments), not surprisingly nearly every BroadForward SEPP in the field has initially been deployed on virtual machines - immediately enabling interconnectivity for our customers in their existing data centers where rivals cannot. This deployment versatility, combined with the ability to seamlessly move configurations across deployment models, has proven to be a decisive factor in the remarkable rate of adoption of the BroadForward SEPP. It not only positioned us to power the world’s first live 5GSA roaming service with IPX BICS already in 2022 but also helped establish BroadForward as a global frontrunner in SEPP deployments.
Changes in SEPP standardization Despite service providers slowly adopting SEPP for a few years now, its standardization is still evolving. A key topic of debate is the security model, particularly whether to use PRINS (Protocol for N32 Interconnect Security) next to Hop-by-Hop TLS for IPX providers. PRINS enables end-to-end integrity/encryption by negotiating security levels between operators, offering stronger security but also adding complexity. Until now the 3GPP specifications prescribed the application of PRINS for IPX connections. In September 2025 the GSMA nuanced the 3GPP specification (TS 29.573) by stating that hop-by-hop TLS is also an accepted option next to PRINS for IPX connections. The GSMA Permanent Reference Document NG.113 describes these options in table 4 (Model and security mechanisms) as shown below:| Model | Security mechanism |
| Model 1 ̶ Direct Bilateral | TLS |
| Model 2.1 ̶ Outsourced SEPP | TLS |
| Model 2.2 ̶ Hosted SEPP | TLS |
| Model 2.3 ̶ Operator Group | TLS |
| Model 3 ̶ Service Hub architecture | Hop-by-Hop TLS or PRINS |
| Model 4 ̶ Roaming Hub architecture | Hop-by-Hop TLS or PRINS |
source: GSMA PRD NG.113
In the Outsourced SEPP model 2.1 (as shown in the image below), the MNO relies on an IPX provider to host and manage the SEPP on its behalf, rather than deploying its own SEPP infrastructure. The outsourced SEPP also means less control over security policies and key management, as these are handled by the IPX provider rather than the MNO itself. Model 2.1 allows operators to adopt secure 5G roaming more quickly without investing in their own SEPP infrastructure. A drawback of this model 2.1 is that operators should expose their SBI interfaces outside of their own network. These SBI interfaces must be secured by TLS or any VPN connection between the PLMN and the Outsourced SEPP. It is particularly beneficial for smaller MNOs, as it provides a cost-effective, scalable alternative that helps them compete with larger players, despite the disadvantages.
source: GSMA PRD NG.113
BroadForward Earns Ninth GSMA GLOMO Award Nomination for Innovation in Signaling
Amersfoort, Netherlands – 11 February 2025 – BroadForward, leader in intelligent signaling software, has been nominated for the ninth time for the prestigious GSMA Global Mobile Awards (GLOMOs). This year, BroadForward’s cloud-native Signaling Transfer Point (STP) has been recognized in the Best Digital Tech Breakthrough category, reinforcing the company’s position as a frontrunner in next-generation signaling solutions. Previously, BroadForward won the GSMA Global Mobile Award (GLOMO) for Best Mobile & Network Software Breakthrough with its BFX Unified Signaling Core (USC), a converged software solution enabling seamless 4G-5G hybrid core network operations. The GSMA, the global organization representing mobile network operators and technology providers, hosts the GLOMO Awards, the telecom industry’s most prestigious recognition for innovation. Each year, leading companies compete in categories showcasing groundbreaking advancements in mobile and digital technologies. The Best Digital Tech Breakthrough category honors solutions that reshape software-based networks, reducing costs, enhancing functionality, and unlocking new business opportunities. Despite rapid advancements in telecom networks, Signaling Transfer Points (STPs) remain vital for global connectivity. Originally introduced in the 1990s as SS7 routers, STPs continue to be essential for SMS delivery and combined-attach services in 2G, 3G, and 4G roaming. However, as legacy STPs approach end-of-life, operators face the challenge of ensuring service continuity while modernizing their infrastructure. BroadForward’s cloud-native STP provides a future-proof alternative, allowing operators to replace outdated, unsupported systems with a modern, cloud-based solution. With legacy network functionalities expected to remain crucial for at least two more decades - particularly for regions relying on 2G and IoT connectivity providers requiring full technology coverage - BroadForward’s STP plays a critical role in enabling seamless global roaming. To support operators in this transition, BroadForward has introduced a Legacy STP Replacement Program, ensuring a seamless migration to its cloud-native STP. This program minimizes operational risks, streamlines migration, and provides full support during and after deployment, empowering operators to modernize with confidence. Taco Schoute, CEO of BroadForward, commented: "Operators are increasingly burdened with outdated, unsupported systems that pose security risks, drive up maintenance costs, and obstruct cloud migration. Our cloud-native STP provides a cost-effective, secure, and scalable solution that ensures continuity while enabling operators to modernize their networks with ease." As BroadForward continues to push the boundaries of intelligent signaling software, this latest GSMA GLOMO nomination underscores its commitment to driving telecom innovation worldwide. Read moreProximus partners with BroadForward and Nomios to replace legacy STPs with future-proof solution
Brussels, 5 February 2025 – Proximus, Belgium’s top mobile network operator, has announced a partnership with BroadForward and technology integrator Nomios to replace its legacy hardware-based Signaling Transfer Points (STPs) with BroadForward’s next-generation software-cloud-based STP solution. This strategic upgrade marks a major milestone in Proximus' ongoing network modernization efforts, ensuring support for essential legacy services while enabling future-ready capabilities. Legacy STPs, a cornerstone of SS7 routing, have reached the end of their operational lifecycle. Despite the phase-out of the 3G network, STPs remain crucial for supporting roaming, messaging, IoT applications, VoLTE signaling and emergency services. Industry analysts project that STPs will continue to play an integral role for at least two more decades. BroadForward’s software-based STP offers unparalleled flexibility, operating seamlessly in diverse deployment environments, including bare metal, virtual machines, containers, and cloud platforms. Beyond supporting legacy signaling, the platform is designed to evolve, incorporating 4G and 5G functionalities such as Diameter signaling control, signaling firewalls, and 5G SCP/SEPP capabilities. This innovative solution empowers operators to streamline operations, lower costs, and reduce system complexity while eliminating dependence on outdated hardware. Laurent Claus, Core & Communication Solutions Division Lead at Proximus, commented: “At Proximus, innovation is at the core of our strategy. We are future-proofing our network infrastructure by transitioning to BroadForward’s cutting-edge signaling solution. This platform ensures continuity for legacy services and positions us to integrate advanced 4G and 5G functionalities seamlessly. With BroadForward’s technology and Nomios’ expert integration services, we are simplifying our operations while maintaining the reliability and excellence our customers expect.” Kris Verheye, Managing Director at Nomios, commented: “This collaboration underscores the critical role of tailored integration and cutting-edge technology in driving innovation. As a valued partner, Proximus continues to rely on Nomios to strengthen its capabilities. By introducing this new solution into their networks, we are extending the scope of our ongoing partnership and empowering Proximus to address today’s challenges and seize tomorrow’s opportunities.” Taco Schoute, CEO of BroadForward, remarked: “Legacy STPs have served their purpose, but due to their age the inherent limitations in cost and flexibility have become apparent. BroadForward’s software-based STP provides a sustainable, modern solution designed to meet operators’ evolving needs. Proximus’s adoption of our platform reflects the growing demand for modern, future-focused signaling solutions.” This partnership demonstrates Proximus’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance operational efficiency, ensure service continuity, and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving telecommunications landscape. --------------------------------- About Proximus Proximus Group (Euronext Brussels: PROX), headquartered in Brussels, is a provider of future-proof connectivity, IT and digital services, operating in the Benelux and global markets. The Group is actively engaged in building a connected world and in ensuring the trustworthiness, security and sovereignty of digital services, to the benefit of society. Proximus has the ambition to build the #1 gigabit network for Belgium and plays a central role in creating inspiring digital ecosystems, while fostering an engaging culture and empowering ways of working. Building upon these strengths, Proximus aims to contribute to an inclusive and sustainable digital society, delight customers with an unrivalled experience and achieve profitable growth both locally and internationally to deliver long-term value for stakeholders. In Belgium, Proximus’ core products and services are offered under the Proximus, Mobile Vikings, Scarlet and Proximus NXT brands. The Group is also active in Luxembourg (Tango and Proximus NXT) and in the Netherlands (Proximus NXT). The Group’s international carrier activities are managed by BICS, a leading international communications enabler, one of the key global voice carriers and the leading provider of mobile data services worldwide. With Telesign and Route Mobile, the Group also encompasses fast-growing leaders in digital communications and digital identity, serving the world’s largest internet brands, digital champions and cloud native businesses. With 11,654 employees, imbued with Proximus' Think Possible mindset and all engaged to offer a superior customer experience, the Group realized an underlying Group revenue of EUR 6,042 million end-2023. For more information, visit www.proximus.com & www.proximus.be. About Nomios Nomios is a leading provider of security and networking solutions, committed to safeguarding and connecting the increasingly complex digital world. With over 20 years of experience supporting enterprises, data centers, and telecommunications companies, Nomios plays a critical role in building the foundation for digital life and modern business. By combining extensive expertise in security, networking, and IT infrastructure, Nomios stands apart by offering integrated solutions that empower customers to achieve seamless connectivity and robust protection for their digital operations. For more information, visit: https://www.nomios.be/en/ Read moreIndustry perspectives: Future of the STP
Rationalizing legacy 2G STP: A necessary step for the future
In the fast-paced world of telecommunications, legacy systems like the 2G Signal Transfer Point (STP) once stood as the cornerstone of signaling networks. These systems facilitated critical functions, from managing international roaming to ensuring IoT connectivity and emergency communications. But as the industry embraces advanced technologies, these aging systems are becoming a liability. The challenges with legacy STPs are mounting. Many have reached their end-of-life status, with vendors phasing out support and leaving operators exposed to escalating costs, and serious security- and operational risks. Maintenance is expensive, with proprietary hardware creating an additional layer of complexity. These systems are ill-suited to modern demands, such as multi-protocol communication, IP-based connectivity, and the transition to 5G. Compounding this, they lack compatibility with modern infrastructure trends like cloud deployment and containerized solutions, making it harder for operators to achieve the scalability and flexibility required today. Sunsetting 2G and 3G and why the STP function remains essential Yet, the STP function remains essential. Despite the rise of 5G, fallback to legacy networks continues to play a vital role, especially for IoT devices, which often rely on 2G for its wide coverage and energy efficiency. Emergency services and rural connectivity depend on these legacy systems to ensure reliability. Additionally, international roaming, even in 5G-dominant areas, still requires robust signaling across older protocols. The STP is here to stay, possibly for decades, just not in its current form. Deploying in the cloud This brings us to a crossroads. Operators must preserve the indispensable functions of STPs while embracing modern, future-proof solutions. Enter BroadForward’s cloud-based STP. Unlike traditional hardware-bound systems, BroadForward's STP is entirely software-based and optimized for deployment on modern IT infrastructures, including virtualized environments, cloud platforms, and containerized systems. This flexibility allows operators to eliminate dependency on proprietary hardware, reduce costs, improve security and seamlessly integrate into modern network architectures. Recently Alex Leadbeater, the Technical Security Director at the GSMA commented that "while 5G networks were designed with security in mind, legacy systems continue to pose serious challenges", and "If you look at most of 5G’s security weaknesses, they are caused by its interaction with legacy". BroadForward’s solution not only ensures compatibility across 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G networks, bridging the gap between legacy and modern systems. It also provides built-in security features accross technologies to protect signaling traffic against contemporary threats, and supports a future roadmap, ensuring operators are prepared for ongoing technological advancements. Long term vision The transition isn’t just a financial decision, it’s a strategic move. By adopting cloud-native and containerized STPs, operators unlock the scalability needed to handle growing signaling demands, while gaining the agility to adapt to evolving market conditions. In a competitive industry, those who modernize their infrastructure position themselves as leaders, ready to meet customer needs now and in the decades to come. The telecom landscape is advancing, but the role of the STP endures. With BroadForward’s modern STP, operators can shed the constraints of legacy systems and embrace a future where efficiency, flexibility, and security are paramount. Now is the time to act: transform your network while safeguarding the critical services your customers rely on. Read moreBroadForward again recognized by Kaleido as Champion vendor for signaling security
BroadForward again lands high score for its SS7, Diameter, and HTTP/2 security products
Amersfoort, 25 November 2024 – BroadForward, a global leader in intelligent signaling software, has been named a Champion Vendor for Signaling Security in the Kaleido Roaming Vendor Hub 2024 report. In 2023 BroadForward received a GSMA GLOMO nomination for Best Mobile Security for its converged firewall solution.
This latest recognition follows a comprehensive five-month evaluation by Kaleido Intelligence, showcasing BroadForward’s innovative signaling security portfolio and industry excellence.
Kaleido Intelligence, a leading telecom research firm, assessed 60 vendors based on factors such as industry presence, product capabilities, and innovation. The Kaleido Roaming Vendor Hub serves as a trusted resource for operators seeking competitive intelligence to guide vendor selection, partnerships, and strategic decisions.
Nitin Bhas, Chief of Strategy & Insight at Kaleido Intelligence commented "Effectively combating and preventing bad actors within mobile networks requires vendors to provide comprehensive solutions that cover both existing and emerging mobile core network signaling technologies. As security threats evolve across all generations of networks, it’s essential to tackle vulnerabilities across SS7, Diameter, HTTP/2, and beyond. Only through a unified approach to signaling security can operators ensure robust protection for their networks and customers, and stay ahead of sophisticated cyberattacks."
BroadForward’s signaling security solutions include the SS7 Firewall, Diameter Firewall, HTTP/2 Firewall, Equipment Identity Register, Location-Based Services, and Security Edge Protection Proxy (SEPP). Built on the GSMA award-winning BroadForward Converged Signaling Platform, all products are designed for flexible deployment across bare metal, virtual machines, containers, and cloud environments. The software architecture offers operators a common approach to secure and manage signaling across both legacy and next-generation networks, enabling operators to centrally view, test, execute and adapt real-time security rules.
“This recognition by Kaleido Intelligence underscores BroadForward’s leadership in delivering comprehensive and future-proof signaling security solutions,” said Taco Schoute, CEO of BroadForward. “Our technology empowers operators to uniformly secure their networks across all vital signaling protocols, supporting their existing networks as well as 5G and beyond.”
By combining cutting-edge functionality with a forward-looking strategy, BroadForward continues to lead the way in network security and interworking across 2G/3G, 4G, and 5G technologies.
About Kaleido Intelligence
Kaleido Intelligence is a specialist consulting and market research firm with a proven track record delivering telecom research at the highest level. Kaleido Intelligence is the only research company addressing mobile roaming in its entirety, covering industry-leading market insights, data forecasts, historical viewpoints, competitive intelligence and operator market surveys. Research is led by expert analysts, each with significant experience delivering telco research and insights that matter.
https://kaleidointelligence.com/
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Jon King, Chief Commercial Officer, Kaleido Intelligence
Email: jon.king@kaleidointelligence.com
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BroadForward Reports 30% Revenue Growth in 2024, Driven by Increased Adoption Among Tier-1 Mobile Operators
Amersfoort, 19 November, 2024 - BroadForward, a global leader in intelligent signaling solutions, anticipates a remarkable 30% surge in revenue for 2024, driven by a growing base of tier-1 mobile operators adopting BroadForward's virtualized, multi-technology signaling platform. The demand reflects the industry’s shift towards virtualization and the growing need for solutions that seamlessly support signaling across 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G networks. In particular, leading mobile operators are selecting BroadForward’s software to deploy and manage STP, DRA, SEPP, SCP, and Firewalls in various environments - whether bare metal, virtualized, or containerized. [caption id="attachment_6613" align="alignleft" width="505"] BroadForward CEO Taco Schoute, celebrates the GSMA Global Mobile Award (GLOMO) for Best Mobile & Network Software Breakthrough.[/caption] The rising adoption of BroadForward’s solutions reinforces its strategic position in delivering scalable, interoperable signaling across multiple generations of mobile networks. These solutions help operators optimize their signaling architecture, reduce operational costs, and adopt future-proof technologies that run on the most modern environments - even for legacy systems like STP. This enables operators to maintain long-term growth and foster ongoing innovation. "This growth, and the addition of several tier-1 operators, validate our commitment to delivering intelligent, future-proof signaling solutions,” said Taco Schoute, CEO of BroadForward. “We are one of the few vendors offering a unified signaling approach across all network generations, enabling operators to future-proof their infrastructure while lowering costs and addressing complex network needs. As operators transition to 5G, our multi-technology signaling solutions are becoming critical to their strategies for greater efficiency and scalability." Also see: The BroadForward Replacement Program offers service providers very attractive options to replace their legacy DSC or STP. Read more