Huawei STP

Proximus 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empowers operators to streamline operations, lower costs, and reduce system complexity while eliminating dependence on outdated hardware.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 more

Mobile Operator 2degrees adopts BroadForward’s Signaling Transfer Point (STP), Firewall and Mobile Number Portability solution

Following the successful deployment of the BroadForward DRA, New Zealand operator 2degrees has gone live with the BroadForward STP. Deployment of the BroadForward Diameter Firewall, SS7 Firewall and Mobile Number Portability (MNP) solution is ongoing. Auckland, 14^th March 2023

Leading New Zealand mobile operator 2degrees announced it has gone live with the BroadForward Signaling Transfer Point (STP), replacing Huawei for 3G Core network routing. BroadForward, signaling experts from the Netherlands, provides mobile core network functions for 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G routing, interworking, security and number portability. Underlying all software products is a common, converged signaling architecture with on-board support for protocols such as Diameter, SS7, SIP, ENUM, RADIUS and HTTP/2. BroadForward’s software products are undergoing constant innovation and feature development, enabling operators to invest in the future while significantly reduce network complexity and costs. The design enables BroadForward products to be configured and managed through a common, powerful graphical user interface. The BroadForward STP, often in combination with the BroadForward DRA, is widely adopted by leading global Mobile Network Operators, MVNOs and IPX providers. Often these are replacements of legacy products that are End Of Life (EOL) Also cost rationalization and network consolidation are key reasons for replacement. Garry Joyce, Head of Core Network at 2degrees commented “We are pleased with the new STP and the relative ease with which BroadForward managed the replacement of the legacy systems. Deploying the BroadForward STP alongside the BroadForward DRA not only ensures continued development and support of the current solution, but also provides an easy and logical path to new network technologies and capabilities, including 5G”. Taco Schoute, CEO of BroadForward added “2degrees is a great customer to have, as they push the boundaries of technology to achieve the best possible customer experience. The fact that, after the BroadForward DRA, they have also chosen our STP, Firewalls and Number Portability, is a testament to the benefits that our converged platform brings, with an integrated approach for all core network signalling, including a clear growth path towards future 5G network functions”. About 2degrees In 2022 New Zealand’s leading challenger telecommunications companies – 2degrees and Vocus – came together under the 2degrees brand to form New Zealand’s third largest, full-service telecommunications provider. 2degrees offers broadband and mobile services covering 98.5% of places Kiwis live and work, a nationwide fibre network and modern technology platforms, as well as energy services – all supported by an award-winning customer care team and a network of retail stores. It operates the 2degrees, Slingshot and Orcon brands. https://www.2degrees.nz/ → Read more

BroadForward installs a growing number of virtualized STPs, including unique container-based deployments

New wave of swap-outs of legacy systems for container-based STPs as operators push for cloud-based solutions Amersfoort, 3nd November 2022 BroadForward points to the increasing interest from operators around the world in its virtualized 2G/3G and 4G signaling solutions. The company reports that it has replaced a record number of legacy STPs in almost every region, including tier-1 sized and even container-based cloud deployments of the BroadForward STP. Although the sunset of 2G and 3G networks is planned in most countries, these networks are still widely used. According to the GSMA (“The Mobile Economy 2022”), 97% of the world’s population is still covered by 2G networks. While this will gradually decrease as operators move to 5G, these legacy environments will need to be kept running and maintained for years to come. Circuit-switched networks will eventually be switched off, but there are still many applications using 2G technology, such as mobile network inter-connectivity, IoT devices, feature phones etc. And with that, the need to maintain or even renew the network elements that support the 2G/3G networks, such as an STP, remains. Operators each have different reasons for replacing their legacy systems. Initially, these were mainly related to End Of Life (EOL) situations and rationalization. Also, replacement of products from a High Risk Vendor (HRV) is common these days. In addition, a new wave of replacements has begun in which operators are pushing for cloud-based solutions to achieve a much lower cost base and a unified deployment architecture for their core network infrastructure. For legacy routers such as STP, this is difficult to achieve. While these products are (more or less) virtualized by most vendors, they cannot take the next step to run in a container in the cloud. The BroadForward STP is by design a 100% software solution, supporting virtualization and cloud-, as well as containerized application deployment. And the latter makes the BroadForward STP unique. BroadForward is the first vendor to run live container-based STPs in the field. BroadForward has extensive experience replacing various legacy vendor brands and offers service providers very attractive options to replace their legacy systems with container-based alternatives. Taco Schoute, CEO of BroadForward, added “BroadForward is one of the few, if not the only one, to have built a fully software based STP from the ground up. Not only our 5G portfolio, but all our products can run on virtual machines or in containers. This enables operators to also deploy legacy signaling functions in a unified deployment architecture. All of our signaling network functions - including the STP - run on our GSMA GLOMO Award-winning converged software solution called BFX. With the current trend of moving core network functions to the cloud, we find ourselves at the sweet spot to support operators in replacing legacy products with a much more cost-effective and flexible alternative.” → Read more

GSMA nominates BroadForward for enabling 4G-5G Hybrid Core with the world’s first converged signaling solution

Dutch signaling experts BroadForward land their sixth GLOMO nomination for product innovation and achievement Amersfoort, The Netherlands, May 24, 2021

The GSMA announced today that the BroadForward converged signaling solution, enabling 4G-5G Hybrid Core, is nominated for the Global Mobile Awards (GLOMO) in the category Best Mobile & Network Software Breakthrough. This is the 6^th time BroadForward has been shortlisted by the GSMA. Over its 26 years existence, the GLOMOs have been established as the telecom industry’s most influential awards. The winner in this category will be announced on Wednesday June 30^th, in a virtual award ceremony during the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, the world’s largest annual exhibition for the mobile industry. The nomination is for BroadForward’s converged signaling solution, a single engine software platform designed to run core network functionality and provide support for all key signaling technologies such as SS7 (2G/3G), Diameter (4G), HTTP/2 (5G) and various other protocols. Operators use the BroadForward solution to deploy any combination of its on-board routing, interworking, security or storage functions, for integration and co-existence of 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, Fixed and Wi-Fi systems, and beyond. The platform is in use at over 70 service providers (MNOs, MVNEs, MVNOs, IPX, IoT) around the world, running combinations of core signaling functions for all mobile access technologies including 5G. With the current 5G non-standalone (NSA) and 5G standalone (SA) options, separate silos are created for the 4G and 5G Core. BroadForward however enables building a “4G-5G Hybrid Core” which facilitates a gradual transition from 4G to 5G Core, rather than having to take this big step all at once. BroadForward’s converged signaling solution supports operators to have multiple generations of core network functions co-existing and working together. Existing 4G network components (and even legacy 2G/3G systems) can be retained and combined with new 5G core network functions. This offers an economically much more favorable solution. BroadForward CEO Taco Schoute commented: “This GSMA nomination is a tribute to our long held vision that signaling solutions should work across traditional technology divides. Whereas the life cycle of products designed for specific technologies and use cases are by nature limited, our converged signaling solution is unique, open-ended and continuous. It enables operators to combine and integrate multiple generations of core network functions. This way they can simultaneously invest in future proof technology while retaining and incorporating legacy network functions as part of network transition strategy”. → Read more

BICS selects Infradata and BroadForward to deliver Next Generation STP

Infradata has deployed BroadForward’s STPs at BICS, enabling intelligent routing with centralized configuration, management and provisioning for all of BICS’ SS7 signaling traffic Brussels, December 8^th, 2020 Infradata

, (NOTE: rebranded Nomios) a leading provider of state-of-the-art cyber security and cloud networking solutions and services, announced today they have deployed the BroadForward Signaling Transfer Point (STP) at Belgacom International Carrier Services (BICS). Infradata has become leading expert in intelligent routing and interworking solutions based on the entire BroadForward product portfolio. Infradata has gained extensive experience in designing, implementing and supporting these products at BICS and other telecom operators worldwide. The Next Generation STP solution is deployed as a central, highly versatile routing hub for all 2G/3G related signaling traffic. The software solution provides BICS with the signaling intelligence required to unify and simplify SS7 based routing configuration, management and provisioning of all their SS7 signaling traffic. The STP can run standalone or combined on a single engine platform with other BroadForward products, such as a Diameter Signaling Controller and can be extended with the BroadForward SS7 and Diameter Firewall. Infradata is a great advocate of the solution, as it enables easy-to-use GUI based configuration and integration of advanced signaling scenarios across protocols and technologies, without the need for scripting or coding. Infradata previously implemented the BroadForward Diameter Signaling Controller (DSC) at BICS, for routing all 4G signaling traffic on its IPX network. BICS is the world’s leading interconnect provider of wholesale carrier services to wireline and wireless operators and service providers globally. As the world’s largest roaming provider, it reaches more than 1,000 mobile destinations in the world. The BICS network covers over 200 countries and it comprises fiber & sea cables, satellite link and connections to the world's major internet exchanges. BICS deploys multi-technology solutions (SS7, GRX, IPX, and Cloud) to enable seamless interoperability of traditional and cloud communications. Quentin Pouplard, Head of Solution Architecture & Engineering at BICS commented “We are the number one interconnect provider because we innovate and improve continuously. As our trusted partner for several years now, Infradata regularly updates us on new improvements we can make to our operations. The deployment of the BroadForward STP gives us the signaling intelligence we need to enable much faster service adaptation to the specific needs of our roaming partners around the world. The STP comes with the same signaling versatility and flexibility we already enjoy with the BroadForward DSC on our IPX network, because they run on the same converged, single engine software platform.” Infradata Managing Director BeLux, Kris Verheye added: “The selection of the BroadForward Next Generation STP in the heart of the GRX network is a testament not only to our close partnership with BICS but also to the trust that the technical team has in BroadForward technology for their IPX and GRX networks. We are very proud that Infradata has been able to play a pivotal role in the successful delivery of the Next Generation STP at BICS”. → Read more

Voiceworks selects BroadForward Next Generation STP to replace its legacy systems

Voiceworks, one of the largest players in the Dutch Telco and IT industries, has chosen the BroadForward STP to replace its legacy systems and enable intelligent routing of all of its SS7 signaling traffic Almere, November 18th, 2020 Enrach-Voiceworks selects BroadForward STP

Enrach-Voiceworks selects BroadForward STP

Voiceworks announced today they have selected the BroadForward Signaling Transfer Point (BroadForward STP). The company, a European leading provider of mobile telephony, fixed telephony, UC and data solutions, has currently two legacy SS7 routing solutions deployed from two major incumbent vendors which both will be replaced by the BroadForward Next Generation STP. The BroadForward STP is a highly versatile routing hub for all 2G/3G related signaling traffic and will be deployed in a high available mode supporting geographic redundancy across multiple sites. The software solution provides Voiceworks with the signaling intelligence required to unify and simplify SS7 based routing configuration and management of all their SS7 signaling traffic. Voiceworks already has the BroadForward Diameter Signaling Controller (BroadForward DSC) in operation for routing of 4G signaling traffic. All BroadForward products support easy-to-use GUI based configuration and integration of advanced signaling scenarios across protocols and technologies, without the need for scripting or coding. Voiceworks, which is based in the Netherlands, is one of the largest and fastest growing Voice over IP (VoIP) and web technology specialists in both the Dutch and German telecom markets. Their solutions – among others corporate Unified Communications (UC) and fixed-mobile-integration services – are delivered from the cloud both as a Mobile Virtual Network Enabler (MVNE) and Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO), which support clients and partners in their business growth. Voiceworks is part of pan-European unified communications technology and telecommunication services player Enreach. Organizations within this group all contribute to intelligent, integrated IT and communications solutions for the business market. Enreach serves over 1650 resellers and 2 million end-customers with activities in 25 countries. Christian Bichbäumer, Head of Mobile Operations at Enreach says: “The deployment of the BroadForward STP will allow us to rationalize our network as we replace multiple legacy routers with one uniform, next generation software solution. The new STP will provide us with the required flexibility to implement complex routing logic and services, using a central easy-to-use configuration and management function. BroadForward has a proven track record for successfully supporting complex technical integrations projects at Enreach and we are happy to continue this collaboration.” Steve Pit, COO at Enreach, adds” As an added bonus, the BroadForward STP runs on the same single engine signaling framework as our other BroadForward products. This not only provides cross-platform signaling flexibility to adapt to the specific wishes of our enterprise customers, but also enables us to reduce costs significantly”. BroadForward CEO, Taco Schoute concludes: “As a long term signaling partner of Voiceworks we are thrilled to be selected to replace their legacy SS7 routers with our next generation STP. Our solution enables Voiceworks to move away from the limitations of inflexible legacy SS7 products, often running on proprietary hardware. In contrast, The BroadForward STP is a 100% software solution by design, allowing Voiceworks to enable converged signaling scenarios across 2G/3G, 4G and even 5G”. → Read more

BroadForward launches software STP, lands multiple replacement deals

Dutch signaling experts BroadForward announces new Signaling Transfer Point (STP), targeted at operators looking to replace their legacy systems Amersfoort, The Netherlands, March 4th, 2020 BroadForward, leader in intelligent signaling software and a five-time GSMA Best Mobile Technology award nominee, announced today it has launched a fully software based Signaling Transfer Point (STP). The new STP is already live at a number of service providers, including larger-size deployments handling 100,000’s of messages per second. BroadForward’s Next Generation STP is a complete solution for intelligent routing of SS7 signaling traffic in 2G and 3G networks, with optional support for 4G and 5G signaling, firewall, number portability, steering of roaming etc. Dutch signaling experts BroadForward provides a range of converged, multi-protocol software products that work across 2G/3G, 4G/LTE, 5G, IMS, Fixed, Wi-Fi, IPX and M2M/IoT networks. The addition of a new STP function enables operators to continue to provide services cost-effectively for decades to come, in line with the expectations of ABI Research, whose report “Signaling in Mobile Broadband: Diameter and SS7 report” states: “SS7 will not go away until 2G and 3G completely stop operating, and SS7 will need support for at least another 10 to 20 years”. BroadForward has designed the STP as a modern, cost-effective, future-proof software product capable of replacing legacy STPs. It provides unrivalled flexibility to implement complex routing logic and services, using a central, easy-to-use configuration and management function. The BroadForward STP is the preferred choice for operators looking for a replacement of their legacy STP because of lack of functionality, end-of-life (EOL) or high-risk-vendor (HRV) situations, rationalization plans and network virtualization. Taco Schoute, CEO at BroadForward commented: “For BroadForward, adding the STP function was a logical step in our convergence strategy. The STP will remain a key element for the majority of Telco networks worldwide for years to come. The BroadForward STP is now an inherent part of our unique multi-protocol, single-engine signaling platform. It is a cost-effective and future-proof solution, with an attractive license model, allowing service providers to combine 2G/3G, 4G and even 5G functionality using the same software engine. It is not surprising that several customers already have decided to replace their legacy STP with the BroadForward STP, and combine it for example with the existing BroadForward DRA.” → Read more

Signaling Transfer Point (STP)

The BroadForward Next Generation Signaling Transfer Point (STP) is a award winning solution for intelligent routing of SS7 signaling traffic in 2G and 3G networks. It can be deployed on bare metal, virtual machines, containers, and cloud environments, either standalone or combined on a single-engine platform with other products, such as the BroadForward Diameter Signaling Controller (DSC) and BroadForward Firewall.

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