Kubernetes
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empowers operators to streamline operations, lower costs, and reduce system complexity while eliminating dependence on outdated hardware.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 moreReplacement Program
The BroadForward Replacement Program offers service providers very attractive options to replace their legacy DSC or STP. BroadForward has extensive experience replacing various legacy vendor brands. We look forward to get in touch with you to present our virtualized STP-DRA solution (including 5G extension options). We invite you to fill out the form below and we will contact you shortly. [contact-form-7 id="5137" title="Contact form (Replacement)"] BroadForward is committed to protecting your privacy. We promise to keep all the information that you share with us confidential. We only collect the personal information on this form for sending the requested product information and/or for contacting you regarding the requested product information. We do not share your information with any outside parties. For more information, please refer to this Privacy Notice. Read moreUnitel adopts BroadForward’s Intelligent Diameter Router and Firewall
Angola’s largest mobile operator has gone live with BroadForward’s intelligent Diameter Signaling Controller and Diameter Firewall Luanda, July 27th 2021
Leading Angola telecommunications provider Unitel announced it has gone live with the BroadForward Diameter Signaling Controller (BroadForward DSC) and the BroadForward Diameter Firewall (BroadForward DFW).
Based in Luanda, Angola, Unitel provides a broad spectrum of mobile and fixed telecommunication services in Angola, which includes mobile calling, high speed data and other services over its 2G/3G/4G and fiber networks. Unitel is currently deploying 5G.
Unitel has deployed the BroadForward Diameter Signaling Controller (BroadForward DSC) to ensure a robust and secure signaling architecture on its growing 4G network. The DSC provides intelligent routing to, and multi-protocol interworking with 3G, 4G/LTE and later 5G networks and systems. Compliant with the relevant GSMA FS.19 security recommendations, the BroadForward Diameter Firewall (BroadForward DFW) protects the Unitel 4G network against potential attacks, unauthorized senders, malformed messages, overload situations and much more.
Both BroadForward network functions are widely adopted by leading Mobile Network Operators, MVNOs and IPX providers and run on BroadForward’s converged signaling solution, a multi-technology software platform ready for 5G, supporting intelligent routing and interworking across 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, Fixed/Wi-Fi and IT systems.
Júlio Gonçalves, Core and Services Director of Unitel “With the BroadForward DSC and Firewall we have acquired future proof software technology which not only enables us to provide a higher quality of service and security for our customers, but also helps us reducing network complexity and costs, while ensuring we are ready to deal with the challenges of convergence and transition to 5G.”
Taco Schoute, CEO of BroadForward, added “BroadForward’s intelligent signaling software is the perfect fit for Unitel’s multi-technology network. The BroadForward DSC and Firewall empower Unitel engineers creating and managing secure signaling scenarios for 4G as well as other network technologies, including 5G”.
About Unitel
Unitel is the largest mobile operator in Angola. It operates a network based on GSM and UMTS standards, and provides voice communications, text (SMS) and multimedia (MMS) messages, fixed and mobile internet access. As a quintessential Angolan company it is an example of success and enjoys high levels of national pride. Unitel has revolutionized telecommunications in Angola with the quality and innovation of the services it has introduced to the market. https://www.unitel.ao/ 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 6th 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 30th, 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
Converged signaling solution – BFX Unified Signaling Core (USC)
The award winning BroadForward BFX Unified Signaling Core (USC) is a converged signaling solution enabling operators to combine and integrate multiple generations of core network functions to support a 4G-5G Hybrid Core. The productized solution provides operators with the ability to simultaneously invest in future proof technology while retaining and incorporating legacy network functions as part of its network transition strategy. Read more Read moreIoT Enterprise Network Operator Pod Group goes live with multi-technology routing solution from BroadForward
Pod Group has deployed BroadForward’s multi-technology signaling platform, enabling converged, central routing for all 2G, 3G, 4G and future 5G IoT signaling traffic San Francisco, March 2nd, 2021 Pod Group
, the world’s first IoT Enterprise Network Operator (ENO), today announced it has deployed the BroadForward Next Generation Signaling Transfer Point (STP) and Next Generation Diameter Signaling Controller (DSC) to enable advanced signaling control in its worldwide IoT services network. The converged signaling platform enables Pod Group to achieve fast deployment of customer specific IoT signaling scenarios across network technologies. The virtualized software solution enables operators to combine network functions on the same single engine platform with other BroadForward network products, such as the SS7 and Diameter Firewall, 5G SEPP and SCP.
Both routing functions (STP and DSC) run on BroadForward’s single engine solution enabling converged 2G/3G, 4G and 5G routing and interworking functions across an extensive range of network protocols. The unique design of the software solution enables Pod Group to unify and simplify routing configuration, management and provisioning across all SS7, Diameter and later HTTP/2 IoT traffic.
Pod Group specializes in IoT SIM cards and advanced connectivity solutions for IoT applications, with 20+ years of experience, research and innovation in mobile connectivity. Pod Group provides enterprises, manufacturers and systems integrators with a complete suite of IoT connectivity technologies to enable those enterprises that do not have the in-house capabilities to build, manage, and run their own network by offering a range of managed services (Network as a service - NaaS).
As an Enterprise Network Operator (ENO), Pod Group is a new class of connectivity service provider in the IoT market which combines the network control and visibility of an MNO with the global reach, flexibility, and rapid innovation of an MVNO. It is an enabler for the infrastructure and related services that enterprises need in order to own and control their IoT networks.
Alistair Elliott - CTO Networks Pod Group, commented “When the underlying signaling technology provides intelligent cross-technology control there are clear benefits for enterprises to run their own network. The flexibility of the BroadForward multi-technology signaling solution does exactly that: it allows us to enable advanced SS7 and Diameter signaling scenarios that we can tailor on demand. The new signaling platform gives us comprehensive control, full access and a single view on 2G, 3G, 4G and later 5G IoT signaling traffic. This allows us to achieve a much faster time to market for network configuration and security policies in different IoT networks”.
BroadForward CEO, Taco Schoute added: “IoT is one of the fastest growing market segments in telecommunications with over 125 billion connected IoT devices predicted by 2030. Being at the forefront of developments in the IoT market, Pod Group will benefit tremendously from the BroadForward Next generation STP and DRA. Our converged software design provides unrivalled flexibility to match specific enterprise requirements and demands for fast deployment across 2G, 3G and 4G while able to support 5G IoT services as well”.
Read more
Global Network Operator Truphone goes live with new DSC from BroadForward
Infradata has been selected by Truphone to replace their legacy Diameter routers with the BroadForward Diameter Signaling Controller (DSC). London, January 12th, 2021
Infradata proudly announced today they have deployed the BroadForward Diameter Signaling Controller (BroadForward DSC) at Truphone’s two main data centers in the UK and the Netherlands, enabling Truphone to centrally configure and manage all their Diameter signaling traffic. As a leading expert in intelligent routing and interworking solutions based on the BroadForward product portfolio, Infradata can bring extensive experience to the table in designing, implementing and supporting mobile network functions for telecom operators around the world.
Truphone is a GSMA accredited global mobile network, combining its own network infrastructure with partnerships with other operators. Its customer base includes more than 3,500 multinational enterprises in 196 countries. The company is headquartered in London and has offices in ten other countries, spread across four continents. Truphone is a recognized top three eSIM player globally through its SIM provisioning service and counts over 30 major operator customers as its customers. Its unique global infrastructure provides plans with world access to over 100 countries and a flat rate plan covering 32 European countries.
The BroadForward Next Generation DSC (DRA, DEA and Interworking) provides Truphone with an intelligent signaling solution designed to orchestrate converged signaling services across 2G/3G, 4G/LTE, Fixed/Wi-Fi networks and ultimately 5G. The highly versatile and easy to configure software solution comes with multi-protocol routing, mediation and interworking. This enables Truphone to also integrate non-Diameter systems using for instance RADIUS or HTTP.
Victor Pinto, Head of Network Engineering at Truphone, commented “With a global network such as ours it is of vital importance we can integrate with the technology of our customers and enable services quickly and smoothly. As our previous Diameter router had reached its limits, we were in the market for a new solution. The BroadForward DSC deployed by signaling expert Infradata provides us with the extensive signaling flexibility for Diameter as well as other protocols such as RADIUS and HTTP, whenever we need it. We are pleased with the possibilities the solution brings.”
Infradata Head of Business Unit Mobile Security Solutions, Nela Zrilic added: “It is a great honor that Truphone - who are themselves a technology leader in their own right – have selected Infradata to replace their legacy systems and provide vital routing technology for their global network. Once we were able to showcase the solution, by means of a proof-of-concept, the team at Truphone was quickly convinced of the features, the flexibility and the overall power of the DSC solution. In close cooperation with Truphone, we very quickly got the BroadForward DSC up and running in their data centers, handling all Diameter services.” 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 8th, 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
Dhiraagu selects BroadForward for Next Generation EIR and DSC core network functions
Leading Maldivian operator Dhiraagu deploys BroadForward core network solutions for device authentication (EIR) and secure interconnect for roaming (DSC) Malé, October 7th, 2020
Today, the leading telecom and digital service provider in the Maldives, Dhiraagu announced that the BroadForward Equipment Identity Register (BroadForward EIR) and BroadForward Diameter Signaling Controller (BroadForward DSC) are now in full operation across the Maldivian archipelago. The BroadForward EIR enables Dhiraagu to regulate and control devices accessing the network. The BroadForward DSC enables Dhiraagu to securely interconnect to roaming service providers (IPX) and other roaming partners.
Dhiraagu provides a comprehensive range of fixed, mobile, Internet and data services including installation, maintenance and repair services for over 100 islands. Dhiraagu is the first ever Maldivian telecommunication company and remains as one of the leading innovators in the region. They were the first operator to commercially provide 5G in South Asia and first to launch Samsung’s 5G flagship smartphone in South Asia.
The BroadForward EIR enables Dhiraagu to authenticate mobile devices on a range of parameters and adopt intelligent access control for devices across 2G, 3G, 4G and later 5G networks. This entails extensive cross-referencing checks on mobile devices connecting to the mobile network (including IMEI, IMSI, MSISDN, location) and support for multiple signaling technologies (including SS7, Diameter and HTTP). The BroadForward EIR has been nominated by the GSMA for Best Mobile Technology.
As an integrated part of the BroadForward Diameter Signaling Controller (BroadForward DSC) solution, the Diameter Edge Agent (BroadForward DEA) enables secure and flexible integration for 4G roaming connectivity with other service providers and provides Dhiraagu with intelligent routing and interworking capabilities for all relevant Diameter applications. The BroadForward DSC, often in combination with the BroadForward STP, is widely adopted by leading global Mobile Network Operators, MVNOs and IPX providers.
Abdulla Firag, Director Networks at Dhiraagu commented “With the adoption of the BroadForward DSC, we have introduced LTE roaming and we now have the means to enable highly flexible and secure roaming connectivity with our partners. With the BroadForward EIR we can provide device security within the network and can choose to block untrustworthy devices entering our networks. BroadForward has provided us with state-of-the-art signaling software that works across access technologies and can handle vendor specific protocol implementations.”
Taco Schoute, CEO of BroadForward added “It has been a great experience to work closely with the Dhiraagu team, and we are delighted that our core network software solutions, such as the DRA and EIR, are an integral part of the Dhiraagu network, now and in the future“. Read more


