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empowers operators to streamline operations, lower costs, and reduce system complexity while eliminating dependence on outdated hardware.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
Monogoto deploys BroadForward’s STP and DRA solutions
Monogoto to leverage BroadForward's STP, DRA and soon SEPP to enable cloud based 2G-5G roaming and connectivity
Amersfoort 1st August 2023 — Monogoto, a leading provider of cloud-based software solutions for cellular IoT, has gone live with the Signaling Transfer Point (STP) and Diameter Routing Agent (DRA) solutions from BroadForward, leader in intelligent signaling software. With this milestone, Monogoto has achieved a full-blown cloud based routing solution, solidifying its position as a comprehensive global connectivity provider. Monogoto plans adding 5G capabilities such as network slicing and connectivity using the BroadForward's SEPP, enabling routing and roaming capabilities for its Amazon Web Services (AWS)-based mobile network core.
BroadForward is renowned for its intelligent signaling software, in use globally at Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs), IPX, IoT, and Number Portability providers. The company's extensive signaling portfolio encompasses multi-generational routing, interworking, security, and number portability network functions. BroadForward solutions stand out from traditional standalone products as they run a converged signaling software architecture that enables inherent multi-protocol support.
Monogoto offers a connectivity-as-a-service cloud provider for both public and private device connectivity, Monogoto’s rapidly expanding service boosts Internet of Things innovation and growth by providing seamless, cost-effective device connectivity in a simplified and easily accessible way. By leveraging cloud based best practices, Monogoto empowers customers with efficient, scalable, and customizable connectivity solutions.
Maor Efrati, Co-founder & CTO of Monogoto commented "When it comes to enterprise innovation, mobile network connectivity has transcended from a luxury to a commonplace necessity, enriching countless use cases. Monogoto's cloud-powered connectivity, providing enterprises the ability to seamlessly consume connectivity through APIs and cloud best practices, has revolutionized the way we operate. BroadForward’s software-based routing solutions, designed to provide easy adaptation and rich access, has proven to be the perfect fit for Monogoto combining cutting-edge technology and great execution."
Taco Schoute, CEO of BroadForward added, "BroadForward's converged signaling software, based on a single-engine design, enables product features that give virtualized networks the edge compared to using legacy standalone products. We are thrilled to play a vital part in Monogoto's ambition to provide tailored connectivity solutions to enterprises worldwide."
About Monogoto
Monogoto is shaping a smarter, more connected world with our unique, easy-to-access, always-on 5G cloud for IoT connectivity and Private LTE. Our mission is to empower enterprises and developers with simplified, functionality-rich and secure connectivity for IoT and Private Networks, breaking today's barriers to innovation.
As a connectivity-as-a-service cloud provider for both public and private device connectivity, Monogoto's rapidly expanding service boosts Internet of Things innovation and growth by providing seamless, cost-effective device connectivity in a simplified and easily accessible way. Today, developers around the world rely on Monogoto's technology to connect sensors and devices in over 180 countries, across 550 public and private 4G/5G networks in multiple verticals, from agriculture to manufacturing, healthcare, fleet management, micro-mobility, retail and more.
Visit Monogoto online at www.monogoto.io 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, 14th 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
Service Communication Proxy (SCP)
The BroadForward Service Communication Proxy (SCP) is a crucial component in the 5G network architecture that functions as an intermediary to enhance communication between different network functions (NFs). By facilitating service-based interactions, the SCP optimizes the discovery, routing, and load balancing of these communications, ensuring efficient resource utilization and improved network performance. It acts as a broker, providing features such as security, scalability, and resilience, thereby streamlining the service-oriented architecture inherent to 5G networks and supporting the dynamic, high-demand environment required by advanced 5G applications. Read more Read moreDigicel completes swap-out of EOL ITP’s with BroadForward STP
Digicel deploys BroadForward’s converged signaling solution, enabling unified routing, interworking and security control for all current and future signaling traffic Kingston, Jamaica, February 23rd, 2022
Digital Operator Digicel has announced it has deployed the BroadForward Signaling Transfer Point (STP) to replace its current IP Transfer Point (ITP) systems in use at 26 of its markets in the Caribbean and Central America. Work is also ongoing to replace legacy Diameter routers with the BroadForward Diameter Signaling Controller (DSC).
Digicel has opted to replace its end-of-life ITP routers with the BroadForward’s STP which runs on its award winning converged signaling solution. The BroadForward solution enables Digicel to replace standalone SS7 and Diameter based network functions, and is ready to support future network deployments with HTTP/2.
According to analysts Omdia, 4G remains the dominant wireless cellular technology in Latin America and the Caribbean with 484.6 million connections and 21 percent annual growth. Having started operations as a mobile operator in Jamaica in 2001, today Digicel delivers mobile communications, business solutions, media and entertainment and digital services to consumers and business customers to 32 markets across the Caribbean, Central America and the Pacific.
Ivan Sierra Group Head of Roaming, Messaging & IoT Business Operations at Digicel, commented “Our mission is to provide the best possible network experience. Technology is ever-changing and the BroadForward STP and DRA are designed to operate in multi-technology environments, enabling us to adapt configurations quickly, while making sure we have acquired a future proof solution which is ready to support current and future network deployments.”
BroadForward CEO, Taco Schoute added: “We are one of the few signaling software vendors that are capable of successfully replacing 2G, 3G and 4G routers from almost any brand, with a solution that already offers support for future generations of networks as well. Our converged signaling solution enables Digicel to combine different network functions on the same single-engine platform with other BroadForward network functions, including STP, DRA, SS7 and Diameter Firewall, as well as next generation functions such as SCP and SEPP.”
About Digicel
As a Digital Operator, Digicel is in the business of delivering powerful digital experiences 1440 minutes of each day to customers – that’s every minute, all day, every day. Through its world-class LTE and fibre networks, together with its suite of 8 apps spanning sports (SportsMax), music (D’Music), news (Loop), local radio and podcasts (GoLoud), TV streaming (PlayGo), enhanced messaging and marketplaces (BiP), cloud storage (Billo) and self-care (MyDigicel app), Digicel is the only operator in its markets that can deliver that.
Serving consumer and business customers in 32 markets in the Caribbean, Central America and Pacific, its investments of over US$7 billion and a commitment to its communities through its Digicel Foundations in Haiti, Jamaica, Papua New Guinea and Trinidad & Tobago have contributed to positive outcomes for over 3 million people to date. Read more
BroadForward and 1NCE cooperate to meet future demands of 5G and beyond
1NCE is utilizing BroadForward’s containerized signaling platform, supporting its own IoT network to become more cost-effective, flexible, and future proof Cologne, February 8th 2022
BroadForward, provider of intelligent signaling software, today announced it has successfully deployed multiple core network routing functions at 1NCE, the first provider of connectivity and software for IoT at a global flat rate. 1NCE is utilizing the BroadForward solution, enabling it to deliver cost-effective and flexible routing services for their worldwide cellular IoT network, and making its network ready for future demands of 5G and beyond.
According to analysts GSMA Intelligence, the global Internet of Things (IoT) market will be worth $900 billion in revenue by 2025. 1NCE is a market leader with over 7,000 customers and 10 million managed connections. They are a market disruptor, not only providing direct access to its networks and roaming partners via 2G, 3G, 4G/LTE, NB-IoT and LTE-M in over 100 countries worldwide, but also by offering a highly competitive flat rate IoT data plan.
Also see: Transforma Insights study identifies market leaders and key trends in IoT connectivity
The routing functions that run on BroadForward’s converged signaling solution, support on-the-fly management of signaling scenarios across all SS7, Diameter and HTTP/2 IoT traffic. The solution supports combining these network functions on the same platform with other BroadForward network products, such as the SS7 and Diameter Firewall as well as the 5G SCP and SEPP. BroadForward has seen a major increase in demand for their solution. Operators cite various reasons for replacement of their legacy equipment, such as products declared End of Life (EOL), network rationalization and cost reduction, as well as High Risk Vendor (HRV) programs enforced by governments and regulators.
Younes Allaki, Chief Technology Officer at 1NCE, commented “Although 5G is growing fast, most of our cellular IoT business is still on 3G and 4G. However, BroadForward helps us to meet future demands by allowing us to easily shift the traffic where it is needed. The cooperation is giving us more flexibility and enables us to rationalize and modernize at the same time – providing us with a converged solution that is future proof towards 5G and beyond.”
BroadForward CEO, Taco Schoute added: “1NCE runs a completely virtualized core network and prides itself on being able to support customers swiftly on all supported network technologies. Whereas the life cycle of legacy products that are designed for specific technologies and use cases are by nature limited, the development of the BroadForward converged signaling solution is open-ended and continuous. Next to support for 2G, 3G and 4G containerized network functions, our solution already supports 5G and will continue to evolve to meet subsequent technology requirements. This approach also won us the 2021 GSMA Award for Best Mobile & Network Software Breakthrough.”
About 1NCE
1NCE is the first provider of connectivity and software for IoT at a global flat rate – offering fast, secure, and reliable cellular connectivity and software services in more than 100 countries worldwide. 1NCE cooperates with Deutsche Telekom AG and its roaming partners to support all common mobile communication standards such as 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, NB-IoT and LTE-M. The 1NCE IoT Flat Rate is designed to last over the entire lifetime of an IoT device with a one-off payment. This makes IoT applications affordable and scalable for use cases like smart metering, asset tracking or vehicle telematics. The company – founded in 2017 by our CEO Alexander P. Sator together with Deutsche Telekom AG – is headquartered in Cologne, Germany and has 200 staff in Cologne, Hamburg, Amsterdam, London, Miami, Rome, Paris, Warsaw, Hong Kong, and Riga. 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 moreVoiceworks 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
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