- Vodafone Germany and A1 Bulgaria establish the world’s first international 5G Standalone (SA) roaming link.
- Ericsson’s dual-mode 5G Core and SEPP technology underpin the breakthrough with robust security compliance.
What happened: Industry first as 5G SA roaming connects across borders
In a major industry breakthrough, Vodafone, A1 Group, and Ericsson have completed the first international 5G Standalone (SA) roaming connection between two distinct operator groups. The link enabled an A1 Bulgaria subscriber to access Vodafone Germany’s live 5G SA network, delivering high-speed data on a standard mobile device even when abroad.
Unlike earlier 5G deployments that relied on underlying 4G infrastructure (known as Non-Standalone or NSA), 5G SA delivers a fully modern architecture from the radio access network to the core. This end-to-end solution unlocks ultra-low latency, higher reliability, and advanced service capabilities, all built upon Ericsson’s dual-mode 5G Core and secure cross-border communications enabled via Security Edge Protection Proxy (SEPP) systems compliant with GSMA standards.
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Why it’s important
This demonstration marks a significant step toward the commercial deployment of 5G SA roaming services, allowing travellers to enjoy the same premium connectivity abroad as they do at home. With expectations that nearly 60% of global 5G subscriptions will be SA by 2030, the capability for seamless international roaming is positioned to become a critical facet of modern mobile networks.
For businesses, the breakthrough is equally consequential. It supports advanced applications such as network slicing for tailored virtual networks that can manage complex industrial IoT, autonomous logistics, and immersive AR/VR deployments. Moreover, rising consumer demand—evidenced by research showing a willingness to pay a premium for improved connectivity at large-scale events—underscores the urgent need for robust, secure 5G roaming services across borders.
