Syniverse Explores the Future of Connectivity at MWC Barcelona 2024 

It’s been two weeks since MWC Barcelona 2024 wrapped up, and we’re still feeling inspired by everything we accomplished at the world’s largest connectivity event. 

More than 101,000 people from 205 countries and territories came together to share their ideas and make innovation happen. Whether they were senior executives from top global companies or the visionaries behind trailblazing tech startups, government representatives, or simply people interested in technology, everyone left the four-day event with an idea of how to set the future into motion. 

Our team was involved in countless conversations with decision-makers across the telecommunications ecosystem. We’ve compiled a list of some of the more insightful discussions that took place between our teams and other attendees as we aim to enable the next wave of technological advancements. 

1. The Americas region 

We consistently discussed the customer roaming experience and how carriers can maximize their roaming revenues, especially in the light of the challenges of monetizing their 5G network. Because 5G is not yet generating the revenues mobile network operators (MNOs) have been expecting, they’re exploring how to maximize earnings from a better roaming experience. Products such as how our Mobile Policy Control Center (MPCC) can convert silent or ghost roamers into revenue-generating customers. 

Our Carrier Messaging Hub and Advanced Messaging Trust via AI solutions sparked significant interest and led to numerous workshops. Likewise, MNOs found value in our Evolved Mobility Inbound and Outbound products, which will help them support customers who still rely upon legacy networks as they continue to build out their 5G network infrastructure. 

2. The Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and India (EMEAI) region 

We engaged in several conversations with MNOs about sunsetting their legacy networks, in addition to explaining the value Evolved Mobility can bring to customers in this region as well, SMS over SGd interface (SMSoSGd) frequently emerged as a key point of discussion. 

Our Universal Commerce solution was frequently touted as an option for MNOs who seek to consolidate and streamline payment-related data records through a private, decentralized ledger. As the first to adopt and support the GSMA’s Billing and Charging Evolution (BCE) standard for wholesale roaming billing, we’re eager to help additional customers benefit from a strong network effect that allows for more direct settlements between MNOs and helps them with their overall cash flow. This will also offset the revenue losses that can be attributed to the previous transferred account procedures (TAP) billing format and establish different charging models, even for legacy data traffic. 

Meanwhile, we discussed how our Carrier Messaging Hub can provide considerable benefits to enterprise partners, as well as how we have the opportunity to grow with Internet of Things (IoT) mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs). 

3. The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region 

Many discussions focused on China-based MNOs’ 5G standalone networks, with numerous operators in the region preparing for 5G roaming services to be available later this year or by early 2025. Likewise, the topic of VoLTE roaming as a steppingstone toward true 5G roaming was popular, and as the leader in mobile roaming according to Kaleido Intelligence for three years running, we’re well-positioned to facilitate the rollout of these global VoLTE agreements. 

Overall, cost reduction strategies and lower operational expenditures (OpEx) and capital expenditures (CapEx) were frequently raised as ongoing company initiatives. Evolved Mobility can play a role in this area as MNOs transition away from their legacy networks.  

4. Commercial messaging 

U.S. connectivity emerged as a central theme as it will strengthen our bilateral relationships and open new doors with aggregators.  

We also discussed topics such as artificially inflated traffic (AIT), new opportunities to connect with consumers through SMS short codes, and the emerging ways in which enterprises can develop lasting bonds with their customers through personalized — and even proactive — messaging. 

5. Business development 

Communication via satellite continues to be an emerging area of interest as MNOs are exploring direct-to-device connectivity through various technologies like IP exchange (IPX), data clearing house (DCH), and our MPCC and Total Visibility solutions. 

Hyperscalers are now providing private wireless networks (PWN) and global SIM (GSIM) solutions and are interested in supporting 5G roaming, short message service centers (and our Messaging Hub), and enhancing IPX connectivity to the cloud.  

We also spoke with system integrators (SIs) who are interested in our PWNs, GSIM, and automatic network routing (ANR) capabilities. 

6. Nobody likes a missed connection 

If we didn’t have a chance to speak this year, MWC Barcelona 2025 will take place from March 3-6 — but there’s plenty of opportunity to discuss how Syniverse can solve your greatest connectivity challenges before then. 

Click here to schedule a demo to learn how we can meet your needs or contact us for any other inquiries related to our customized business solutions.