BICS, an international communications enabler, announced that it is working with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to launch a new cloud-based roaming service. The service will enhance the mobile roaming experience by providing faster, more reliable internet access, whether at home or while traveling abroad.

This new cloud-based roaming service is available to Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) and targets enterprises and end-consumer markets that require consistent, low-latency internet access both in their home countries and abroad. This allows consumers to enjoy uninterrupted access to their favorite apps, streaming media, gaming, and other bandwidth-intensive services via mobile networks without frustrating lag or buffering.

By migrating its roaming connectivity platform to AWS’s global infrastructure, BICS can deliver roaming internet up to five times faster than traditional international mobile roaming services. The service is enabled by AWS Transit Gateway, AWS Direct Connect, and Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (Amazon EC2), and leverages AWS’s global footprint, including AWS Regions and AWS Local Zones. It also enables next-generation connectivity use cases, such as gaming, virtual reality, or Internet of Things (IoT) connected devices that require low latency performance, opening up new opportunities for the mobile industry.

BICS is already working with SK Telecom (SKT) and Proximus, who have successfully tested and implemented cloud roaming. SKT reached a breakthrough latency of 90 milliseconds in a 5G connection between a mobile device in Spain and SKT’s mobile network in South Korea. BICS and SKT have since developed a Roaming Edge Cloud (REC) solution that significantly improves roaming service quality and speed, with up to 83% reduction in response time compared to current roaming services.

“We are proud to work with BICS to innovate on improving the subscriber experience. BICS’ shift from a legacy network approach to a digital cloud-native approach for roaming is groundbreaking and helps to achieve global network presence on demand while ensuring reliability, flexibility, and cost optimization,” said Sameer Vuyyuru, director and head of worldwide telecommunications business development at AWS. “We look forward to working with BICS to serve the roaming customers of any telco worldwide.”

“Low latency combined with truly global and interactive communications has the power to unlock massive potential for connected cars, drones, AR headsets, and many more next-generation use cases, and BICS is delighted to be at the core of driving this forward with AWS. Travelers and devices alike will benefit from the AWS-based cloud roaming solution, no longer facing latency delays when using mobile internet,” said Jorn Vercamert, Vice President Customer Solutions and Products at BICS. “BICS’ Roaming Services facilitate improved roaming across all geographical locations, by enabling content to be accessed within a specific region. With the added agility and flexibility of AWS, we can avoid the burden of heavy upfront capex investments, innovate more, and launch new offerings faster, while at the same time bringing simplicity to our customers and application content quicker to end-users.”

Initially available to a limited number of MNOs and MVNOs, the solution will be deployed globally using BICS’ self-developed Packet Data Network (PDN) Gateway-based internet termination edge sites.

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