iBASIS, one of the most recognized global enablers of communications for operators and digital platforms, has announced the launch of a new Point of Presence (PoP) in Tokyo, Japan — its 14th worldwide and third in the Asia-Pacific region.

The Tokyo PoP represents a key milestone in iBASIS’s expansion roadmap, enhancing the company’s IPX infrastructure to meet rising demand for seamless roaming, 5G, and cross-border data services.

“Establishing a presence in Tokyo brings us closer to key markets and expands inter-Asia paths, ensuring reliable performance for roaming and next-generation services,” said Ajay Joseph, CTO at iBASIS. “This step aligns with our broader deployment roadmap and complements our recent regional growth through the acquisition of Telstra International’s wholesale voice, IPX, and messaging assets.”

Why Tokyo — and Why Now?

Japan plays a strategic role in the global telecom landscape. Its position as a major data transit hub and innovation center makes Tokyo an ideal choice for an IPX PoP. As Nitin Bhas, Chief of Strategy & Insights at Kaleido Intelligence, noted:

“Japan’s strategic role in global internet infrastructure is underscored by its position as a critical junction for advanced telecom services.”

By establishing this new node, iBASIS strengthens its ability to deliver low-latency, high-reliability services across East Asia. The Tokyo PoP will support a full suite of offerings, including IPX services, VoLTE conversion, and Roaming Hub-Breakout — all optimized for the 5G and IoT era.

Operational readiness is expected by December 2025, giving iBASIS’s customers in Japan and neighboring markets access to faster, more resilient connectivity.

The Bigger Picture: Growing Demand for Roaming and Resilience

The timing of this expansion isn’t coincidental. The global surge in roaming and IoT traffic—driven by the rapid adoption of eSIMs, 5G, and connected devices—is creating unprecedented strain on legacy interconnection networks.

Operators are seeking shorter routes, greater redundancy, and lower latency to deliver consistent service quality across borders. This is especially critical in Asia-Pacific, where mobile data consumption continues to outpace global averages, according to GSMA Intelligence (2025).

With the Tokyo PoP, iBASIS joins other major players like BICS, Syniverse, and Tata Communications in reinforcing their regional backbones to serve this demand. However, unlike many competitors, iBASIS operates as an independent Tier One IPX provider, allowing it to optimize traffic routes and performance without relying on external carrier alliances.

Industry Recognition and Future Outlook

In 2025, ROCCO recognized iBASIS as the Leading Tier One IPX Network—a nod to its consistent quality and innovation. The company will also showcase its newest connectivity deployments at GSMA WAS#22 in Rome this October.

With its growing presence in Asia and Europe, iBASIS is not just keeping pace with global telecom evolution — it’s helping define it. The Tokyo PoP is both a technological upgrade and a statement of intent: to make next-generation roaming, IoT, and 5G experiences faster, more secure, and more global than ever.

Final Take: Tokyo Is More Than a PoP — It’s a Signal

For the connectivity industry, the Tokyo PoP is a strategic move with ripple effects. It strengthens inter-Asia traffic flows, reduces latency for global operators, and supports the shift toward fully digital, low-touch connectivity ecosystems.

Compared to competitors like BICS, which recently expanded its Singapore PoP, or Syniverse, focusing on private network integrations, iBASIS’s Tokyo launch emphasizes resilience and reach—two pillars essential to the future of roaming.

As 5G and IoT networks mature, the winners will be those who not only build more points of presence but also connect them intelligently. With this move, iBASIS reinforces its reputation as one of the few truly global IPX providers bridging the old world of telecom and the new world of digital connectivity.