SoftBank and Syniverse partner for LTE roaming in Japan
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SoftBank and Syniverse partner for LTE roaming in Japan

Japanese operator SoftBank Mobile has partnered with Syniverse for access to its IPX Network Solution to enable LTE roaming.

The agreement is designed to provide SoftBank Mobile with interoperable LTE and 4G services, and represents Syniverse’s first IPX customer in Japan.

“Our customers increasingly expect the latest mobile services, including LTE, with the highest level of quality anywhere, anytime,” said Shigeyasu Suenaga, director, international service at SoftBank Mobile. “Working with Syniverse ensures we deliver on these expectations and provides our customers the highest quality experiences as they take advantage of everything LTE has to offer.”

Japan has approximately 135 million mobile users, and the market is said to be critical for next-generation mobile services. The number of smartphone users is also dramatically increasing, which has gone up from 27% to 41% from 2012 to 2013 and is projected to jump by 60% this year.

“We’re honoured to be selected by SoftBank Mobile to provide the IPX backbone that makes LTE interoperability possible, and to expand on our long-term partnership,” said Morten Brøgger, chief sales officer at Syniverse. “Syniverse’s 25-plus years of experience in bridging the mobile ecosystem gives us unmatched insight into the potential unknowns that come with interoperability between new technologies.”

Syniverse’s IPX Network Solution provides a carrier-grade connection to the company’s all-IP network that serves nearly 100 mobile service providers worldwide.

The company’s IPX service is now helping operators conduct LTE roaming trials and commercial launches around the world as they continue the migration towards 4G.

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