{"id":15162,"date":"2026-03-13T14:06:09","date_gmt":"2026-03-13T14:06:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/get-involved\/working-groups\/?p=15162"},"modified":"2026-03-20T17:40:26","modified_gmt":"2026-03-20T17:40:26","slug":"keeping-devices-connected-wherever-they-go","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/get-involved\/working-groups\/content-type\/webinar-content-type\/keeping-devices-connected-wherever-they-go\/","title":{"rendered":"Keeping devices connected wherever they go"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Olu Oke, Standardisation Working Group Director at GSMA outlines the benefits of a major new version of a key roaming specification for operators and their customers<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With digital services now embedded into daily life, we need to stay connected, even as we cross international borders or travel in areas without conventional terrestrial coverage. That means seamless roaming across all kinds of networks is more important than ever.  Making that happen, no matter where you are in the world, requires a lot of work behind the scenes.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the roaming ecosystem becomes increasingly multi-faceted and diverse, the GSMA continues to update two mechanisms that enable operators to efficiently share crucial information with each other. These standardised mechanisms \u2013 GSMA Permanent Reference Document (PRD) IR.21<\/a> (International Roaming Industry Specification Number 21) and the complementary RAEX (Roaming Agreement Exchange) tool – dramatically reduce the time and effort required to ensure customers and their equipment remain connected as they move between networks.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Designed to support full interoperability across networks, GSMA PRD IR.21 is a heavyweight industry specification. It includes technical data, identifiers, such as TADIG (Transferred Account Data Interchange Group) codes, and network and operator contact information. RAEX organises this data into a standardised format that can easily be employed by roaming partners. Different players in the roaming ecosystem have access to specific sections appropriate to their role. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to go-live at the end of March, Version 18.1 RAEX\/IR.21 encompasses 24 changes, making it a significant milestone in the development of the roaming ecosystem. Those changes, which include the addition of 13 new reports, have been made in response to members\u2019 requests. In many cases, they reflect the fact that 4G and 5G networks are now the primary workhorses of the global mobile industry: for example, some of the updates in Version 18 will facilitate the ongoing sunsetting of 2G and 3G networks. As these changes are implemented, operators will be able to click on one of the new reports to see when other operators are intending to switch off 2G and 3G networks, enabling them to adapt their roaming propositions accordingly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

More granular information about new networks<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

At the same time, new forms of connectivity, notably non-terrestrial networks (NTNs), are being further integrated into the roaming ecosystem. The changes in version 18.1 of  the GSMA PRD IR.21 enable roaming providers to identify network types much more precisely than in the past, distinguishing clearly between basic networks and additional networks. There is a new section specifically for satellite\/space-based networks. In previous versions, NTNs were only identified as aeronautical and maritime, while satellite networks were not included.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another key change is the removal of default values from all fields, meaning that operators will need to fully complete the reports in IR.21 with their actual network information. The inclusion of default values had increased the risk of inaccurate data.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In our latest webinar, I described the changes in Version 18.1, which fall into three categories, in more detail. Fabrizio Fiorucci, Roaming Engineer at TIM and the editor of GSMA PRD IR.21, then outlined the practical benefits for operators providing roaming services. Various GSMA Networks Group members have volunteered to test the new version of RAEX up until March 8 <\/sup>2026, to allow two weeks for any revisions before it goes live at the end of the month. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once RAEX Version 18 is finalised, it is, of course, very important that all players in the roaming ecosystem adopt it. If they don\u2019t, they risk experiencing data errors and employing incorrect information. As a result, they may miss out on revenues from interworking and roaming services, as well as compromising their efficiency. Adopting RAEX Version 18 will also result in a better experience for end users.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Looking ahead to Version 19<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Of course, GSMA PRD IR.21 and RAEX v.18 aren\u2019t the end of the story. As the 3GPP standards evolve, GSMA PRD IR.21 and RAEX will too. A new version of GSMA PRD IR.21 is published most years, along with a new version of RAEX. We are now beginning to work on Version 19, which is likely to see further upgrades to support seamless roaming between public cellular networks and private networks, as well as satellite-based networks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

More broadly, the GSMA Networks Group <\/a>is looking to further support the growing automation of telecoms networks and the interactions between them. With many operators exploring how AI agents can help them become more efficient and effective, it is important that industry-standardised mechanisms, such as GSMA PRD IR.21 and RAEX, can support these new technologies.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another priority is to further drive adoption and usage of GSMA PRD IR.21 and RAEX across the global roaming ecosystem. While there are clear benefits to harnessing the latest versions of both these mechanisms for mobile operators, their partners and their customers, operational inertia can sometimes slow their implementation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s really important to overcome that inertia. In the increasingly diverse and complex telecoms landscape, seamless roaming across networks depends on the timely and comprehensive exchange of standardised information between operators. While that exchange happens out of the sight of customers, it is essential to the industry\u2019s ability to deliver a compelling end-user experience. People need their devices to stay connected wherever they are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more on IR.21 and the work of the GSMA Networks Group to support interoperability in roaming, watch our recent webinar. The session explored how IR.21 continues to play a critical role in enabling seamless and secure roaming as mobile connectivity expands across diverse technologies and networks. It also highlighted current IR.21 activities and the collaboration helping to drive more effective and simplified roaming integration across the global ecosystem.<\/p>\n\n\n