Roaming clearing market to reach $2.5 billion in 2024, driven by 5G

A new study from Juniper Research, the foremost experts in telecommunications markets, has found the increasing numbers of 5G roaming connections will drive the global roaming clearing market to reach $2.5 billion in 2024. This is a substantial growth of 30%; up from $1.9 billion the previous year.

In response, the report urges roaming clearing vendors and operators to implement BCE (Billing and Charging Evolution). BCE is a protocol that gives operators a more granular view of roaming activities; most notably greater visibility of the amount of roaming data generated by each roaming connection.

Why BCE Is Crucial for 5G Roaming Revenue
The report urges roaming clearing vendors to promote the significant benefits of the protocol to operators. It identified BCE’s ability to set roaming prices based on roaming network quality as a key advantage over incumbent roaming clearing protocols. As 5G roaming grows, BCE’s ability to charge higher prices for roaming connections on 5G networks will allow vendors to grow revenue. The report predicts this will position operators to capitalise on 5G roamers, who are anticipated to comprise 27% of global roamers by 2028.

National Roaming Regulations Complicating Market
However, the report also highlights the increasingly restrictive regulations on roaming prices that are diminishing operators’ ability to grow roaming revenue. Roaming clearing houses must further develop regulatory management solutions that centralise roaming compliance. The report predicts an increased insight into roaming activities, enabled by BCE, will allow operators to charge a premium for roaming connections that utilise the most resources when roaming on visited networks. Juniper Research