SAP survey: over half of mobile operators use IPX

SAP has released results of a survey which reports that the use of IPX is on the rise among mobile operators.

Released in conjunction with TelecomAsia, “Navigating Complexity: The Quest for True IPX,” reveals that more than half (56 percent) of operators surveyed reported that they were connected to an IPX network, as compared to just 30 percent in 2011.

More than 200 LTE network deployments have taken place since 2010, as mobile operators have increasingly found their networks stressing to keep up with the surge in mobile IP traffic.

Michael van Veen, business manager IPX, SAP Mobile Services, said, “We’re seeing the transformation of IPX from a network to interconnect mobile communications service providers into a cloud that hosts a wide range of software defined services.

“As LTE deployments continue, mobile operators are turning to IPX as a secure, private ecosystem for interconnections based on service hubs. With this approach, mobile operators have found they gain far shorter time-to-market, greater efficiency and long-term cost-savings, allowing them to move beyond voice and to richer communication services.”

While Voice remains the most popular service connected over IPX networks, with almost 80 percent indicating that they have already deployed voice capabilities, SMS (45.5 percent), video (42 percent) and GRX (41 percent) are some of the services that are fast catching up as IPX becomes more prevalent.

The uptake in IPX means faster, higher quality roaming capabilities for consumers and greater access to networks’ LTE spectrum offerings.

A majority of survey respondents (66.5 percent) said the greatest benefit mobile operators derived from IPX interconnections was the assurance that comes from a privately managed, cost-effective and secure network.