Syniverse and Tata Communications announced an end-to-end, global IPX interconnection partnership to give operators better control over data, calling it essential for growth of 5G and IoT.

The deal gives operators access to a large number of IPX (IP exchange) connections. It will affect nearly 800 mobile operators representing more than 25,000 diameter roaming routes. The IPX connections will reach nearly 300 directly-connected IPX/GRX providers that enable mobile users to access the internet from mobile devices.

Customers on either network will gain service level agreements (SLAs) and key performance indicators across the peering connection to their partners, no matter if they are on Tata or Syniverse networks, explained Mike Stewart, regional vice president of product management at Syniverse, via email.

Stewart said the agreement is the first of its kind. “Typical peering agreements are very basic … with limited interaction between partners. The Syniverse/Tata agreement takes it a step further to ensure … true end-to-end quality that is needed, especially as IoT and 5G services take hold.”

The partnership includes what he called “operational interlocks” for single accountability for troubleshooting and testing and common monitoring tools for overseeing performance.

GSMA has pushed for years for an agreement like the one Syniverse and Tata have reached, Stewart said. “No one has done this before because it basically opens up the network to the other peering partners on a level playing field,” he said.

Isabelle Paradis, an analyst at Hot Telecom, said the need for two (or more) IPX companies to partner is “key to building the global connected fabric.” She explained that no IPX provider on its own is able to provide connections to all mobile operators, content providers, and cloud providers on a global basis.

Paradis did add that she isn’t sure how the partnership will affect 5G and IoT. “All the carriers and IPX providers we talk with still do not know how 5G will impact their business. It is still too early to tell,” she said. “However, I can see this type of network bringing great value to an IoT player wanting to reach a large portion of mobile devices around the world using a single, secured, high quality network. No single carrier can offer this type of solution today.”