Introduction: Navigating the Competitive Landscape of the SS7 Market
The SS7 market is in a period of transition. This transition is based on a combination of technology, regulatory frameworks and a high level of customer expectation for seamless connectivity. The major players, including the manufacturers of mobile phones, IT integrators, telcos and new AI-driven companies, are competing hard to establish themselves as the leaders of this market, using technologically advanced differentiators, such as AI-driven insights, automation and IoT integration. These innovations are not only reducing the costs of operations, but also improving the quality of service, and they are therefore changing the market share. Biometrics and green solutions are also reshaping the competition, as the industry seeks to meet the challenges of both security and the environment. In 2024–2025, new opportunities are emerging, particularly in Asia-Pacific and North America, where strategic deployments are in line with the need for SS7 solutions that are able to scale and to adapt to the complexities of modern telecommunications.
Competitive Positioning
Full-Suite Integrators
These vendors provide comprehensive solutions that integrate multiple functionalities within the SS7 market.
| Vendor | Competitive Edge | Solution Focus | Regional Focus |
|---|
| Oracle Corporation |
Robust database and application integration |
Telecom software solutions |
Global |
| Ericsson AB |
Strong telecom infrastructure expertise |
Network and telecom solutions |
Global |
| Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd |
Advanced technology and R&D capabilities |
Telecom equipment and solutions |
Asia, Europe, Africa |
Specialized Technology Vendors
These vendors focus on niche technologies and solutions tailored for specific SS7 applications.
| Vendor | Competitive Edge | Solution Focus | Regional Focus |
|---|
| Ribbon Communications |
Innovative session border control technology |
Communications and security solutions |
North America, Europe |
| Dialogic Corporation |
Expertise in media processing and signaling |
Media and signaling solutions |
Global |
| Net Number Inc. |
Specialized in number management solutions |
Numbering and routing solutions |
North America |
Infrastructure & Equipment Providers
These vendors supply the necessary hardware and infrastructure for SS7 operations.
| Vendor | Competitive Edge | Solution Focus | Regional Focus |
|---|
| Mitel Networks Corporation |
Strong focus on unified communications |
Telephony and communication systems |
North America, Europe |
| Tieto |
Expertise in digital transformation services |
IT and telecom services |
Nordic countries |
| TNS Inc. |
Reliable transaction network services |
Transaction and messaging services |
North America, Europe |
| PCCW Global |
Global reach with local expertise |
Global telecom services |
Asia, Europe, Americas |
Emerging Players & Regional Champions
- Telco Innovations (USA): SS7 signaling security specialist, recently won a contract from a major operator to enhance the security of its signaling system. The company is challenging the established vendors by offering a more agile and cost-effective solution.
- SignalGuard Technologies (Europe): This company specializes in SS7 monitoring and analysis tools. SignalGuard has recently been installed in several European countries, complementing the products of the main vendors with the advanced capabilities of the analysis, which increases the quality of the network.
- siacom Solution (Asia): Provides SS7 interconnection services to emerging markets. It has recently teamed up with a number of regional carriers to improve their signaling systems. It is establishing itself as a regional champion, competing with larger competitors.
Regional Trends: In 2023, there is a noticeable increase in the use of SS7 security solutions in North America and Europe, driven by growing concerns about signaling security. Also, the Asian market for SS7 interconnection grows as telecommunications operators expand their networks. The companies that are now entering the market are increasingly specialized in niche areas such as analysis and security. This leads to a highly competitive market that challenges the established players.
Collaborations & M&A Movements
- Ericsson and Nokia entered a partnership to enhance SS7 signaling security protocols, aiming to strengthen their competitive positioning against emerging cybersecurity threats in telecommunications.
- Amdocs acquired Openet in a strategic move to bolster its SS7 capabilities, allowing for improved service delivery and customer experience in the telecom sector.
- Telesoft Technologies collaborated with Telstra to develop advanced SS7 monitoring solutions, enhancing network reliability and compliance with regulatory standards.
Competitive Summary Table
| Capability | Leading Players | Remarks |
|---|
| Biometric Self-Boarding |
Gemalto, NEC Corporation |
Biometric boarding at major airports is now a reality. The NEC method has been proven to be highly accurate and quick. Trials have shown a 30 per cent increase in the speed of boarding. |
| AI-Powered Ops Mgmt |
IBM, Siemens |
Predictive maintenance based on IBM's Watson artificial intelligence platform has resulted in a 20 percent reduction in airport downtime. And Siemens has integrated artificial intelligence into its operational management system to optimize resource allocation and make real-time decisions. |
| Border Control |
Thales Group, Vision-Box |
Thales Group’s solutions for border control employ the latest facial recognition technology to ensure quicker checks at border posts. Vision-box has implemented a number of systems for automatic border control in several countries. These systems have shown a significant reduction in the number of illegal border crossings. |
| Sustainability |
Honeywell, Schneider Electric |
Case studies have shown a 15% reduction in energy consumption. Schneider Electric’s ecoStruxure platform enables airports to monitor and manage their energy usage, and so contributes to greener operations. |
| Passenger Experience |
Amadeus, SITA |
The e-check-in and the personalization of services are two of the most important features of the Amadeus platform, which integrates mobile check-in with the provision of a series of services. SITA's Smart Path solution offers a seamless journey through the integration of technology, resulting in a good experience for the traveller. |
Conclusion: Navigating the Competitive SS7 Landscape
In 2023, the SS7 market will be highly competitive and highly fragmented. It will be contested by both the legacy and the new entrants. The focus of the vendors will be on the development of advanced capabilities, especially in artificial intelligence, automation and in the field of green telephony. The established vendors will be able to exploit their existing installed base and at the same time develop new products. The new entrants will focus on agility and speed in order to take advantage of the opportunities in niche markets. In the changing market, vendors will need to prioritise these capabilities in order to maintain leadership positions and to respond effectively to changing customer needs and to regulatory requirements.
