This whitepaper explains why roaming operations have become a prime candidate for automation. IR.21 and IR.85 agreements are long, complex, and updated frequently. Most operators manage hundreds of them. Each change triggers manual reviews, network updates, validation, and governance checks, creating risk, delay, and cost.
Roaming complexity is increasing. 5G SA, IoT, network slicing, eSIM providers, NTNs, and NPNs all add new partners, services, and performance requirements. Wholesale roaming revenue is expected to grow, but only operators that can implement changes quickly and accurately will capture that value.
Manual processes struggle to keep pace. Errors can lead to service issues, unbillable records, signalling faults, and compliance exposure. Automation addresses this by handling detection, impact assessment, and implementation end to end.
CORTEX automates IR.21 and IR.85 change processing in minutes rather than weeks. It improves accuracy, supports audit and compliance, reduces operational effort, and frees roaming teams to focus on new services, partner growth, and revenue.
