BroadForward
BroadForward is a Dutch telecom software company providing a converged signaling platform (BFX USC) that unifies 2G-to-5G routing, interworking, security, and number portability on a single software architecture, serving 70+ mobile operators, MVNOs, IoT providers, and IPX carriers globally.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2012
- HeadquartersAmersfoort, Netherlands
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingSoftware
What BroadForward does
BroadForward is a Netherlands-based telecommunications software company founded in 2012, specializing in intelligent signaling software for mobile network operators, MVNOs, IoT connectivity providers, and IPX carriers. The company's flagship platform, the BFX Unified Signaling Core (USC), is a converged software architecture that supports all major legacy and modern signaling protocols — including SS7, SIGTRAN, MAP, CAMEL, INAP, SIP, Diameter, GTP, HTTP/2, and PFCP — on a single engine. This enables operators to consolidate routing (DRA/DEA, STP), interworking, 5G functions (SEPP, SCP, BSF), security (SS7 Firewall, Diameter Firewall, EIR), number portability, and IoT connectivity into one hardware-agnostic software stack deployable on bare metal, VMs, containers, or cloud. The architecture has been recognized with GSMA GLOMO awards in 2021 (4G-5G Hybrid Core) and 2025 (cloud-native STP), with nine total GLOMO nominations across a decade.
The company serves 70+ service providers globally across EMEA, APAC, the Middle East, the Americas, and Oceania, with named customers including e& UAE, Proximus, Türk Telekom International, Digicel, Orange Slovensko, 2degrees, Japan Communications, 1NCE, and Wireless Logic, and integration partners such as BICS, Comfone, and Arelion. Revenue is generated primarily through enterprise software licensing and recurring subscriptions, with optional perpetual licenses and professional services for implementation (often delivered via channel partners Odine, Emircom, and Nomios). The business is privately held with no disclosed external funding, reports 30% year-over-year revenue growth for 2024, and is led by CEO Taco Schoute. The company maintains headquarters in Amersfoort, Netherlands and a regional office in Singapore for APAC operations.
BroadForward firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- BroadForward
- Legal name
- BroadForward
- Website
- https://broadforward.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2012
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- BroadForward is a Dutch telecom software company providing a converged signaling platform (BFX USC) that unifies 2G-to-5G routing, interworking, security, and number portability on a single software architecture, serving 70+ mobile operators, MVNOs, IoT providers, and IPX carriers globally.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
BroadForward industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Telecommunications Signaling Software
- NAICS
- Computer Systems Design and Related Services (5415), Computer Systems Design Services (541512)
- SIC
- Services-Computer Integrated Systems Design (7373), Services-Computer Programming, Data Processing, Etc. (7370)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Software-Defined Interconnect (SDI) / SD-WAN Cloud Gateways (HDABALAF)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Data/Apps Connectivity & Adapters (Connectors, Drivers, SDKs) (HDAEAIAK)
Keywords
Where BroadForward is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Amersfoort
- HQ country
- Netherlands
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices2 records
Markets served
BroadForward business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Software Licensing: Annual software licenses for the BFX Unified Signaling Core platform and related products, with perpetual license options available for enterprise customers
- Software Subscriptions: Recurring subscription fees for platform access, support, maintenance, and updates, typically billed annually with multi-year contract options
- Professional Services: Implementation, integration, and training services provided alongside software deployment, often through channel partners like Nomios and Emircom
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Enterprise Subscription - Full platform access with support |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | Perpetual License - One-time license purchase |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
BroadForward product offering
Product offeringCore offering
BroadForward develops and licenses a converged signaling software platform (BFX Unified Signaling Core) for mobile network operators, MVNOs, IoT providers, and IPX carriers. The platform delivers routing (DRA, STP, SCP), interworking (MAP-Diameter, 4G-5G, protocol mediation), security (SEPP, Diameter Firewall, SS7 Firewall, EIR), and number portability network functions for 2G/3G/4G/5G and IMS networks on a single software-based, cloud-native architecture.
Product overview
BroadForward offers a portfolio of intelligent signaling software solutions for 2G/3G, 4G/LTE, 5G, IMS, Fixed, Wi-Fi, IPX, and M2M/IoT networks. The core of the portfolio is the BFX Unified Signaling Core (USC), an award-winning converged software architecture that powers all signaling products on a single platform. The product suite includes routing products (Diameter Signaling Controller/DRA/DEA, Signaling Transfer Point/STP), 5G products (SEPP, SCP, BSF, 4G-5G interworking), security products (Diameter Firewall, SS7 Firewall, EIR), and supporting functions (Number Portability, Location Based Services, Protocol Interworking, Steering of Roaming, Cloud IoT Connectivity). All products are 100% software-based, hardware-agnostic, and support deployment on bare metal, virtual machines, containers, and cloud environments. The unique single-engine architecture allows operators to combine multiple network functions on the same platform, reducing integration complexity and enabling gradual migration from legacy to next-generation networks.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Security Edge Protection Proxy (SEPP) 5G network function that ensures end-to-end confidentiality and integrity protection between source and destination networks for all 5G interconnect roaming messages. Supports NRF registration, N32c/N32f interface support with TLS 1.3, OAuth2 peer authentication, and multi-tenancy for Hosted and Outsourced SEPP deployments. Targeted at mobile operators enabling secure 5G inter-operator roaming.
- Service Communication Proxy (SCP) HTTP/2 based 5G network function acting as an intermediary to enhance communication between different network functions. Optimizes discovery, routing, and load balancing of service-based communications, supporting Model C and Model D indirect communication patterns per 3GPP Release-16. Deployed at the heart of 5G core networks.
- Signaling Transfer Point (STP) Next Generation Signaling Transfer Point for intelligent routing of SS7 signaling traffic in 2G and 3G networks. 100% software-based solution supporting deployment on bare metal, virtual machines, containers, and cloud environments. GSMA GLOMO 2025 winner for Best Digital Tech Breakthrough.
- Diameter Signaling Controller (DSC) Diameter Routing Agent (DRA), Diameter Edge Agent (DEA), and Interworking solution for 4G/LTE, 5G, IMS, Fixed, Wi-Fi, IT, and M2M/IoT networks. Supports Diameter applications including Gx, Gy, Gz, Rx, Ro, Rf, Sy, Sh, S6a, S6b, S9, SWm, SWx, Cx, Dx. Configured without scripting or development.
- BFX Unified Signaling Core (USC) Award-winning converged software architecture that powers all BroadForward signaling products. Enables operators to combine multiple network functions (SEPP, SCP, STP, DRA, firewalls, etc.) on a single software platform, supporting deployment across bare metal, virtual machines, containers, and cloud environments. Recognized with GSMA GLOMO awards for enabling 4G-5G Hybrid Core deployments.
- Diameter Firewall (DFW) Protects the 4G core network against potential attacks, unauthorized senders, and security threats. Part of BroadForward's converged signaling security portfolio.
- SS7 Firewall (SS7FW) Protects the 2G/3G core network against potential attacks, unauthorized senders, and SS7 signaling vulnerabilities. Supports GSMA FS.11 compliance with full security features.
- Equipment Identity Register (EIR) Next Generation EIR supporting 2G/3G, 4G/LTE, 5G, and IT interfaces. Provides device authentication and IMEI-based security functions.
- Number Portability Gateway Single unified access point for Number Portability and ENUM in the network. Supports mobile number portability operations across legacy and next-generation networks.
- Binding Support Function (BSF) 5G network function allowing NF service consumers (e.g., PCF) to register, update, and remove binding information related to specific PDU sessions.
- Cloud IoT Connectivity Solution Enables transition of 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G roaming, routing, security, and interworking operations to the cloud for IoT deployments at massive scale.
- 4G-5G Signaling Interworking Enables integration of 4G network components and legacy 2G/3G systems with 5G core network functions. Supports seamless transition and hybrid deployments across network generations.
Quantifiable outcome
- 30% year-over-year revenue growth in 2024
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use BroadForward
Customer profileNamed customers9 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
BroadForward technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature6 records
BroadForward partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
13 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship and core.
- e& UAEflagshipStrategic partnership with e& UAE for 5G security deployment, implementing SEPP (Security Edge Protection Proxy) for inter-operator security and secure roaming capabilities. This is a flagship partnership demonstrating BroadForward's 5G security capabilities with a tier-1 regional operator.
- EmircomcoreImplementation partner for e& UAE deployment, providing on-site technical integration and deployment services for the BroadForward SEPP solution in the UAE network.
- Comfonecore5G SA Roaming partnership focused on enabling standalone roaming services between operators using BroadForward's converged signaling platform combined with Comfone's roaming expertise.
- Arelioncore5G roaming partnership enabling interconnection between Arelion's network and BroadForward customer networks for 5G standalone roaming services with enhanced signaling capabilities.
- NomioscoreTechnology integrator partnership for European market deployments, providing implementation and integration services for BroadForward signaling solutions with Proximus and other European operators.
- OdinecoreStrategic partner and reseller agreement covering global markets, with Odine reselling BroadForward solutions and providing regional customer support capabilities.
- Wireless LogicflagshipStrategic partnership with Wireless Logic enabling IoT connectivity platform to serve operators across over 165 countries, utilizing BroadForward's signaling capabilities for global IoT device management.
- 1NCEcoreIoT connectivity provider partnership enabling 1NCE's IoT platform with BroadForward signaling technology for managing millions of connected devices globally.
- DigicelcoreCaribbean and Pacific telecommunications operator utilizing BroadForward signaling solutions across their mobile network footprint.
- BICScoreIPX provider relationship where BICS serves as a supplier and interconnection partner, enabling wholesale signaling and roaming services.
- Orange SlovenskocoreSlovak telecommunications operator using BroadForward signaling solutions for network interconnection and roaming services.
- 2degreescoreNew Zealand telecommunications provider utilizing BroadForward mobile signaling solutions.
- Japan Communications Inc.coreJapanese telecommunications company using BroadForward signaling solutions for their network operations.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves9 records
Expansion highlights6 records
BroadForward competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Cisco: Cisco's Ultra Packet Core and policy/charging portfolio include signaling routing and interworking capabilities alongside broader routing and networking. It competes with BroadForward when MNOs already use Cisco for adjacent infrastructure.
- Ericsson: Ericsson is a full-stack telecom vendor whose 5G core and cloud packet core bundle signaling functions (DRA, STP, SEPP) with broader network offerings. It competes against BroadForward when operators prefer single-vendor consolidation, especially at tier-1 scale.
- Nokia: Nokia's Core Networks portfolio includes Cloud Packet Core, signaling and 5G functions that overlap with BroadForward's STP, DSC and SEPP. It represents an incumbent option for operators buying signaling as part of an end-to-end core network refresh.
- Huawei: Huawei's mobile core portfolio offers integrated signaling, DRA and 5G core network functions. It is a relevant incumbent peer for BroadForward in markets where Huawei remains a favored vendor, particularly in Asia, Middle East and parts of Latin America.
- Oracle (Tekelec/Dialogic): Oracle's Communications business, built on Tekelec and Dialogic heritage, supplies legacy and next-gen signaling, DRA, STP and session border control products. It is a long-standing incumbent in mobile signaling that BroadForward directly displaces in modernizations such as the Proximus STP replacement.
Direct peers
- Mavenir: Mavenir is a direct competitor providing cloud-native telecom software including 5G core, IMS, signaling and IP communications. It targets the same MNO/MVNO buyer with software-based alternatives to legacy signaling stacks, overlapping with BroadForward across SEPP, SCP and 4G-5G interworking.
- Syniverse: Syniverse is a global roaming, signaling and interconnection services provider used by MNOs and IPX carriers. Its wholesale roaming signaling and LTE diameter routing services overlap with BroadForward's signaling routing and interworking offerings.
- Comfone: Comfone is a Swiss-based roaming and signaling services provider that jointly launched 5G SA roaming with BroadForward. Both serve IPX carriers and operators on signaling and interconnection, making Comfone a peer in the wholesale signaling stack, even where it is also a customer.
- BICS: BICS is a major IPX carrier providing wholesale signaling, voice and roaming services, and a BroadForward customer for SEPP. It operates a comparable function in the signaling ecosystem (inter-operator signaling backbone) and competes in IPX/roaming services.
- NetNumber: NetNumber provides signaling routing solutions including DRA, STP and ENUM/NP for MNOs and IPX providers. It competes head-to-head with BroadForward's DSC and STP products for tier-1 operator deployments across 2G/3G/4G/5G networks.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
BroadForward social profiles
Digital presenceBroadForward compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
BroadForward financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
BroadForward leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles4 records
BroadForward funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
BroadForward M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about BroadForward
What does BroadForward do?
BroadForward develops and licenses a converged signaling software platform (BFX Unified Signaling Core) for mobile network operators, MVNOs, IoT providers, and IPX carriers. The platform delivers routing (DRA, STP, SCP), interworking (MAP-Diameter, 4G-5G, protocol mediation), security (SEPP, Diameter Firewall, SS7 Firewall, EIR), and number portability network functions for 2G/3G/4G/5G and IMS networks on a single software-based, cloud-native architecture.
Is BroadForward a public or private company?
BroadForward is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was BroadForward founded?
BroadForward was founded in 2012. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is BroadForward based?
BroadForward is headquartered in Amersfoort, Netherlands, in the Europe region.
How does BroadForward make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Software Licensing is the primary driver. The others are software Subscriptions and professional Services.
Who are BroadForward's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Cisco, Ericsson, Nokia, Huawei and Oracle (Tekelec/Dialogic). Direct peers are Mavenir, Syniverse, Comfone, BICS and NetNumber.
Does BroadForward have an API?
No public API is recorded for BroadForward.
What industry is BroadForward in?
BroadForward's product category is Telecommunications Signaling Software. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HDABALAF, Software-Defined Interconnect (SDI) / SD-WAN Cloud Gateways, with a secondary code of HDAEAIAK, Data/Apps Connectivity & Adapters (Connectors, Drivers, SDKs). Its NAICS code is 5415 and its SIC code is 7373.