Signaling System 7 (SS7) - Global Strategic Business Report

The global market for Signaling System 7 (SS7) was estimated at US$1.3 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach US$2.4 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 10.1% from 2024 to 2030. This comprehensive report provides an in-depth analysis of market trends, drivers, and forecasts, helping you make informed business decisions. The report includes the most recent global tariff developments and how they impact the Signaling System 7 (SS7) market.

Global Signaling System 7 (SS7) Market - Key Trends & Drivers Summarized

Why Is SS7 Still the Backbone of Global Telecommunications Despite Security Concerns?

Despite the emergence of IP-based protocols like SIP and Diameter, Signaling System 7 (SS7) continues to be a fundamental backbone in global telecommunication networks due to its embedded infrastructure and compatibility with Public Switched Telephone Networks (PSTNs). Originally developed in the 1970s to handle out-of-band signaling, SS7 remains vital for essential operations such as call setup, teardown, number translation, and SMS delivery. The protocol suite enables efficient communication between network elements such as Mobile Switching Centers (MSCs), Home Location Registers (HLRs), and Short Message Service Centers (SMSCs). Its ubiquity across 2G and 3G networks has made it difficult to displace completely, especially in regions where legacy systems still dominate the connectivity landscape.

The continued dominance of SS7 is also tied to its role in facilitating mobile roaming and inter-network interoperability. When a user travels outside their home network, SS7 protocols enable critical functions like authentication, location updates, and call forwarding between different mobile operators. These capabilities are crucial for international voice and messaging services and are not yet fully replicated with newer signaling technologies. This embedded role within the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) infrastructure sustains its relevance in hybrid environments where 4G and 5G coexist with legacy architectures. Even as telecom networks migrate toward all-IP frameworks, backward compatibility requirements ensure that SS7 will remain part of the signaling stack for the foreseeable future.

How Are Security Vulnerabilities Reshaping Network Architectures and Monitoring Strategies?

One of the most pressing issues surrounding SS7 today is its vulnerability to interception, fraud, and unauthorized access. Due to the protocol`s original design-predicated on a closed and trusted network-security mechanisms were not prioritized. This architectural assumption has become a critical flaw as telecom infrastructures have grown more interconnected and exposed to external threats. Attackers can exploit SS7 to perform location tracking, intercept SMS-based two-factor authentication (2FA), or reroute calls and messages without user knowledge. These breaches have driven regulatory bodies, telecom operators, and cybersecurity firms to revisit SS7 network policies and invest in threat detection systems.

Operators are increasingly implementing SS7 firewalls that filter signaling messages based on policy rules to mitigate unauthorized access. These systems examine signaling flows for anomalies like location updates from unrecognized sources or abnormal messaging patterns-key indicators of potential intrusion attempts. Moreover, network-level encryption and signaling integrity verification techniques are being adopted to enhance confidentiality and authenticity. While retrofitting SS7 with modern security layers presents technical challenges, especially in heterogeneous networks with multi-vendor configurations, operators have little choice but to act. Compliance mandates in regions such as the European Union and North America are enforcing tighter controls over signaling networks, requiring telecoms to demonstrate proactive security postures.

Another emerging practice is the integration of SS7 monitoring tools with centralized threat intelligence platforms. These platforms provide real-time visibility into inter-network traffic, enabling telecoms to correlate anomalies across signaling domains and respond faster to breaches. Vendors are now offering Security-as-a-Service (SECaaS) solutions tailored to SS7 environments, particularly for Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) and smaller carriers that lack in-house cybersecurity capabilities. These tools not only enhance detection but also support historical forensics, aiding in post-incident investigations and compliance audits.

What Role Is SS7 Playing in the Era of IoT, VoLTE, and 5G Convergence?

While SS7 is traditionally associated with legacy networks, its adaptability is being re-evaluated in the context of IoT backhaul, machine-to-machine (M2M) communications, and fallback services for next-generation networks. Many IoT devices still rely on 2G and 3G networks for narrowband communication, which continue to be supported by SS7 protocols. Applications such as smart metering, vehicle telematics, and industrial telemetry frequently depend on the SS7 signaling infrastructure to transmit low-bandwidth messages cost-effectively. This persistence in industrial IoT segments is maintaining demand for SS7-compatible signaling gateways and service control points (SCPs).

In the context of VoLTE (Voice over LTE) and 5G deployments, SS7 retains a complementary role by supporting interworking functions (IWFs) and enabling seamless service continuity during handovers between LTE and circuit-switched networks. This capability is crucial in geographies where LTE or 5G coverage is patchy, necessitating fallback to legacy networks for uninterrupted voice and messaging services. Telecom equipment vendors are offering hybrid signaling solutions that bridge Diameter, SIP, and SS7, allowing carriers to manage signaling translations across multiple generations of mobile networks. These solutions help minimize call drops and service latency during transitions, thereby enhancing user experience in mixed-network environments.

Additionally, operators deploying standalone 5G networks are investing in centralized signaling management platforms that incorporate SS7 monitoring and mediation layers. These platforms serve as signaling hubs that route and secure inter-network messages while providing analytics on usage patterns, roaming behaviors, and fraud risk. By retaining SS7 functionality in a virtualized form, telecom operators can ensure backward compatibility with older devices and services while migrating toward next-gen architectures. This pragmatic coexistence model is expected to prevail through the late 2020s, particularly in regions where 2G/3G sunset timelines remain extended due to policy or economic constraints.

What Is Driving the Renewed Focus on SS7 in Emerging and Transitional Markets?

The growth in the global Signaling System 7 (SS7) market is driven by several factors that collectively reflect the interplay between legacy infrastructure dependence, evolving telecom architectures, and rising security awareness. One of the primary growth drivers is the sustained usage of 2G and 3G networks in developing economies across Africa, South Asia, and parts of Latin America. In these regions, telecom providers continue to rely on SS7 for voice and messaging services due to the high penetration of basic mobile devices and cost-sensitive consumer bases. The low capital expenditure required to maintain and expand SS7 networks, compared to full-scale 4G/5G rollouts, is prompting operators to upgrade existing SS7 infrastructure rather than replace it altogether.

Simultaneously, the demand for international roaming support is increasing, especially with the post-pandemic resurgence in travel and global workforce mobility. SS7 remains the foundational protocol enabling seamless roaming and interconnectivity between disparate operator networks, making it indispensable for mobile operators seeking to provide uninterrupted services abroad. Global roaming hubs and signaling aggregators are witnessing rising contract volumes for SS7-based routing services, particularly from MVNOs and small carriers seeking to expand international coverage without investing in proprietary interconnect infrastructure.

Another significant market catalyst is the intensifying focus on signaling security. The proliferation of mobile banking, SMS-based authentication, and enterprise mobility solutions has heightened awareness about the risks posed by SS7 vulnerabilities. This has driven the adoption of signaling firewalls, policy control functions, and encryption-enabled transmission systems. Government mandates requiring SS7 security audits and compliance certifications are spurring investments in monitoring platforms, especially among Tier-1 operators and critical infrastructure networks. Additionally, the development of hybrid signaling architectures that bridge legacy and IP-based protocols is generating demand for SS7-Diameter interworking functions, middleware solutions, and multi-protocol signaling gateways.

Moreover, telcos undergoing digital transformation initiatives are integrating SS7 analytics with business intelligence systems to extract value beyond mere connectivity. By analyzing signaling patterns, operators are identifying churn predictors, detecting fraud behaviors, and optimizing resource allocation for mobile services. This data-centric approach is unlocking new monetization models for signaling services and promoting the growth of analytics-driven signaling platforms. As a result, while the global market narrative for telecom signaling is increasingly focused on 5G, the SS7 ecosystem remains highly relevant-both as a critical enabler and as a market opportunity in its own right.

Scope Of Study:

The report analyzes the Signaling System 7 (SS7) market in terms of units by the following Segments, and Geographic Regions/Countries:

Segments: Deployment (On-Premise Deployment, Cloud Deployment, Hosted Deployment); Protocol Support (SS7 ISUP Protocol Support, SS7 TCAP Protocol Support, SS7 SCCP Protocol Support, SS7 MTP Protocol Support); End-Use (Telecommunications End-Use, BFSI End-Use, Transportation End-Use, Healthcare End-Use, Other End-Uses); Application (Network Interconnection Application, Signaling & Routing Application, Voice over IP Application, Fraud Management Application, Roaming Services Application)

Geographic Regions/Countries: World; United States; Canada; Japan; China; Europe (France; Germany; Italy; United Kingdom; Spain; Russia; and Rest of Europe); Asia-Pacific (Australia; India; South Korea; and Rest of Asia-Pacific); Latin America (Argentina; Brazil; Mexico; and Rest of Latin America); Middle East (Iran; Israel; Saudi Arabia; United Arab Emirates; and Rest of Middle East); and Africa.

Key Insights:

• Market Growth: Understand the significant growth trajectory of the On-Premise Deployment segment, which is expected to reach US$1.5 Billion by 2030 with a CAGR of a 10.7%. The Cloud Deployment segment is also set to grow at 8.4% CAGR over the analysis period.
• Regional Analysis: Gain insights into the U.S. market, estimated at $362.8 Million in 2024, and China, forecasted to grow at an impressive 13.8% CAGR to reach $486.9 Million by 2030. Discover growth trends in other key regions, including Japan, Canada, Germany, and the Asia-Pacific.

Why You Should Buy This Report:

• Detailed Market Analysis: Access a thorough analysis of the Global Signaling System 7 (SS7) Market, covering all major geographic regions and market segments.
• Competitive Insights: Get an overview of the competitive landscape, including the market presence of major players across different geographies.
• Future Trends and Drivers: Understand the key trends and drivers shaping the future of the Global Signaling System 7 (SS7) Market.
• Actionable Insights: Benefit from actionable insights that can help you identify new revenue opportunities and make strategic business decisions.

Key Questions Answered:

• How is the Global Signaling System 7 (SS7) Market expected to evolve by 2030?
• What are the main drivers and restraints affecting the market?
• Which market segments will grow the most over the forecast period?
• How will market shares for different regions and segments change by 2030?
• Who are the leading players in the market, and what are their prospects?

Report Features:

• Comprehensive Market Data: Independent analysis of annual sales and market forecasts in US$ Million from 2024 to 2030.
• In-Depth Regional Analysis: Detailed insights into key markets, including the U.S., China, Japan, Canada, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa.
• Company Profiles: Coverage of players such as Aculab, Amdocs, Comarch SA, Cisco Systems, Inc., Dialogic Corporation and more.
• Complimentary Updates: Receive free report updates for one year to keep you informed of the latest market developments.

Some of the 47 companies featured in this Signaling System 7 (SS7) market report include:

• Aculab
• Amdocs
• Comarch SA
• Cisco Systems, Inc.
• Dialogic Corporation
• Ericsson AB
• Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
• Juniper Networks, Inc.
• MATRIXX Software
• Mavenir Systems, Inc.
• Mitel Networks Corporation
• NetNumber, Inc.
• Nokia Corporation
• Oracle Corporation
• PCCW Global
• Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.
• Ribbon Communications Inc.
• Syniverse Technologies LLC
• Tata Communications Limited
• TNS, Inc.
• TietoEVRY (Tieto Oyj)
• ZTE Corporation

This edition integrates the latest global trade and economic shifts as of June 2025 into comprehensive market analysis. Key updates include:

• Tariff and Trade Impact: Insights into global tariff negotiations across 180+ countries, with analysis of supply chain turbulence, sourcing disruptions, and geographic realignment. Special focus on 2025 as a pivotal year for trade tensions, including updated perspectives on the Trump-era tariffs.
• Adjusted Forecasts and Analytics: Revised global and regional market forecasts through 2030, incorporating tariff effects, economic uncertainty, and structural changes in globalization. Includes segmentation by product, technology, type, material, distribution channel, application, and end-use, with historical analysis since 2015.
• Strategic Market Dynamics: Evaluation of revised market prospects, regional outlooks, and key economic indicators such as population and urbanization trends.
• Innovation & Technology Trends: Latest developments in product and process innovation, emerging technologies, and key industry drivers shaping the competitive landscape.
• Competitive Intelligence: Updated global market share estimates for 2025, competitive positioning of major players (Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial), and refined focus on leading global brands and core players.
• Expert Insight & Commentary: Strategic analysis from economists, trade experts, and domain specialists to contextualize market shifts and identify emerging opportunities.
• Complimentary Update: Buyers receive a free July 2025 update with finalized tariff impacts, new trade agreement effects, revised projections, and expanded country-level coverage.