Transaction Network Services (TNS), a leading global provider of data communications and interoperability solutions, and TI Sparkle (TIS), the international service provider of Telecom Italia Group, announce the implementation of a multi-service IPX peering connection. The new interconnection will support the exchange of Mobile Signaling and GRX traffic and also ensures end-to-end differentiated Class of Service.

The multi-service connection adds to the increasing number of IPX peering operators while contributing to the growth of the IPX community worldwide. Furthermore, the agreement allows TNS to benefit from TIS' global reach and extensive IPX coverage while TIS will expand its own footprint in North America via TNS.

"The relationship with TNS represents an important step towards the adoption of IPX as the standard for next-generation IP-based services" states Elisabetta Ripa, TIS Chief Executive Officer, "Operators can easily access IP services via a single, private and secure IP interconnection, voice and data services in a 'future-proof' environment, helping them to expand their business globally with the introduction of new advanced services".

IPX offers a next-generation alternative to the internet that combines the flexibility and efficiency of the IP world with the security and reliability of traditional TDM networks. This is particularly significant for network operators as they transition to an all-IP environment to capture efficiencies and support new services such as; LTE Roaming, Voice over LTE, HD voice, IP videoconferencing and IMS/RCS-based enhanced communication applications.

"TNS is thrilled to announce the new relationship with TIS, a recognized innovator in global carrier services," said Surendra Saboo, CEO of TNS' Telecom Services Division. "Connecting our IPX networks is a significant step toward TNS and TIS' common objective of establishing a worldwide community of interest for next generation roaming services including LTE, VoLTE, RCS, and other value added services.

Together TNS and TIS share a belief in open standards and collaboration with industry partners that advance the interests of mobile customers, namely impeccable service quality, profitable growth and innovation. Through this interconnection, TNS and TIS will be able to further achieve these goals and enable the development of 4G technologies going forward."

TI Sparkle is a leader and pioneer in the VOIP business, has been running a full IP soft-switch, multi-service network with Global MPLS capabilities since 2004. As a co-founding member of the i3forum, TI Sparkle was one of the first international carriers to migrate its bilateral voice traffic to IP successfully, and one of the first service providers to offer an IPX solution which is both compliant with the guidelines of the i3Forum as well as the GSMA specifications to support existing and next generation IP- based services.

TNS provides network, database and next generation services to over 1100 telecommunications companies around the world, services to customers in 60 countries worldwide and can access virtually any SS7 legacy or IP network around the globe.

ENDS

About Telecom Italia Sparkle

Telecom Italia Sparkle S.p.A. (TI Sparkle) is the wholly-owned Telecom Italia Group (NYSE:TI) subsidiary with the mission to develop and consolidate the Italian telco's international services business. As a leading global carrier, TI Sparkle offers a full range of voice, mobile data, IP and bandwidth solutions to fixed and mobile operators, Internet service providers, Media and Content providers and to Multinational enterprises.

Find out more about Telecom Italia Sparkle at www.tisparkle.com

About Transaction Network Services

TNS is a leading provider of data communications and interoperability solutions.

TNS offers enterprises and telecom operators a broad range of networks and innovative value-added services which enable transactions and the exchange of information in diverse industries such as retail, banking, payment processing, telecommunications and the financial markets.

Founded in 1990 in the United States, TNS has grown steadily and now provides services in over 60 countries across the America, Europe and the Asia Pacific region, with our reach extending to many more. TNS has designed and implemented multiple data networks which support a variety of widely accepted communications protocols and are designed to be scalable and accessible by multiple methods.

TNS
Fi Khan
T: +17038148065
E: pr@tnsi.com
or
TI Sparkle
T: +390652745037
E: tisparkle.communication@telecomitalia.it