Four largest mobile operators test blockchain solution for inter-operator roaming agreements. They hope for simplifying of network sharing
Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefonica, and T-Mobile plan to test a new system of charging roaming payments (including call switching). Blockchain aims to simplify the process of internal roaming. Up until now, conditions, agreements and roaming billing were carried out manually and individually. Operators hope that blockchain automates inter-operator roaming.
The testing will be shield by GSMA Internet Group. The solution was developed by Deutsche Telekom Laboratories in cooperation with Deutsche Telekom Global Carrier, wholesale division of the German operator. More operators can join the internal roaming blockchain in the future, if the technology works well.
“The inter-operator workflow in roaming has been basically the same for the last 20 years. However, some new technologies like LTE-M will dramatically increase the complexity of inter-operator agreements and blockchain can significantly simplify usage of new services,” Rolf Nafziger, vice president of Deutsche Telekom Global Carrier said.
