Deutsche Telekom, T-Mobile US Pilot Blockchain System for Automating Roaming Discounts

Four global telecom enterprises are presently piloting a blockchain powered system to mechanize the handling of roaming discount contracts between operators.

As per a document published by Mobile Europe, Deutsche Telekom, Telefonica, T-Mobile US and Orange, the system considerably minimizes the intricacy of the prevailing system and is “production ready.”

The latest solution overhauls procedures that remained unmodified for several years and needs preparing, signing and physically enforcing contracts for reduced roaming fees.

The entire process is simplified and expedited through mechanizing of execution of tasks. Additionally, the use of blockchain ensures that the contract remain unalterable.

Latest technologies were adopted to increase the complexity of the prevailing process, according to Rolf Nafziger, Senior Vice President of Deutsche Telekom Global Carrier:

“The inter-operator workflow in roaming has been basically unchanged for the last 20 years. In the near future however, new services […] will drastically increase the complexity of inter-operator discount agreements and respective settlements. This blockchain-based solution is the start of automating sections of our workflow. It will put us in a position to handle the additional complexity while increasing overall efficiency.”

Once the testing is completed, the code used in running the system will be made open-souce, in order to encourage other players in the industry to gain access without any expense. There is also an expectation that the technology could be further advanced to enhance the roaming wholesale market, for example, by mechanizing settlement procedures between operators.

Notably, Deutsche Telekom continues to play a proactive role in the blockchain domain. Last October, the enterprise launched the Blockchain Ecosystem (GBE) by partnering with a Maltese government agency.