Key Takeaways:
- Omantel and Telkomsel partner with GSMA to participate in wholesale roaming trials on the GSMA eBusiness Network, showcasing the potential of blockchain technology for mobile network operators (MNOs).
- Blockchain automates complex inter-operator roaming processes, ensuring accuracy, transparency, and efficiency, leading to operational benefits and improved customer experience.
- The GSMA eBusiness Network Accelerator program offers mentoring, services, and training resources for MNOs to optimize roaming agreements, billing, and settlement through blockchain-based applications.
The GSMA (GSM Association) has announced wholesale roaming trials for its advanced telco blockchain network, the GSMA eBusiness Network, aimed at demonstrating the transformative power of blockchain technology for mobile network operators (MNOs). Leading the charge, Omantel and Telkomsel, pioneering companies in the telecommunications industry, have already enrolled in the GSMA eBusiness Network Accelerator program, paving the way for streamlined roaming operations and improved financial processes. The trials are set to launch in June 2023, marking a significant milestone in the adoption of blockchain in the telco sector.
Unlocking the Potential of Blockchain for Wholesale Roaming
Blockchain technology presents a game-changing opportunity for the wholesale roaming industry. By securely automating and streamlining inter-operator processes, blockchain ensures accurate and transparent operations, reducing manual intervention and billing disputes. Omantel and Telkomsel anticipate numerous benefits from embracing blockchain, including enhanced operational efficiency, increased accuracy in charging, faster time-to-market for roaming products, and improved customer satisfaction.
Talal Al Mamari, CEO of Omantel, expressed their commitment to leading the industry with the implementation of this revolutionary blockchain solution. The adoption of blockchain will not only automate systems but also optimize costs, reduce margins of error, and improve the overall customer experience. Moreover, the utilization of blockchain allows for data exchange between operators, enabling future technology developments such as 5G Standalone Roaming and Billing and Charging Evolution.
Wong Soon Nam, Chief Planning & Transformation Officer of Telkomsel, highlighted their dedication to unlocking further opportunities for blockchain technology implementation in Indonesia. As the first digital telco in Southeast Asia to join the GSMA eBusiness Network Accelerator program, Telkomsel aims to optimize wholesale roaming clearing and settlement processes, ultimately providing inclusive and sustainable access to world-class connectivity in Indonesia.
Blockchain: Transforming Wholesale Roaming Processes
Blockchain technology is ideally suited to streamline the wholesale roaming clearing and settlement process, particularly as the industry evolves with the advent of 5G and IoT. With its decentralized and transparent nature, blockchain ensures secure and efficient automation of business processes. The GSMA is encouraging its members to participate in the trials, allowing them to experience the benefits of blockchain firsthand, foster collaboration with roaming partners, and lay the foundations for the future of Web3.
Applications for Enhanced Roaming Operations
The GSMA eBusiness Network offers a range of blockchain-based applications to enable more transparent and secure roaming operations for MNOs. These applications leverage smart contracts and automated workflows to create a single-source-of-truth for roaming contract management, data clearing, and financial settlement. MNOs participating in the GSMA eBusiness Network Accelerator program gain access to mentoring, services, and training resources, including the GSMA Node for seamless network access, GSMA Negotiator for online negotiation and forecasting, and GSMA Settlement for automated billing and charging processes.
The GSMA eBusiness Network: Transforming Wholesale Roaming
The GSMA eBusiness Network, launched in 2021, is a private-permissioned blockchain solution designed to address the complex requirements of operator businesses and revolutionize the wholesale roaming clearing and settlement process. It emerged from the collaborative efforts of the GSMA and leading telecom operators, including CK Hutchison Group Telecom, Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefonica, Verizon, and Vodafone.
Empowering the Telco Industry with Innovative Solutions
The GSMA’s Blockchain & Roaming Services form part of a comprehensive suite of services aimed at addressing critical industry challenges. In addition to Blockchain & Roaming Services, GSMA members can leverage Device Information Services, eSIM Services, Fraud Prevention & Security Services, and Network & Interconnect Services to drive innovation, enhance security, and foster interoperability across the mobile ecosystem.
About Omantel
Omantel Wholesale is the international and domestic wholesale arm of Oman Telecommunications Company S.A.O.G. (Omantel), the leading integrated telecommunications service provider in Oman. With decades of experience, Omantel is committed to delivering high-quality connectivity, leveraging its extensive submarine cable systems and terrestrial links. As an industry leader, Omantel Wholesale capitalizes on ultra-low latency networks to enable global innovation and digital transformation, providing exceptional end-user experiences.
About Telkomsel
Telkomsel, the leading digital telecommunication company in Indonesia, aims to empower society through digital connectivity, platforms, and services. With its extensive network coverage and innovative solutions, Telkomsel is dedicated to bringing the benefits of technology to all levels of society. As a pioneer in deploying 4G and developing 5G networks, Telkomsel continues to enrich digital experiences through mobile gaming, digital entertainment, mobile financial services, enterprise solutions, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
About GSMA
The GSMA is a global organization that unifies the mobile ecosystem to foster innovation, positive business environments, and societal change. With a vision to unlock the full power of connectivity, the GSMA represents mobile operators and organizations across the mobile ecosystem and adjacent industries. Through its comprehensive range of activities, including policy advancement, technology development, and industry convening at events like the MWC (Mobile World Congress), the GSMA drives connectivity and delivers transformative solutions for a thriving digital future.
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