TRAI completes Mobile Blockchain Pilot in collaboration with IBM

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has finalized blockchain pilots with tech conglomerate IBM to upgrade mobile data keeping methods employed so far. As part of this, IBM has also collaborated with Telefónica, major telecom player from Spain, to handle overseas mobile network call traffic.

This after joining hands with other telecom providers to run the tests with IBM to assess scope of blockchain technology in enhancing mobile network systems like Do Not Call (DNC)  and Mobile Number Portability (MNP). The Economic Times reported details of the trials on 12 December.

MNP is a feature that allows mobile phone customers to keep their mobile numbers even if they switch their mobile network. DNC, on the other hand, allows you to restrict marketing and promotional calls from the sales people.

Vice President of IBM Research, Mr. Sriram Raghavan, stated that the team has conducted proof-of-concepts (PoC) and pilots with every big telecom service providers in the country along with TRAI. He did not mention the names of other companies in his statement.

Raghavan clarified that the newest telecom blockchain application will enable firms to accumulate DNC and MNP data with consent from customers on a private distributed ledger. Experts assure that this solution will help the governmental agency to monitor the network better and spot any wrongdoing by a public official quickly.

A TRAI spokesperson said on 10 December that telecom companies are now working on nitty-gritties related to agreements with tech companies. At this pace, the blockchain-based mobile data recording system will be in place in two months, they confirmed.

The TRAI first publicized its plans to integrate blockchain solution to stop malfeasance in the sector in May this year. It will not only ensure instant and accurate tracking (by concerned regulators), but will also spot telecom spammers using unregistered mobile numbers.