Zain Omantel International (ZOI) and Tata Communications have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to evaluate a next-generation platform for inter-operator roaming. This collaboration focuses on integrating blockchain roaming automation to update operational frameworks between telecom providers.
Updating Mobile Networks with New Infrastructure
The partnership will examine how blockchain technologies can modernise the entire lifecycle of international telecommunications. By developing a secure system, both companies aim to address complexities in commercial agreements, partner management, settlement, reconciliation, and dispute resolution.
ZOI brings a considerable footprint to the collaboration, covering nearly 700 mobile networks worldwide across more than 200 countries and carrying over 10 billion international voice minutes annually. Meanwhile, Tata Communications works with more than 600 mobile network operator partners, connecting approximately four out of five mobile subscribers globally.
Integrating Automation into Commercial Agreements
Through this MoU, ZOI and Tata Communications will assess a platform that uses data-driven and machine-led capabilities to facilitate roaming automation. The objective is to simplify complex operational layers while blockchain provides a trusted, transparent, and tamper-resistant record of activity for inter-operator roaming.
This transparent auditing trail is designed to reduce the significant manual effort currently required to manage commercial agreements between international carriers.
Executive Perspectives on Blockchain Roaming Automation
Company leaders emphasize the operational improvements targeted by this initiative.
Sohail Qadir, Chief Executive Officer at ZOI, said the collaboration was intended to streamline international roaming through smarter infrastructure and simplified operating models. He added that the initiative would explore how intelligent automation and blockchain could improve the roaming lifecycle and enhance the end-user experience.
Vivek Manglik, Executive Vice President of Interaction Fabric at Tata Communications, added that mobile networks and their operators are seeking to improve efficiency, accelerate settlement cycles, and deliver a better experience for customers. He also said that, the mobile network operators were looking to improve efficiency, accelerate settlement cycles and enhance customer experience. He added that blockchain and intelligent automation could reduce complexity while increasing transparency in roaming relationships..