Sprint explores how telecom operators can use blockchain technology

Rage Review : US telecom operator Sprint Corporation cooperates with California blockchain startup TBCASoft, Inc. and Japan's SoftBank Corp. to build a cross-service provider blockchain platform for IoT applications, secure clearing and settlement, personal authentication, telecom operators, etc. According to a report by Deloitte, one of the Big Four, the telecommunications, technology and media industries may be the most active investors in blockchain technology.

Translation: Annie_Xu

Sprint Corporation has partnered with TBCASoft, Inc. and SoftBank Corp. to develop blockchain technology applications for telecommunications operators.

TBCASoft, headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, USA, develops consortium-based blockchain technology for telecommunications operators.

SoftBank Corp. is a subsidiary of SoftBank Group Corp., providing network services, mobile communications and fixed-line communications services to customers in Japan.

Cross-operator platform

The three companies will promote technology research and development to build a cross-service provider blockchain platform for Internet of Things applications, secure clearing and settlement, personal authentication, telecom operators, etc.

In June 2017, the companies will begin technical trials to connect the TBCASoft blockchain platform to the systems of telecom operators. The two parties will cooperate on technical, commercial and regulatory issues in different jurisdictions.

Sprint is the first domestic U.S. carrier to develop wireless 4G services.

Telecommunications industry investing in blockchain

A recent Deloitte survey found that blockchain technology has been adopted by industries such as telecommunications, consumer products, manufacturing, technology and media.

27% of technology, media and telecommunications executives said their companies will invest at least $5 million in the next year, while 23% of financial services executives surveyed also said they plan to invest in this area in 2017.

According to the survey, the telecommunications, technology and media industries are likely to be the most active investors in blockchain technology. 30% of respondents in these industries said that their companies have completed blockchain research and development and have started production.

The telecommunications industry will benefit greatly

Blockchain has the potential to offer a host of applications to the telecommunications industry, according to a report from Deloitte and the Blockchain Institute; the technology has the potential to significantly impact the operating models of communications service providers (CSPs).

The impact depends on the CSP’s enthusiasm for use cases. For example, companies such as Orange and Verizon have invested in blockchain startups to explore synergies and potential use cases. More players are also conducting use case research internally.