Zain Omantel International (ZOI) and Tata Communications have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to jointly explore a next-generation inter-operator roaming platform using AI and blockchain, targeting a persistent pain point in how mobile networks manage settlement, reconciliation and dispute resolution across borders.
The scale on both sides is considerable. ZOI's international roaming footprint covers nearly 700 networks in more than 200 countries, and carries more than 10 billion roaming transactions globally. Tata Communications works with over 200 mobile network operator partners and reaches four out of five mobile subscribers worldwide.
The collaboration will assess whether AI can automate the operational layer of roaming relationships: partner management, commercial agreements, and real-time reconciliation. Blockchain would serve as the record of commercial activity between operators, providing a tamper-resistant audit trail across a process that currently involves significant manual effort and bilateral negotiation.
"International roaming services including voice calls, messaging and data remain critical to how people and businesses stay connected across borders," said Sohail Qadir, CEO at ZOI. "Our collaboration with Tata Communications is focused on streamlining international roaming through smarter infrastructure and simplified operating models. It is an opportunity to explore how intelligent automation and blockchain can enhance the roaming lifecycle and end-user experience."
"Mobile operators are looking to improve efficiency, accelerate settlement cycles and deliver a better roaming experience for customers," added Vivek Manglik, Executive Vice President, Interaction Fabric at Tata Communications. "Together with ZOI, we are exploring a platform that will help operators streamline operations, strengthen partner collaboration and unlock greater value from their roaming ecosystems."
The MoU stage means the technical and commercial shape of the platform is still being defined. Both companies have the network reach to give any shared infrastructure meaningful scale if the feasibility assessment confirms the business case.
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