# Telefónica Blockchain for Roaming Settlement

> Telefónica is developing a blockchain solution based on Hyperledger Fabric together with Deutsche Telekom, Orange and other mobile operators to automate roaming settlements. The system aims to automate and simplify the complex manual processes in roaming discount agreements between network operators. The solution is currently in pilot stage with successfully conducted tests for automated roaming services.

**Sector:** Tertiary sector · **Industry:** Telecommunications providers · **Organisation:** Telefónica · **Maturity level:** Pilot

Canonical URL: https://www.sapientblock.com/en/use-cases/telefonica-roaming-abrechnung-automatisch-klaeren

## Documentation status

- **Project status:** Pilot
- **Evidence:** Evidence high
- **Editorial review:** Ufuk Avci, 15 April 2026

## Description

Roaming billing between mobile network operators is a massive manual process: when a telecom customer uses data abroad, the home operator must compensate the visited operator for usage. Millions of individual events need to be reconciled. Deutsche Telekom, Orange and Telefonica piloted a blockchain-based solution in 2019.

The roaming billing process: every data event (connection setup, usage data, connection end) is logged by the visited operator; periodically (monthly) this data is transmitted to the home operator and reconciled; disputes arise when data does not match — which happens frequently. Manual resolution takes months. Blockchain solution: every roaming event is immediately documented on the blockchain; both operators see the same immutable entry; smart contracts can automatically execute payments when thresholds are met. Deutsche Telekom announced the blockchain roaming pilot in an official press release. TelecomTV reported: Deutsche Telekom, Orange and Telefonica hope blockchain will solve roaming problems. Light Reading later confirmed the pilot’s success: DT, Telefonica and Vodafone confirm blockchain-based roaming service.

## Benefits

- Mobile network operators can significantly reduce costs for manual roaming billing while simultaneously increasing accuracy.
- Automation of complex roaming billing significantly reduces manual errors and processing times.
- Transparent and immutable documentation of all roaming transactions builds trust between operators.
- Standardisation of roaming processes through an open-source approach can enable industry-wide efficiency gains.
- Employees are freed from repetitive manual tasks and can focus on more value-adding activities.

## Challenges

- Mobile network operators must invest in new blockchain infrastructure and adapt their existing systems accordingly.
- Successful implementation requires close cooperation and standardisation between different mobile network operators with varying technical systems.
- Integrating blockchain technology into existing complex roaming and billing infrastructures is technically challenging.
- Employees must acquire new technical skills in handling blockchain technology and decentralised systems.

## Technology foundation

The solution is based on Hyperledger Fabric, an open-source blockchain technology from the Linux Foundation, specifically developed for enterprise networks. This technology is particularly well suited for roaming billing as it allows only authorised telecommunications providers to participate in the network and securely exchange confidential billing data.

## Sources

- [Neu: Blockchain beim Operator-Roaming](https://www.telekom.com/de/medien/medieninformationen/detail/neu-blockchain-beim-operator-roaming-593924)
- [Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefónica hope blockchain will ease roaming headaches](https://www.telecomtv.com/content/blockchain/deutsche-telekom-orange-telefonica-hope-blockchain-will-ease-roaming-headaches-37721/)
- [DT, Telefónica, Vodafone Cheer Blockchain-Based Roaming Service](https://www.lightreading.com/oss-bss-cx/dt-telef-nica-vodafone-cheer-blockchain-based-roaming-service)