Microsoft has announced a collaboration with Indian IT networking firm Tech Mahindra. The companies have partnered on a project to stop annoying calls and SMS. Using blockchain technology, the project will work within the recommended guidelines of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).
No one likes a spam call or SMS, and TRAI has developed rules to prevent such calls. The regulator says telecom operators must use blockchain technology to stop unauthorised access, boost confidentiality, and protect data.
Microsoft and Tech Mahindra have developed a solution that falls within their regulation. Using Microsoft’s Azure, the solution should prevent unsolicited commercial communication (UCC) in India.
“Tech Mahindra…announced today its collaboration with Microsoft to create a Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT)-based solution to build a robust ecosystem in line with the regulations issued by Trai,” a joint statement says.
Mahindra says the blockchain-based solution is the first of its kind to be deployed anywhere. It stops customer information from being spread without knowledge within a telemarketing environment. The company points to the power of blockchain to prevent spam calls and decrease the risk of fraud.
“This DLT-based solution will enable enterprises to stop financial frauds and perpetration of misleading financial information by unregistered telecom marketers who rampantly use the SMS service of telcos,” Rajesh Dhuddu, global practice leader, Blockchain, Tech Mahindra adds.
Blockchain in Azure
Microsoft confirmed it has been working with Tech Mahindra to develop the technology and then with TRAI to ensure the solution met its requirements. Telecommunications companies will be able to leverage the blockchain in Azure to manage across all machines in their network:
“The intersection of cloud and blockchain will ensure a new way of monitoring and enforcing compliance throughout the ecosystem. Through this solution we will be able to help service providers be compliant with the new regulation.
With a Microsoft Azure blockchain-powered solution, we will ensure that we mitigate loopholes used by fraudsters and spammers to reach end users. Microsoft believes blockchain has significant potential to eliminate waste, fraud and abuse from markets of all types. Our ambition is to provide blockchain technology that drives real, long-term and sustainable business, economic and social value for the world,” said Prashant Shukla, National Tech Officer, Microsoft India.
