There are different roles telecoms operators can play in relation to a blockchain system and, across all these roles, a telecoms operator can provide new or better services to customers. Even without actively participating in the blockchain system, an operator could offer new services as a result of more efficient processes, greater agility, ability to enter new markets, etc.
These are not mutually exclusive. For example a telecoms operator is likely to provide the underlying infrastructure for running nodes when providing a solution or in a blockchain-as-a-service platform. Equally, they may choose to only provide the compute capabilities.
See our in-depth blockchain research:
- Moving beyond the lab: How to make blockchain pay
- 36 blockchain applications: What’s next?
- Blockchain for telcos: Where is the money?