US Fourth Largest Mobile Provider Partners on Automotive Blockchain Platform

The U.S.’ fourth-largest mobile network operator Sprint has partnered with blockchain startup NXM Labs to launch a 5G connected car platform powered by blockchain technology, the companies confirmed June 20.

Sprint, which served 54 million US customers as of October 2017, will use the platform and its LTE network to provide passengers with mobile wifi, vehicle health monitoring and what it describes as the world’s “first blockchain powered Internet-of-Things (IoT) security system that guards against hackers.”

“Through the power of blockchain technology, NXM provides an advanced level of security and advanced capabilities to vehicles that might not otherwise have it, even extending Wi-Fi,” Ivo Rook, senior vice-president of IoT for Sprint said in an accompanying press release.

The partnership furthers blockchain’s entry into the increasingly automated car industry, bringing Smart and NXM alongside extant projects from the likes of IOTA and manufacturers including Mercedes and Volkswagen.

A joint industry initiative, dubbed MOBI, has received participation from BMW, Ford, Bosch Hyperledger and more.

In addition to its core offerings, the platform will offer services such as parking space location and where gas costs the least. Multiple vehicles will also be able to connect to each other.