Nokia, Elisa and Scailarc pioneer interactive mobile communication through IMS Data Channel technology

Executive summary: Scailarc, Elisa, and Nokia successfully demonstrated a proof-of-concept for interactive, visual communication via IMS Data Channel, enabling users to handle tasks without answering calls. It represents a shift in mobile service delivery, moving towards more seamless, data-driven interactive experiences that enhance user convenience.

Who is involved: Nokia, Elisa, and Scailarc.

Likely next: Integration of these IMS Data Channel capabilities into commercial mobile networks and consumer devices.

A proof‑of‑concept test carried out by Nokia, Elisa and the Finnish startup Scailarc showed that a mobile call can be completed without the subscriber ever picking up the handset. Using the IMS Data Channel, the demonstration exchanged visual and service information over the packet‑switched part of the IP Multimedia Subsystem, allowing the user to interact with a service interface while the call remains in a silent state. The trial represents the first public example of a voice‑call session being repurposed as a data‑driven interaction layer. For network operators, the result points to a possible evolution of traditional voice services toward richer, app‑like experiences that stay within the carrier’s core IMS infrastructure rather than relying on over‑the‑top platforms. Elisa, as a Nordic operator, gains an early foothold in showcasing such capabilities, while Nokia can position its IMS portfolio as a platform for future value‑added services. The development also dovetails with recent discussions in which Orange is weighing whether to retain Huawei or to bring Nokia deeper into its mobile radio access network, suggesting that operators may look to vendors that can deliver both radio and core‑network innovations. In the near term, further trials are likely to focus on specific use‑cases such as automated customer‑service flows or IoT device provisioning, with an eye toward commercial pilots within the next 12‑18 months.

What's next — scenarios

Base: Commercial adoption by major telcos (60%)

Widespread rollout of interactive non-voice communication services across European networks.

Standardization of IMS Data Channel protocols
Successful large-scale pilot programs

Upside: Rapid integration into AI assistants (25%)

Hyper-automation of service tasks where AI agents use this channel to resolve customer issues autonomously.

Breakthrough in AI agentic communication capabilities
High consumer adoption of digital assistants

Downside: Slow adoption due to legacy infrastructure (15%)

The technology remains a niche feature for high-end devices or specific enterprise services.

High cost of upgrading legacy 4G/5G infrastructure
Lack of developer interest in non-voice protocols

What to watch

Commercial deployment timelines from Elisa or other major operators
Integration of IMS Data Channel into new smartphone OS releases
Standardization updates from 3GPP regarding IMS Data Channel usage

Timeline

2026-09-18 — Scailarc, Elisa and Nokia demonstrate world-fist call handled without answering, powered by IMS Data Channel (PR Newswire)
Orange plantea mantener a Huawei o incluir a Nokia en su red móvil (Expansión)

Analysis — what this means

Sectors affected

Mobile Network Operators (MNOs)
Telecommunications Equipment Manufacturers
Digital Customer Service Software

Historical parallels

Orange network infrastructure debate involving Nokia (2026)
German automotive supply chain tensions affecting Nokia (2026)

Key entities

Sources

Scailarc, Elisa and Nokia demonstrate world-fist call handled without answering, powered by IMS Data Channel — PR Newswire
Orange plantea mantener a Huawei o incluir a Nokia en su red móvil — Expansión

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