Scailarc, Elisa and Nokia demonstrate world-fist call handled without answering, powered by IMS Data Channel

HELSINKI, Sept. 18, 2026 Proof of concept shows how customers can complete an important service task  even when they cannot answer a call            

Scailarc, Nokia and Elisa have completed a proof-of-concept demo of a new mobile calling experience that enables interactive, visual communication before and during a call. The showcase demonstrated a first-of-its-kind scenario where a customer can complete a call-related action without answering the call, using IMS Data Channel technology and trusted caller verification enabled through Nokia’s Network as Code platform. The call was made with the new Jolla Phone. 

The  demo uses an Elisa customer service scenario: Elisa calls about a fibre  installation. The customer cannot speak but sees a trusted interactive call  screen and selects “Book installation time”. Elisa sees the customer  move to self-service, and the customer completes the task immediately – without  having to answer the call. 

A new phase in the mobile call lifecycle

Created by Scailarc with support from Nokia and Elisa, the solution brings rich, interactive content into the native phone experience without requiring a separate app. It extends the phone call from a voice connection into a trusted media channel before, during and after the call.

For  companies, this can enhance efficiency by improving reachability and service  completion by displaying customers a clear reason for the call, verified context  and simple interactive options. For customers, it offers a convenient way to  handle service tasks when speaking is not possible or appropriate.  

Technology foundation

The solution is based on IMS Data Channel, a 3GPP standard that enables rich data interactions inside a normal phone call. Nokia’s Network as Code capabilities support caller identification, helping create a trusted interaction between caller and customer. The standards-based solution works independently of device model or mobile OS ecosystem.

Security and trust are central to the concept. IMS Data Channel interfaces run inside an isolated environment in the phone’s native calling app, preventing access to phone data. Data is encrypted, and Scailarc verifies application content and digital fingerprints to help prevent hijacking.

“This proof of concept shows how the traditional phone call can become a trusted, interactive customer service channel. Visual context, verified caller information, and simple self-service actions can help customers complete tasks faster and with confidence,” says Marko Rapeli, Co-founder & CEO, Scailarc.

“Elisa is exploring innovations that make digital services easier and safer. Today’s Proof of Concept demonstrates the potential this service has for the reduction of daily life friction. We are looking forward to further developing this technology for the benefit of our corporate and consumer customers,” says Laura Pitkänen, Vice President, Subscriptions and Services, Corporate Customers, Elisa.

“Programmable network capabilities can help developers and service providers create new real-time experiences. This showcase demonstrates how network capabilities can support trusted, contextual communications directly in the call experience,” Shkumbin Hamiti, Vice President, Network Monetization Platform, Nokia.

The companies see potential for trusted, interactive calling in sectors where identification, timely action and customer confidence are critical, including healthcare, banking, public services, logistics, public safety and legally required customer contacts.

CONTACT:

Further information and interview requests:

Elisa’s Mediadesk, mediadesk@elisa.fi, tel. +358 50 305 1605

Scailarc

Marko Rapeli, Co-founder & CEO, marko.rapeli@scailarc.com, +358 50 323 3973 
Olli–Pekka Nokkonen, Co-founder & COO, olli–pekka.nokkonen@scailarc.com, +358 50 444 0894

Nokia

Press Office, press.services@nokia.com  

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