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

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.

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

Scailarc is a Finnish technology company transforming the communication solutions of the future. By utilizing AI and other advanced technologies, Scailarc enables a new era of secure, rich-media, interactive phone calls. Its solutions create added value for customers by bringing efficiency, ease, and trust to the calling experience — all without separate apps.

Nokia is a global leader in connectivity infrastructure powering the AI supercycle. We create the networks that connect intelligence, combining a complete connectivity view across fixed, mobile, IP, optical, core and data center networks. Through secure-by-design, AI-native innovation, Nokia delivers the trusted infrastructure that makes AI work at scale and advances connectivity to secure a brighter world. 
 

Elisa is a Finnish, internationally operating telecommunications and technology company. With over 140 years of experience, we offer sustainable solutions for more than 2.8 million consumer, corporate and public administration customers in our core markets of Finland and Estonia, and software services globally. In 2025, revenue was EUR 2.3 billion. Elisa employs over 6,200 professionals in 35 countries. Elisa Corporation shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki. elisa.com