Verizon appears to be gearing up to join the growing wave of blockchain adoption, according to a list of jobs posted to the company’s official site. 

Verizon Blockchain

Last week, Verizon created a series of job openings for “blockchain developers” and those with experience working in the industry, for a total of 35 positions related to the technology. The details of the job description point toward Verizon creating a customer-based product that focuses on individual security. 

According to one post, 

“This role will be responsible for developing and delivering of initial prototypes and product proof-of-concepts which includes use case development, technical requirements, customer co-development testing and commercialization handoff. The focus of the individual will be on blockchain and other identity/security initiatives (e.g. confidential computing, secure payments) in the emerging technology space.”

In addition to a security/payments product for clients, the job posting also suggests that Verizon is looking to create its own “distributed network” for “various use cases.”

Growing Industry

Verizon’s entry into blockchain follows on the heels of a telecom and media revolution to integrate the technology and build new products. 

In May, rival mobile provider AT&T announced that it would accept bitcoin for payments. AT&T is the world’s largest telecommunications company and became the first official mobile carrier to accept crypto. 

Vice President of AT&T Communications Finance Business Operations Kevin McDorman said at the time accepting bitcoin was a way for the company to keep abreast with modern clients, 

“We’re always looking for ways to improve and expand our services. We have customers who use cryptocurrency, and we are happy we can offer them a way to pay their bills with the method they prefer.”

Verizon is likewise looking to innovate by gearing up in the blockchain sector. However, it may find hiring to be more challenging than filling traditional technical roles.

According to one leading engineer, who spoke anonymously with The Block, competition for quality blockchain developers is fierce, 

“Google, Facebook, Microsoft, those guys are just taking the cream of the crop. I have interviewed over 100 candidates in the last couple of years and it’s getting harder to find good calibre candidates in blockchain.”

Verizon has yet to comment on the development with an official statement.