The GSMA has announced open web APIs that it hopes will help give developers universal access to telecommunications networks like never before.
Unveiled at MWC 2023 in Barcelona, Open Gateway was described as “a paradigm shift in the way the telecommunications industry designs and delivers services in the world of the API economy.”
The GSMA says Open Gateway is designed with developer-friendly tools and code to encourage developers to use web APIs and deploy services faster and easier.
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Open Gateway was initially launched with eight universal web APIs: SIM Swap; Quality on Demand; Device status (connected or roaming); check the number; Edge site selection and routing; Number verification (SMS 2FA); Operator billing – check-out; and Device Location (Check Location). In the coming year, the Open Gateway initiative plans to launch even more APIs to help developers connect to participating networks.
The work was possible thanks to the cooperation of the GSMA with the Linux Foundation, which together created the open-source CAMARA project, to which 21 of the most prominent network operators have already applied
Early signatories include Telstra, America Movil, AT&T, Axiata, Bharti Airtel, China Mobile, Deutsche Telekom, e& Group, KDDI, KT, Liberty Global, MTN, Orange, Singtel, Swisscom, STC, Telefónica, Telenor, TIM, Verizon and Vodafone.
These are all networks that plan to facilitate the adoption of more connected technologies, including autonomous vehicles, drones, robotics and augmented reality. Use cases may extend beyond the typical consumer to other official bodies as well: the SIM Swap API is said to be crucial in the fight against financial crime, for example.
Developers looking to board the GSMA Open Gateway can expect more information about early adopter programs over the next 12 months, including through events such as Microsoft Ignite and Build and AWS re:Invent.
“By applying the concept of carrier interconnectivity to the API economy, developers can use the technology once for services such as identity, cybersecurity and billing, but with the ability to integrate with any carrier around the world. This is a profound shift in the way we design and deliver services,” said Mats Granryd, CEO of the GSMA.