GSMA Open Gateway, a framework of universal network APIs

GSMA today kicked off the MWC2023 with the announcement of an industry-wide initiative – Open Gateway. A framework of universal network Application Programmable Interfaces (APIs), designed to provide universal access to operator networks for developers. With the support of 21 plus global telecom operators including America Movil, AT&T, Axiata, Bharti Airtel, China Mobile, Deutsche Telekom, e& Group, KDDI, KT, Liberty Global, MTN, Orange, Singtel, Swisscom, STC, Telefónica, Telenor, Telstra, TIM, Verizon and Vodafone, the move represents a paradigm shift in the way the telecoms industry designs and delivers services in an API economy world.

Traditionally the telecom industry has had mostly proprietary interfaces, leading to a developer having to consume APIs of each vendor individually, leading to delays in time to market, as well as the telecom operators having to lock themselves down to a telecom equipment vendor in order to save costs and avoid conflicts due to problems in interoperability of APIs.

GSMA Open Gateway will enable single points of access to ultra-broadband networks and provide a catalyst for immersive technologies and Web3 – giving them the ability to fulfill their potential and reach critical mass. By applying the concept of interconnection for operators to the API economy developers can utilise technology once, for services such as identity, cybersecurity or billing, but with the potential to be integrated with every operator worldwide. This is a profound change in the way we design and deliver services. GSMA Open Gateway will help developers and cloud providers enhance and deploy services more quickly via single points of access to operator networks. This is achieved via common, northbound service APIs that simply expose mobile operators’ network capabilities within a consistent, interoperable and federated framework.

The GSMA Open Gateway initiative launches with eight universal network APIs, including SIM Swap, QoD, Device Status (Connected or Roaming Status), Number Verify, Edge Site Selection and Routing, Number Verification (SMS 2FA), Carrier Billing – Check Out and Device Location (Verify Location). The initiative plans to launch further APIs throughout 2023.

GSMA Open Gateway APIs are defined, developed and published in CAMARA, the open source project for developers to access enhanced network capabilities, driven by the Linux Foundation in collaboration with the GSMA. Working in CAMARA, APIs between telcos and developers can be delivered quickly, using developer-friendly tools and software code.

Amazon’s AWS and Microsoft’s Azure were named as the first two big cloud providers working with carriers to provide access to APIs to developers.

Over the next 12 months the initiative will support engagement via Early Adopter Programmes for developers and it will promote GSMA Open Gateway APIs via significant developer channels, including Microsoft events such as Ignite and Build; and AWS’ re:Invent.