China Mobile, China Telecom and China Unicom have joined the GSMA Open Gateway Initiative, which helps developers and cloud providers collaborate with mobile operators through a framework of open network Application Programmable Interfaces (APIs),
The Open Gateway APIs aim to provide universal access to operator networks across all continents spanning from North America to Australia, Norway to Argentina.
At a joint signing ceremony ahead of MWC Shanghai, the three operators China Mobile, China Telecom and China Unicom demonstrated their commitment to collaborate on the open network API framework, meaning the initiative is now supported by 29 mobile network operators, representing around 60% of mobile connections worldwide.
The global initiative, which launched with eight proofs of concept in February, has already grown to 23. The APIs developed through early adopter programmes cover everything from device location and SIM swap to combat online financial crime, through to Quality on Demand to deliver more immersive gaming experiences and enable drones to carry out data intensive missions safely.
Mats Granryd, Director General of the GSMA, said, “Around the world, we’re gaining critical mass from east to west, north to south. China represents the largest 5G market in the world, so having China’s three largest operators committed to this initiative demonstrates its global significance and the strong business case it offers. In the same way we helped harmonise mobile voice services and enable roaming 35 years ago, I believe GSMA Open Gateway offers the potential to deliver similar levels of significant change for digital services.”
“This is just the beginning, with operators already launching early adopter programmes, we will see more APIs in the coming year, creating new global markets, offering new services and new functionality. This will help unlock further value from 5G connectivity which will flow into the global economy and strengthen future investments, bringing transformational benefits of connectivity to all,” said Granryd.
