China’s largest mobile operators join GSMA’s API initiative

China Mobile, China Telecom and China Unicom are the latest mobile operators to sign up to the GSMA’s Open Gateway initiative which places developers and cloud providers into the same ecosystem as mobile operators though a framework of open network Application Programme Interfaces (APIs).

Application Programme Interfaces (APIs) can enhance an enterprise’s internal workflows, customer experiences and customer engagement – unleashing the capabilities of 5G beyond connectivity.

Developers can use them to integrate calls, texts and other telephony functions directly into applications or software, for instance.

GSMA launched its a framework for APIs, Open Gateway, designed to provide universal access to operator networks, back in February at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, with initial support from 21 carriers.

According to the mobile operators’ trade body, the initiative is now supported by 29 operators, representing around 60% of mobile connections worldwide.

The number of proof of concepts has also grown from an initial eight to 23 and cover everything from device location and SIM swap to combat online financial crime, through to Quality on Demand to enable drones to carry out data intensive missions safely.

The arrival of the three Chinese operators – announced ahead of MWC23 Shanghai – represents a 1.7billion connections, suggesting that Open Gateway is gathering pace.

At the official signing of the three operators in Shanghai, GSMA director general Mats Granryd said that China represented the largest 5G market in the world and having “the three largest operators committed to this initiative demonstrates its global significance and the strong business case it offers”.

“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,” he added.

Li Jun, EVP, China Telecom said: “We believe collaboration and common frameworks between mobile operators, developers and cloud providers will create new opportunities and drive forward new industries and experiences.

“We welcome the role that the GSMA is taking to pioneer greater interoperability in the new 5G digital economy and look forward to working with industry partners to drive success.”