Singtel has announced the launch of the GSMA Open Gateway, a framework designed to provide open-source-based application programmable interfaces (APIs) into carrier networks, enabling developers to access and use a variety of mobile network services.
Unveiled at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, the company said the new framework will standardise access to network capabilities for developers and hyperscalers through Singtel’s Paragon platform, the multi-access edge computing (MEC) and cloud orchestration platform.
Singtel Group CEO, Yuen Kuan Moon, said that “every player” in the ecosystem of mobile network operators, hyperscalers and individual developers should be able to access services and capabilities, and collaborate across a common framework of industry standards and protocols.
“With the support of our superior 5G network, edge computing capabilities and digital solutions available through Paragon, developers and hyper scalers will be able to build innovative solutions, solve complex business challenges or scale their operations.”
Singtel said it is the first Southeast Asian mobile network operator to be part of this pioneer group of 21 global telcos, led by GSMA, the association representing the world’s major mobile operators. Amazon Web Services and Microsoft's Azure are also the first cloud providers working with these carriers.
The other initial carriers signed up to Open Gateway include 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. These firms have teamed up to build and work on these APIs through CAMARA, an open-source project co-developed by the Linux Foundation and the GSMA.
Unlocking opportunities
The Open Gateway is launching initially with API specifications for eight services including SIM swaps, quality of service on demand (QoD), connected and roaming device status, number verification, edge site selection and routing, and carrier billing check-out and device location verification.
The interoperable and federated network is said to accelerate the development and growth of 5G business services in fintech, identity, smart mobility, gaming and Web3.
Singtel said it has developed a Federated Edge Hub (FEH) along with Bridge Alliance to collaborate 5G networks, multi-market MEC and cloud enabling application partners, developers and enterprise customers to discover and activate resources through a unified open API interface, including the adoption of GSMA Open Gateway API framework.
“The FEH also interconnects with other MEC federations, creating an expanded edge footprint, and removes the barriers to accessing edge resources across markets,” the company said.
