DTW Ignite: TM Forum and GSMA partner to further simplify network API use

TM Forum and GSMA have taken an important step to simplify network API deployment with the launch of a single process to verify that both TM Forum Operate APIs and CAMARA Service APIs conform with GSMA Open Gateway standards.

Announced in early in 2023, GSMA’s Open Gateway initiative provides a global program for network monetization, with the Linux Foundation’s CAMARA Project and TM Forum building the standardized APIs. The three groups have been working together in TM Forum’s Catalyst Program and have published a “how to guide” explaining the roles of Open Gateway stakeholders and ecosystem contributors. These proofs of concept have informed real-world deployments of Open Gateway applications.

Open Gateway responds to CSPs’ need to give developers one set of APIs to access the services they require for applications. Exposing a common API layer that aggregates multiple operators’ network capabilities can allow developers to use network APIs and the capabilities behind them the same way they do any other API-exposed services like storage, compute or AI.

Currently 73 mobile operator groups, representing 284 mobile networks and almost 80% of mobile connections globally, have joined the Open Gateway initiative.

The new unified certification process reduces the steps that vendors need to take to provide standards-based products and makes it faster for CSPs to integrate services across different partners and marketplaces, all of which facilitates the creation of new services

“By unifying conformance certification for all APIs within the Open Gateway framework, we are further simplifying access to network capabilities, ensuring enterprise developers can create transformative services utilizing the full potential of 5G networks,” stated Henry Calvert, Head of Network, GSMA.

Telefónica leads the way

Telefónica, which has been a leader in developing Operate APIs alongside companies such as Orange and Vodafone, will be the first CSP to certify Operate APIs through the new program. For example, its implementation of the Open Gateway Onboarding & Ordering API (TMF931) and the Open Gateway Product Catalog API (TMF936), simplifies channel onboarding by enabling plug-and-play integration with partners using industry-standard APIs.

“At Telefonica, we believe that this joint certification agreement reached by TM Forum and GSMA is highly beneficial for operators and the industry in general,” said Andrea Folgueiras, Global CTIO, Telefónica, in a statement. “This common approach means enhanced efficiency, reduced integration costs, and the ability to deliver network services at an effective scale to our customers, allowing us to achieve the benefits expected from the Open Gateway program.”

In addition, Aduna – a global aggregator for Open Gateway – has joined the initiative to help drive end-to-end integration across the entire ecosystem.

Aduna was formed in 2024 by a consortium of leading telecom operators, in partnership with Ericsson and its Vonage division, to accelerate the global commercialization of network APIs. Today, Aduna brings together the network capabilities of AT&T, Bharti Airtel, Deutsche Telekom, e&, KDDI, Orange, Reliance Jio, Singtel, Telefónica, Telstra, T-Mobile, Verizon, and Vodafone, alongside developer ecosystems supported by Google Cloud, Infobip, Sinch, and Vonage.

The joint venture is rolling out GSMA Open Gateway-based APIs, starting with number verification and SIM swap, which are key enablers for enhancing security in digital finance, banking, and fintech applications.

“Our members are leading the industry’s transformation toward a composable, plug-and-play future, built on Open Digital Architecture. TM Forum’s Open API project has laid solid foundations – helping to scale interoperability and accelerate monetization across the ecosystem. Today’s unified certification program builds on that success, reducing integration friction and giving global confidence in interoperable APIs,” said Nik Willetts, CEO, TM Forum. “This milestone reflects the strength of our long-standing collaboration with the GSMA and our shared commitment to building an open, vibrant API economy. By working together, we’re shaping the future of connectivity.”