Before we jump into understanding the benefits that this new technological landscape brings to the telecom ecosystem, let’s start by trying to define briefly each of the key concepts that will appear recurrently during this article:

• API: An Application Programming Interface (API) is a set of rules that allows different software programs to communicate and share data with each other. It defines the methods and data formats that applications use to request and exchange information.
• CAMARA: An open-source project developed by Linux Foundation, in collaboration with GSMA, to define, develop and test APIs. Its goal is to align API requirements and publish API definitions that become standards.
• Open Gateway: A telco industry initiative lead by GSMA that aims to transform telecommunications networks into developer-ready platforms, deployed through global and standardised APIs under the framework of CAMARA.

With this said, it is important to remark that CAMARA and Open Gateway are not just technical frameworks; they are enablers of a new era in telecommunications. By providing universal access to advanced network capabilities, they simplify innovation, reduce costs, and open new revenue streams for telcos. For developers, they offer unprecedented tools to create applications that redefine user experiences and opens a huge opportunity of monetization.

CAMARA: The Engine of Open Innovation

CAMARA serves as the foundation for developing a unified framework of open network APIs, enabling seamless integration across multiple telco networks. It allows developers to access advanced capabilities such as ultra-low latency, enhanced bandwidth, and advanced location tracking through standardized, secure APIs. This not only simplifies the integration process but also accelerates innovation by turning telco networks into programmable platforms for digital services.

Key aspects of CAMARA include:

• API Standardization: CAMARA focuses on defining, developing, and testing APIs to ensure interoperability across networks and regions. This eliminates inconsistencies and simplifies the integration process.
• Open Innovation: By exposing advanced network capabilities—such as low latency, high bandwidth, and real-time data access—through APIs, CAMARA creates a fertile ground for innovation.
• Collaboration with Open Gateway: CAMARA is closely aligned with the Open Gateway initiative, a GSMA framework that uses CAMARA APIs to provide universal access to operator networks.

Open Gateway: A developer-ready platform

Powered by CAMARA, and lead by the telecom operators, the Open Gateway initiative provides a unified API framework that connects developers to the world’s largest telco network platform, fostering interoperability and creating a global ecosystem for innovation. This alignment ensures a consistent and unified experience for developers and businesses, enabling them to scale applications efficiently across networks and geographies. Up to date, more than 47 telecom groups worldwide are now part of the initiative.

The key features of Open Gateway are:

• Single Integration Point: Developers can access multiple telco networks through a single, standardized API framework, simplifying service deployment and scaling.
• Enhanced Developer Ecosystem: By providing access to advanced network features, Open Gateway empowers developers to create innovative applications that were previously out of reach.
• Global Reach: Open Gateway ensures seamless integration across networks and geographies, enabling rapid scaling of services.

Security, anti-fraud, mobile billing… a world of endless possibilities

With Open Gateway, telcos are creating a new standard of cooperation and unification in the industry. Thanks to this harmonisation, the built APIs allow developers and providers to access the telco networks globally through a single integration point.

But in terms of use, what is currently available? There are a big number of APIs that, to date, can be accessed almost anywhere in the world. This includes APIs for Authentication and fraud prevention (SIM Swap, KYC Match, Number Verification…), Communication Quality (Quality on Demand, Connectivity Insights…), Payment and Charging (Carrier Billing, Carrier Billing Refunds…) and many others.

Mobile Billing has been around for a long time now, but with Open Gateway integration comes as easy as ever for content providers, that will now be able to connect to telcos worldwide through a single API. In terms of security, the SIM Swap validation or the KYC Match allow a whole new layer of anti-fraud to enhance customers privacy and lowers the possibilities to suffer scam.

Crowd control through Geofencing, Population Density Data available within seconds… these APIs are changing the landscape, and the big disruption is yet to come as the technology keeps developing.

What other opportunities does Open Gateway present?

For other actors of the telecom ecosystem, including aggregators or technical providers, Open Gateway comes as a blank canvas to innovate and expand their business scope. For aggregators of OTT services, this opens the possibility to connect merchants into the platform bringing services and solutions that not only enhance user experiences but also generate new revenue streams. For technical providers, the initiative opens the door to the development of APIs in countless areas.

As telcos seek to maximize their use of 5G networks, being a driving force in this transformation can bring opportunities to:

• Enhance Telco Monetization: Help telcos transform their networks into revenue-generating platforms with this new ecosystem as a basis.
• Drive Collaborative Innovation: Act as a bridge between operators, developers, and other stakeholders, pushing innovation to new levels.
• Expand Market Reach: Utilize Open Gateway APIs to deliver scalable, globally consistent solutions, using the platform as a tool.

Open Gateway and CAMARA have a true potential to open innovation in the telecommunications industry. This means a revolution that promises to change the whole telecom ecosystem. Our teams are fully immersed into this project so do not hesitate to contact us if you want to know more about the challenges and opportunities of the future and how to stay ahead of it.