The GSMA Open Gateway initiative is a global industry framework designed to accelerate digital services and mobile apps
Chinese mobile operators China Mobile, China Telecom and China Unicom have joined the GSMA Open Gateway initiative, a global industry framework aimed at helping accelerate digital services and mobile apps.
In a release, telecoms industry body GSMA explained that the initiative seeks to help developers and cloud providers collaborate with mobile operators through a framework of open network Application Programmable Interfaces (APIs), designed to provide universal access to operator networks across all continents.
The GSMA believes that the initiative will enable the industry to create, enhance and bring new digital services and immersive technologies to market faster and to a wider global customer base.
China Mobile, China Telecom and China Unicom demonstrated their commitment to collaborate on the open network API framework at a joint signing ceremony ahead of MWC Shanghai, which will take place this week in Shanghai, China.
With these new additions, the GSMA 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, GSMA added. The APIs developed through early adopter programs cover different fields including device location, SIM swap to combat online financial crime as well as 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: “This is just the beginning, with operators already launching early adopter programs, 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.”
Gao Tongqing, EVP at China Mobile, said: “China Mobile has been committed to opening up network capabilities and driving positive contributions to promoting the development of the digital economy. We are delighted to be part of the GSMA Open Gateway initiative, which will help industry partners reach different mobile networks and a wider global audience and accelerate our immersive technology offerings to the market.”
Meanwhile, Li Jun, EVP at China Telecom, said that the carrier’s main priority is to ensure the best mobile experience for its customers, adding that collaboration and common frameworks between mobile operators, developers and cloud providers will create new opportunities and drive forward new industries and experiences.
“This Open Gateway initiative will play a crucial role in helping accelerate innovation in the telecoms industry and launch new opportunities for 5G and ultra-fast broadband connectivity,” said Liang Baojun, EVP of China Unicom.
Earlier this year, the GSMA’s annual Mobile Economy China report showed that China will be the first market in the world with 1 billion 5G connections, reaching the milestone by 2025. 5G connections in China will reach 1.6 billion by 2030, accounting for nearly a third of the global total, GSMA said.
5G will overtake 4G in 2024 to become the dominant mobile technology in China, the report added.
In 2022, mobile technologies and services generated 5.5% of GDP in China — a contribution that amounted to $1.1 trillion of economic value added.
Chinese operators have already deployed over 2.6 million 5G base stations countrywide.