Telecom Lead America: GSMA has launched its GSMA OneAPI
Gateway.
Utilizing the Gateway application developers can use a
standard set of APIs available from Canadian mobile network operators (MNOs).
The GSMA OneAPI Gateway enables developers to benefit
from a larger addressable market. The gateway will provide better customer
experience and produce new revenue opportunities for mobile operators and
developers.
GSMA has worked closely with three Canadian operators –
Bell Mobility, Rogers Communications and TELUS.
GSMA OneAPI Gateway allows applications to operate
regardless of which MNO and device the mobile subscriber is using, reducing
time to market and integration costs.
The Gateway will be operated by Transaction Network
Services (TNSI) on behalf of the GSMA and a portal where the developer can
contract with the various MNOs.
“Previously, application developers were required to
implement many different interfaces to MNOs from their application to launch
cross-network services, and now with the GSMA OneAPI Gateway, MNOs and
developers benefit from reduced application development and integration time,” said Alex Sinclair, chief technology officer, GSMA.
GSMA’s OneAPI has been adopted as an agreed global
standard for Network APIs working across mobile networks. APIs currently
supported by the GSMA OneAPI gateway include Carrier Billing Payment APIs
(where a variable price can be charged to the consumer), SMS, and Location,
with further OneAPI capabilities such as MMS, Data Connection Profile and call
control which may be added later.
The GSMA OneAPI Gateway will enrich the customer
experience by greatly expanding the potential for new and exciting apps that
integrate location and payment services across the various device operating
systems,” said Nauby Jacob, vice president of Services, Products and Content at
Bell Mobility.
“Rogers supports a standard approach to application
development. GSMA OneAPI enables developers to bring innovative applications to
the Canadian market quickly and easily.” said Upinder Saini, vice president of
New Product Development Rogers Communications.
GSMA OneAPI meets the need for operator and
device-agnostic functionality” said Brent Allison, VP Partner Solutions, TELUS.