AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon each conduct test of the first interoperable API between North American carriers
The demonstration is part of the GSMA Open Gateway initiative to promote 5G capabilities around the world by encouraging the adoption and development of network APIs.
February 21, 2024: The three largest mobile operators in the United States (AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon) announced today that they have completed independent testing of the first interoperable application programming interface (API) between operators in North America, as part of an initiative of the GSMA to unlock the full potential of 5G connectivity.
Through the GSMA Open Gateway program, which focuses on helping companies bring new 5G services and use cases to market faster, the three operators worked in partnership with developers from US drone manufacturer Inspired Flight Technologies (IFT). Verizon also leveraged its membership with the MITER Engenuity technology foundation to test a device status API. Once the API is commercially deployed, it will allow connected devices, such as drones, to maintain connectivity in flight and will allow the drones to be re-contacted if any technical issues are encountered.
“The ability to access this type of network information through an API will allow us to better support drone flight and management, identify where to send aid immediately after weather events, and/or fly over communications and other assets to accelerate recovery efforts. ” saying Adam Bilmes, Senior Director of Business Development at Inspired Flight Technologies.
The GSMA Open Gateway initiative represents a paradigm shift in the way the global telecommunications industry designs and brings to market new mobile applications, as well as digital and immersive services. By creating a common, open framework between mobile operators, it is easier for developers and cloud providers to create more secure applications and services that communicate seamlessly with each other. This is done through unique, programmable access points known as APIs, which are universal across mobile networks. From Argentina to China, from the US to Australia, 42 mobile operator groups around the world, representing 237 mobile networks and 65% of global connections, are now part of this initiative to ensure that APIs can be integrated seamlessly with participating networks around the world.
GSMA Open Gateway APIs are defined, developed and published in CAMARA, the open source project for developers to access enhanced networking capabilities, powered by the Linux Foundation, in partnership with TM Forum. The industry's commitment to developing innovative APIs, such as the Device Status API, opens opportunities for developers to deliver new products over networks to support public safety, manufacturing, consumer gaming, and more.
Henry Calvert, Director of Networks at GSMA, said: “This is a fantastic step forward by US operators. In the same way that open standards and interoperability helped harmonize mobile voice services and roaming around the world 35 years ago, GSMA Open Gateway can open the door to a wide range of new 5G services and innovations. These include new APIs to support autonomous vehicles and fleet management for logistics and deliveries; to increase productivity and deliver quality on-demand network services for drones, robotics, extended reality and immersive online gaming.”
“Open and reusable network APIs are important for the progress of 5G and future wireless technologies,” he said Yigal Elbaz, Senior Vice President – Network CTO at AT&T. “This is a big step towards realizing the value of APIs. “We are excited to continue this collaboration with GSMA and other operators so we can create new connectivity experiences and value for customers.”
““Wireless networks, or more accurately in this context, ‘programmable networks,’ are the next big frontier for developers,” he said. Karri Kuoppamaki, senior vice president of advanced and emerging technologies at T-Mobile. “The speed, low latency and improved capacity of today's networks create new clay to empower developers and increase operator value, and we are just getting started.”
“Network APIs introduce cutting-edge networking capabilities to enterprises and developers around the world, showcasing the enormous potential of 5G technology, accelerating digital transformation within businesses and driving innovation, growth and profitability,” he said. Srini Kalapala, senior vice president of technology and product development at Verizon. “By collaborating across the industry to adhere to open standards for APIs, adoption of these critical tools will be greatly accelerated.”
Ajit Kahaduwe, Managing Director of Incubation and Product Development at MITER Engenuity, saying: “Congratulations to Inspired Flight Technologies who have unlocked a new advancement in the Open Generation 5G Consortium's 5G Ready validation to include 5G device state integration, the first UAS manufacturer to do so in North America. “We look forward to expanding performance validation in 5G SA field environments to accelerate the commercialization of next-generation 5G-enabled devices, solutions and applications.”
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Notes to editors:
About the GSMA
The GSMA is a global organization that unifies the mobile ecosystem to discover, develop and deliver critical innovation for positive business environments and social change. Our vision is to unlock the full power of connectivity so that people, industry and society thrive. Representing mobile operators and organizations across the mobile ecosystem and adjacent industries, the GSMA offers its members three broad pillars: connectivity for good, industry services and solutions, and outreach. This activity includes advancing policy, addressing today's biggest societal challenges, supporting the technology and interoperability that make mobile devices work, and providing the world's largest platform to convene the mobile ecosystem at the MWC and M360 series of events.
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