In Sri Lanka, the country’s four mobile operators have introduced new network APIs as part of the GSMA Open Gateway initiative. These APIs aim to support developers and businesses in expanding digital services and applications.
Bharti Airtel Lanka, Dialog Axiata, Hutchison Telecommunications Lanka (also known as Hutch), and SLT-Mobitel have rolled out three priority APIs: One Time Password (OTP) Validation, Device Location, and Carrier Billing. The Open Gateway framework ensures consistent and interoperable access to mobile networks through the Linux Foundation’s CAMARA repository, which is based on standards.
These APIs offer developers and businesses a standardized approach to reaching Sri Lankan consumers with new digital services and apps that seamlessly function across all mobile networks in Sri Lanka and overseas where the same APIs have been launched by operators. Additionally, the Open Gateway APIs are locally and globally federated, enabling developers to access new subscribers outside of Sri Lanka as the Open Gateway coverage expands.
According to the GSMA, the Open Gateway initiative has received participation from over 36 mobile operator groups, representing 214 mobile networks and covering 60% of global mobile connections. Saumitra Gupta, acting CEO of Hutch, anticipates that this initiative will create a new ecosystem with broader opportunities for collaboration between network operators, developers, and enterprises, ultimately accelerating digital service innovations and experiences in their respective markets.
Sudharshana Geeganage, the chief operating officer of Mobitel, believes that this development will strengthen the developer community, an integral part of the API economy, by facilitating various trusted network services and unlocking opportunities in global app markets, thereby propelling the digital economy forward.