The Philippines’ Mobile Network Operators – PLDT, Globe, and DITO – signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at MWC25 Barcelona to collaborate on the deployment of federated CAMARA APIs, as part of the GSMA Open Gateway initiative. This partnership aims to combat fraud, enhance identity verification, and foster a more secure and innovative digital ecosystem. Beyond developing technology and leveraging 5G network resources, the initiative focuses on creating a seamless ecosystem that connects developers, system integrators, and global network – delivering new value to both end customers and the businesses providing these services.
GSMA Open Gateway provides universal network Application Programmable Interfaces (APIs), giving developers direct access to operator networks and accelerating digital service innovation. CAMARA, an open-source project from the Linux Foundation in partnership with TM Forum and GSMA, standardises these APIs across networks, enabling easier and more scalable integration for businesses. Since its launch at MWC Barcelona in 2023, 72 mobile operator groups, representing 284 mobile networks and almost 80% of global connections, have joined the GSMA Open Gateway initiative.
Unlocking New Opportunities Across the Digital Economy
By transforming the Philippines’ telecom networks into developer-ready platforms, the collaboration will support fintech, e-commerce, and digital services through innovative solutions. By federating these APIs across operators, businesses can deploy solutions more quickly and scale them across multiple networks, ensuring consistency and reach. This also opens the doors for countries to interwork with other global network operators.
Julian Gorman, Head of Asia Pacific, said: “This collaboration underlines the transformative power of GSMA Open Gateway. By adopting federated CAMARA APIs, the Philippines’ leading operators are driving a new wave of digital services that will benefit businesses, developers, and consumers alike.”
Ernest Cu, Globe President and CEO, said: “At Globe, we are committed to driving digital innovation while ensuring the highest level of security for our customers. Through this collaboration, we are taking a significant step toward strengthening fraud prevention and identity verification measures in the Philippines. By harnessing the power of GSMA Open Gateway and federating CAMARA APIs, we can enable a more secure and seamless digital experience, empowering businesses and consumers alike in the evolving digital economy.”
“Smart is committed to providing Filipinos the safest, most seamless experience possible. This is a significant milestone in our journey toward a post-OTP world, and we are proud to be leading the way in the Philippines as the first telco certified for Open Gateway. We will double our efforts bridging our network to help businesses and customers thrive on innovative digital experience without compromising security,” said Anastacio “Boy” Martirez, Smart Chief Operating Officer.
Atty. Adel Tamano, Chief Revenue Officer for DITO Enterprise, expressed his enthusiasm for this major collaboration: “We are truly honoured to be part of the GSMA Open Gateway Initiative, which represents a global movement towards greater interoperability and innovation in the telecom industry. As the newest major telecommunications company in the Philippines, DITO is committed to delivering world-class digital solutions that will enhance the way businesses and consumers experience connectivity.”
Tamano emphasized how this opportunity will drive enterprise growth and digital transformation in the country: “In today’s digital landscape, integrated collaboration across multiple channels and robust security are the top priorities for enterprises. Through the GSMA Open Gateway Initiative, DITO can provide excellent customer service with the advanced features and capabilities, ensuring seamless communications and safer transactions across the digital ecosystem. This is a crucial step in fostering trust and reliability in the API-driven economy.”
This initiative reflects the shared commitment of the Philippines’ mobile operators to support the country’s digital transformation, reinforcing its position as a growing digital economy in Southeast Asia. The adoption of GSMA Open Gateway aligns with the country’s vision to becoming a leading digital economy in Southeast Asia and showcases the commitment of Philippine’s MNOSs to embrace global standards.
