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    HomeDigital Platforms & APIsChina’s big three join GSMA’s Open Gateway initiative for universal APIs

    China’s big three join GSMA’s Open Gateway initiative for universal APIs

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    The initiative brings together mobile operators, developers and cloudcos, representing 60% of mobile connections globally

    China Mobile, China Telecom and China Unicom have signed-up to the GSMA’s Open Gateway initiative. It was launched in February and is intended to help accelerate digital services and mobile apps.
     
    The plan is to create a framework of open APIs to provide universal access to operators’ networks across all continents through the mobile industry, developers and cloudcos working together.
     
    Creating global markets
     
    With the addition of the giant Chinese operators, the initiative has the support of 29 mobile network operators that collectively represent about 60% of mobile connections worldwide. 
     
    The global initiative was launched with eight proofs of concept which has increased to 23. The APIs developed through early adopter programmes include device location, SIM swap, fighting online financial crime and so-called quality on demand for applications like immersive gaming experiences or drone control.
     
    Mats Granryd, Director General of the GSMA, said, “In the same way we helped harmonise mobile voice services and enable roaming 35 years ago, I believe GSMA Open Gateway offers the potential to deliver similar levels of significant change for digital services.”
     
    It seems somewhat churlish at this juncture to mention the failure of the Wholesale Applications Community (WAC), but just thought it was worth noting.
     
    “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,” Granryd added.
     
    Seeking influence?

    This is something of a conundrum given the attitude of what might loosely be called the West to Chinese vendors, the use of whose kit is banned in a number of countries’ 5G networks.

    The EU is mulling a mandatory ban on the use of Huawei equipment in EU member states’ communications infrastructure. Meanwhile, as the Financial Times recently reported, Huawei receives funding in 11 Horizon Europe research programmes.

    There have also been accusations of Chinese organisations seeking to exert undue influence within standards bodies. A report, What Washington Gets Wrong About China and Technical Standards, published earlier this year expressed particular concerns about goings-on with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), an agency of the United Nations.

    Lack of understanding

    The report’s authors, Matt Sheehan and Jacob Feldgoise, say Washington does not understand how standards organisations work, which is by consensus, after thorough, peer-reviewed research, debates, proposals, counter-proposals and compromise before a standard is passed and presented for adoption.

    Bloc voting by a single country is difficult, but not impossible and organisations like the ITU where delegates are governmental – rather than representing companies – are more vulnerable.

    The authors note, “Organisations that set international technical standards face two potential challenges: One from China, which wants to deepen its participation in these groups – and is increasing its presence and flexing its muscles at international standards bodies – and the other from the United States, which might overreact to China’s activities and undermine the system.”

    Their conclusions however are tentative, advising awareness and vigilance.