Sri Lanka’s four mobile operators have launched new network APIs from the GSMA Open Gateway initiative to help developers and businesses ramp up growth of digital services and apps.

Bharti Airtel Lanka, Dialog Axiata, Hutchison Telecommunications Lanka (a.k.a. Hutch) and SLT-Mobitel have prioritized and launched three APIs: One Time Password (OTP) Validation, Device Location and Carrier Billing.

The Open Gateway framework promises consistent, interoperable access to mobile networks through the Linux Foundation’s standards-based CAMARA repository.

The APIs give developers and enterprises a standard way to technically and commercially reach Sri Lankans with new digital services and apps that will work seamlessly with all mobile networks in Sri Lanka, as well as overseas where operators have launched the same APIs.

Meanwhile, Open Gateway APIs are locally and globally federated, which means developers can reach new subscribers outside of Sri Lanka as Open Gateway coverage grows. The GSMA says over 36 mobile operator groups, representing 214 mobile networks and 60% of mobile connections worldwide, have joined the Open Gateway initiative to date.

“We foresee this will indeed open up a new ecosystem for much broader opportunities and collaborations between network operators, developers and enterprises, and at far greater scale accelerate digital service innovations and experiences in the respective markets,” said Saumitra Gupta, acting CEO of Hutch.

Mobitel chief operating officer Sudharshana Geeganage added, “This will further strengthen the developer community, which is an integral part of the API economy, by facilitating various trusted network services and thereby unlocking opportunities in the global app markets propelling digital economy forward.”