Bahrain operator Batelco, part of the technology-focused Beyon Group, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the GSMA to join its Open Gateway Initiative for standardised open network APIs.
Batelco said the partnership gives it access to the initiative’s APIs to deliver solutions across a range of use cases, including enhanced mobile edge computing, real-time fraud detection, advanced IoT connectivity, and optimized network slicing for enterprise customers.
The telco said the solutions it develops using the APIs will enable it to deploy advanced 5G capabilities, as well as improve network efficiency and service scalability, which will help Batelco deliver better customer experiences.
Batelco CTO Rashid Mohamed said in a statement released Tuesday that the Open Gateway collaboration enables the operator “to rapidly introduce new services, streamline integration with various platforms, and ultimately empower our customers with a more reliable, agile, and future-proof network experience.”
STC and Zain – both of which have telecoms operations in Bahrain – are also members of the Open Gateway initiative.
GSMA’s head of MENA Jawad Abbassi said that membership in the initiative would enable Bahrain’s mobile operator and developer community to drive new 5G services that will in turn drive digital transformation for individuals and businesses.
“Mobile operators are already helping digital businesses – such as banks and retailers– improve cybersecurity and reduce online fraud in the Middle East with the help of the GSMA Open Gateway initiative, and we’ll see more rich opportunities develop in the areas such as media and entertainment and smart mobility, as 5G networks advance,” he said in a statement.
