The telecommunications companies Telefónica, MasOrange, and Vodafone, in collaboration with the i2CAT research center, have announced the creation of the first European multi-operator Open Gateway API lab, an innovative initiative aimed at transforming telecommunications into programmable platforms. This lab will allow developers, businesses, and creators to explore new telco capabilities through standardized APIs, thereby promoting interoperability and the development of advanced digital solutions.
A collaborative environment to accelerate innovation
The lab is part of the global Open Gateway initiative, led by GSMA, which seeks to redefine the role of telecommunications operators by opening their capabilities to facilitate more agile and efficient developments. The project is supported by the common framework of CAMARA, an open-source initiative by the Linux Foundation and TM Forum that ensures APIs are compatible with the networks of all participating operators.
This joint innovation space will provide advanced tools, technical support, and testing environments designed to optimize the interoperability of multi-operator networks. Additionally, it will enable the development of specific use cases for sectors such as public administration and private enterprises, ensuring a unified performance tailored to their needs.
Technological leadership from Spain
The lab, coordinated by i2CAT, will serve as a key connection point between operators and developers. The foundation will lead the integration of performance testing in existing APIs and participate in the development of new ones, maximizing the project’s impact. According to Sergi Figuerola, director of i2CAT, “For the first time, a strategic innovation project is being proposed within a global and disruptive initiative like Open Gateway. This lab is an example of how public-private collaboration can bring cutting-edge knowledge in technological research to the network platform market.”
Victor del Pozo from MasOrange emphasized Spain’s pioneering role in this project: “The Open Gateway initiative redefines how the telecommunications sector designs and markets digital services. Spain is leading the creation of an open collaboration framework that addresses concrete challenges and provides solutions to companies and administrations.”
Advances in digital transformation and the APIAn API, short for “Application Programming Interface…”
For her part, Irene Bernal, product and strategy director of Telefónica Open Gateway, emphasized the importance of collaboration among operators: “We are creating an innovation environment that values the cooperation of multiple actors, boosting new opportunities for the digital ecosystem. Thanks to the leadership of i2CAT and the participation of public-private actors, this lab will be key to developing specific use cases.”
Among the main objectives of the lab is the implementation of testing and testbeds to validate new APIs and define standards that enable companies to fully leverage network capabilities. The participating operators will also explore how these tools can address real-time operational problems and optimize the user experience.
Impact on the European digital ecosystem
The creation of the lab represents a significant advancement for the technology industry in Europe. Its focus on interoperability and the development of programmable solutions reinforces the role of operators as facilitators of digital transformation, paving the way for innovative applications in sectors such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and data management.
Through this initiative, Telefónica, MasOrange, Vodafone, and i2CAT consolidate their position as leaders in technological innovation, demonstrating that collaboration among operators, research centers, and businesses can make a difference in an increasingly interconnected digital landscape.
via: Telefónica