MEO, NOS, and Vodafone have joined the global GSMA Open Gateway initiative to make new APIs—Application Programming Interfaces—available for their networks, with the goal of addressing the growing challenge of fraud in Portugal.
According to a report by the Bank of Portugal, digital fraud is one of the main risks facing banks, having risen by 45% in Portugal last year. In light of this, MEO, NOS, and Vodafone are making new network APIs available to help organizations strengthen identity verification and combat fraud.
Through APIs developed in accordance with CAMARA’s global standards, companies and developers can integrate these features into their services in a uniform and scalable manner, regardless of which mobile carrier their customers use. In this way, the initiative helps expand access to advanced network capabilities for mobile users in Portugal.
Nokia is supporting the launch with its “Network as Code” platform, which aggregates network APIs and connects operators’ capabilities to developers and digital ecosystems. Its unified interface simplifies access to Open Gateway APIs, while supporting application integration, API routing, usage, and monetization at scale.
Initially, the available features will focus on fraud prevention and detection, with the goal of enhancing security without increasing the complexity of the consumer experience. These solutions reduce the need for additional authentication processes in certain situations, making digital interactions faster and simpler, while contributing to the efficiency and digitization of business processes.As attempts at fraud and account takeover continue to rise, organizations are increasingly seeking more effective ways to verify customer identities while maintaining a seamless digital experience.
The first APIs to become available are:
- Number Verification – Helps companies verify customer identities more securely and reduce friction in digital journeys, enabling faster and more secure authentication.
- SIM Swap – Helps companies detect potential account takeover attempts and fraud by identifying when a cell phone number has recently been linked to a new SIM card.
NEarly next year, Number Recycle will also be activated. This API helps companies protect customer accounts and prevent confidential information from being sent to the wrong person by identifying when a cell phone number has been reassigned to a new user.
Henry Calvert, Director of Networks at the GSMA, said: “This initiative contributes to the development of a more secure and interoperable digital ecosystem, ready to support the next generation of digital services. At the same time, it opens up new opportunities for companies, developers, and organizations seeking to create innovative solutions based on the advanced capabilities of mobile networks.”
Filipe Arnaut Mendonça, Senior Director of Corporate and Business Affairs at MEO, noted: “At MEO, we have been working to unlock the value of our networks for businesses and developers, helping to build Portugal’s network API ecosystem. From the 5G API Sprint, launched in 2024, to our participation in the GSMA Open Gateway, we are taking important steps toward making advanced network capabilities accessible through secure, standardized, and interoperable APIs. We see significant potential for enabling new services in areas such as digital identity, smart mobility, remote operations, and immersive experiences. We are committed to continuing to develop our API portfolio, promoting innovation while ensuring security, privacy, and data protection by design.”
Judite Reis, Director of Network Engineering at NOS, noted: “Network technology can play a key role in making digital services safer, simpler, and more reliable. After opening up our network’s capabilities via APIs in 2024, we are very pleased to join the GSMA Open Gateway to enable businesses to strengthen identity verification and combat fraud, while providing a more seamless experience for our customers. This is an important step toward bringing the value of our network closer to businesses and the digital services they provide.”
Johanna Wood, Director of Network APIs at Vodafone, explained: “As fraud threats continue to evolve, companies need more robust and integrated ways to verify customer identities. The introduction of SIM swap, number verification, and number recycling APIs in Portugal gives businesses access to secure, real-time network information that can help protect users while improving the digital experience. We are proud to expand our presence to Portugal and to support organizations in building greater trust with their customers.”
Mikko Jarva, Director of Nokia’s Network Monetization Platform, said: “Open Gateway enables developers to address industry challenges and achieve tangible business results without having to deal with network complexity. With Nokia Network as Code providing unified access to network APIs across all networks in Portugal, organizations can more easily implement services that reduce digital fraud, strengthen customer authentication, and deliver reliable digital experiences. This is how standardized network APIs translate into tangible value for businesses and consumers.”