The Philippines' leading integrated telco network PLDT Inc. (PLDT)'s wireless subsidiary Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) and its B2B arm PLDT Enterprise have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with GSMA, the organization representing mobile operators globally, to join GSMA's Open Gateway initiative.
GSMA's Open Gateway initiative promotes a framework of common and standardized Application Programmable Interfaces (APIs) designed to create compatibility and connectivity and provide enterprise developers with universal access to mobile operator networks around the world.
To PLDT and Smart, common APIs promise to enable faster deployment of new services and safer and more secure digital experiences, as well as pave the way to a more immersive 5G experience, for Filipino business owners, enterprises, and mobile subscribers.
“Digital transformation has always been our common goal—to help businesses, individuals, and organizations, not just locally but globally. This collaboration marks a leap towards new innovation, aligning with our shared commitment to driving the success of our partners through impactful solutions. By joining GSMA's Open Gateway initiative, we aim to provide seamless communication, more secure transactions, efficient data handling, and an overall improved user experience for our partners and their customers,” said Mitch Locsin, First Vice President and Head of Enterprise and International Core Business at PLDT and Smart.
Signing on behalf of the organizations in ceremonies held in Makati City were Mitch Locsin, First Vice President and Head of Enterprise and International Core Business at PLDT and Smart and Julian Gorman, Head of GSMA Asia Pacific (seated, 2nd and 3rd from left, respectively). Also at the event were Eric Santiago, FVP for Network at PLDT and Smart; David Turkington, Head of Technology, Asia Pacific of GSMA; Chet Alviz, Vice President and Head of Enterprise and International Marketing at PLDT Enterprise and PLDT Enterprise executives Joshua Emmanuel Montecillo, Assistant Vice President and Head of Enterprise & International Wireless Product Management & Marketing; Noemi Santos, Category Head for Platforms, Domestic and International; Mickey Ruiz, Head of Enterprise Product Development; Gio Abaquin, Head of Enterprise Strategic Business Development and Innovation; and Mark Dominic Geronimo, Manager, Enterprise Innovations and IoT Business Development.
"We at PLDT and Smart are thrilled to join GSMA for the Open Gateway Initiative. This collaboration marks a significant milestone as we continue to innovate and enhance customer experiences within our group," said Eric Santiago, FVP for Network at PLDT and Smart. "Our continued drive to enhance the digital landscape of the country and fast-track the government's push for digitalization is possible with the support of industry experts and partners, like GSMA, who share our passion for innovation."
“Mobile phones are the foundation of how we connect with each other, how we connect with the world around us, how we organize our lives. Through APIs, critical functionalities which reside in the mobile network can be exposed to the world so the world can innovate,” said Julian Gorman, Head of GSMA Asia Pacific.
“APIs are going to enable everybody to deliver a better customer experience, to innovate and to help digital transformation. This will be a new era of collaboration across the industry, which will help our industry move forward. The Philippines is a rising star, reemerging on the world stage in telecoms innovation. We thank PLDT and Smart for joining the program,” Gorman added.
Through this MOU, Smart will also be able to leverage the collective expertise of more than 50 mobile operator groups, representing more than 240 MNOs and MVNOs, who are already signatories of GSMA Open Gateway and are currently collaborating with developers and cloud providers to more quickly deploy services across operator networks. Currently, mobile network operators are testing and deploying functionalities such as number verification, SMS two-factor authentication, SIM swap, and device location, using common APIs.
This partnership with the GSMA is aligned with the PLDT Group's overall thrust to innovate in order to elevate customer experience and support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG), particularly SDG No. 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.
