Smart Communications Inc., the wireless unit of PLDT, has become the first telecommunications provider in the Philippines to receive GSMA Open Gateway API certification for Number Verification, marking a significant advancement in digital authentication capabilities. The achievement follows a broader industry movement toward standardized network APIs, as demonstrated by recent implementations by major French telecoms for fraud prevention.
The certification enables Smart and PLDT Enterprise to provide standardized network APIs that meet global protocols, particularly benefiting sectors such as banking, e-commerce, and fintech that require robust verification systems. The Number Verification API builds upon Smart’s existing Silent Authentication initiatives, offering alternatives to traditional passwords and One-Time Pins (OTPs). The development comes at a crucial time, considering recent warnings from federal agencies about vulnerabilities in SMS-based authentication.
“We are committed to helping businesses deliver secure and seamless experiences for their mobile app users,” said Jojo Gendrano, senior vice president and head of Enterprise Business Group at PLDT and Smart. “The GSMA Open Gateway-certified API, starting with Number Verification, paves the way for accelerated adoption of next-generation authentication solutions.”
The GSMA Open Gateway initiative, developed in conjunction with the Camara open-source project under the Linux Foundation, establishes standardized protocols for network APIs. The standardization ensures consistency and security across telecommunications platforms while enabling the future integration of additional services such as location-based capabilities and network quality adjustments. The initiative has gained significant momentum, with major U.S. carriers planning to implement similar standardized APIs by 2025.
The certification positions Smart to enhance authentication processes across multiple industries, with particular applications in fraud prevention and user experience improvement. The advancement is especially significant for the Philippines, which has recently made strides in digital identity infrastructure with the launch of its Digital National ID system. The API infrastructure supports seamless verification processes while maintaining robust security standards, contributing to the broader digital transformation of the Philippines’ telecommunications sector.
Sources: Back End News, Context PH, GSMA
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