Open Gateway: network service monetization through standardized APIs

1. Ecosystem for Open Gateway and network service monetization opportunity

GSMA Open Gateway is a revolutionary framework of standardized network application programming interfaces (APIs) that grants universal access to operator networks for developers and hyperscalers. It defines the APIs exposed by communication service providers (CSPs) to meet Open Gateway requirements, enabling the rapid enhancement and deployment of services across operator networks through single points of access to the world's largest connectivity platform. GSMA has released a study showing that Open Gateway covers 66% of mobile connections around the world.

Figure 1: Open Gateway Global Status Map

This framework allows access to previously unavailable network services, combined with service and management APIs from TM Forum, and creates exciting new opportunities for telecom industry.

As shown in the figure below, Global network API market is expected to reach $14.3 billion by 2030 and $27 billion by 2033.

Figure 2: Network API Total Addressable Market 2024-2033 (MUSD)

Based on research by IDC

Based on this research, NTT DATA believes that the potential impact of the open gateway in revolutionizing and solving the challenge is profound. NTT DATA is shaping various Open Gateway monetization opportunities for CSPs. By enabling cross-vertical use cases with the effective use of Operate and Service APIs, NTT DATA is implementing innovative solutions and maximizing the potential of this groundbreaking framework.

3. TM Forum Catalyst program: "Network Monetization through Standardized APIs"

In the Catalyst program, "Open Gateway: Network Service Monetization through Standardized APIs", we empower application developers to craft groundbreaking digital-twin experiences. By offering a unified set of operate and service APIs, the project unlocks the full potential of CSPs' 5G capabilities, paving the way for innovative and immersive digital journeys.
In the recent years, CSPs are increasingly working with enterprises to provide business-to-business-to-X (B2B2X) propositions in sectors like transport, financial services and entertainment. These partnerships generally use APIs to share usage information and facilitate transaction settlements.
In the earlier phases of this program, we explored using standardized APIs to increase network monetization, developing a reference solution for the metaverse. But in phase three, we showcased interactions between stakeholders in the API monetization ecosystem, including onboarding requests for API access, consumption of network APIs, and revenue sharing. It will draw on APIs developed by TM Forum and CAMARA to create an end-to-end solution for monetizing network capabilities.

By undertaking this project, NTT DATA aims to revolutionize fleet management and open new monetization opportunities for CSPs, driving significant value for transportation companies and the telecom industry.

Figure 3: Team members in the Catalyst Project

The unique proposition for NTT DATA in phase three lies in the transformative potential of fleet management using the Open Gateway initiative in collaboration with Telefónica. By integrating augmented reality (AR) devices, advanced analytics and real-time data synchronization, this solution offers unparalleled efficiency and responsiveness for fleet controllers.

The project aims to revolutionize fleet management through:

• Enhanced situational awareness: Fleet controllers gain real-time access to comprehensive analytical reports, maps and live vehicle feeds via AR devices, enabling swift, informed decision-making.
• Proactive issue resolution: The integrated analytics system provides immediate alerts for latency and network issues, incorporating congestion and network reports from road companies, to identify and address issues before they escalate.
• Improved network utilization: By identifying CSPs serving the fleet and accessing synchronized network offerings, fleet controllers can boost data sessions as needed, ensuring optimal performance and minimizing disruptions.
• Operational efficiency: Streamlined processes for ordering and implementing boosting capabilities enhance operational efficiency, reduce downtime and maintain service quality.
• Strategic advantage: The digital-twin concept allows fleet managers to replicate their fleet virtually, facilitating advanced planning and decision-making.

4. NTT DATA's Contribution to Catalyst Program

NTT DATA builds this solution to demonstrate real use-case capability by leveraging earlier phases of Catalyst, which explored using standardized APIs to increase network monetization. Key components include:

• Real-time access: Fleet controllers can access analytical reports, maps and live vehicle feeds in real-time via AR devices.
• Integrated analytics system: Continuously monitors video feeds and network conditions, generating alerts for latency and network issues.
• Impact assessment: Fleet controllers analyze alerts, view affected map sections and identify fleet vehicles in or passing through an area.
• Network offerings inquiry: Check fleet data, identify CSPs and access synchronized network offerings or conduct online inquiries for boosting data sessions.
• Boosting capability: Order access to boosting capabilities and submit boosting requests for affected vehicles to ensure optimal performance.

This solution enhances operational efficiency, reduces downtime and ensures seamless fleet operations. It supports long-term strategic planning and optimization for transportation companies.

TM Forum Open Gateway architecture

TM Forum uses an operate APIs approach in its Open Gateway architecture. Operate APIs are defined as below.

• Operate APIs offer programmable access to operations, administration and maintenance capabilities to facilitate the Open Gateway network-as-a-service platform integration.
• Operate APIs are designed following the domain control services approach, by defining a simplified, restricted API payload for specific scenarios.

Figure 4: Open Gateway NaaS Architecture and contributing stakeholders

NTT DATA Network service monetization through standardized APIs - Phase Three

In this new phase of the sequence of catalyst project about network monetization through standardized APIs, we followed the GSMA and TM Forum reference architecture for Open Gateway. The mobility provider application played of the Enterprise Customer in the reference architecture, and the CSP exposed both Service APIs and Operate APIs as depicted below.

API type	SDO location	Purpose
Service API	CAMARA Project	API providing a product/service to end consumers (developers). Examples: quality on demand (QoD), device status, device location etc.
Operate API	TM Forum	APIs for telco aggregator/hyperscaler information exchange, such as application and developer management, catalog management, usage management and assurance.

Figure 5: Types of Open Gateway APIs and standardization organizations

As the result of our Catalyst program, the solution aimed to deliver quantifiable business outcomes and success metrics, including:

• API exposure: Easier and more efficient interaction for ecosystems, enabling the monetization of existing market demand.
• Open Gateway architecture: Updates reflecting the use of TM Forum operate APIs.

5. The evolution of our Open Gateway initiative

Industry digitalization is transforming all sectors. Below are the examples of use cases where transformation can be adapted in industry sectors. NTT DATA will continue to align with the TM Forum and GSMA Open Gateway standards to ensure that our solution remains at the forefront of innovation, enabling efficient and effective API consumption and ecosystem interaction.

Figure 6: Transformation examples

In 2025, we will participate again in a Catalyst project to utilize Open Gateway technology for the proof-of-concept targeting automotive OEMs to further enhance our takeaway from "Network service monetization through standardized APIs".