Motive and Telefónica Showcase GSMA Open Gateway API Success, Highlighting Revenue Opportunities in Secure Phone Number Verification
In a groundbreaking collaboration, Motive and Telefónica have successfully completed a proof of concept (PoC) demonstrating seamless authentication using the GSMA Open Gateway Number Verification API. First unveiled at the Google Cloud booth during Mobile World Congress Barcelona 2025, this innovative solution eliminates the need for SMS-based one-time passwords (OTPs), reducing fraud risks while enhancing user experience through secure, SIM-based authentication.
Revolutionizing Authentication with GSMA Open Gateway
The PoC leveraged Motive’s Entitlement Server (ES) and Telefónica Spain’s infrastructure to expose the CAMARA API for open gateway number verification, utilizing the TS.43 operator token authentication mechanism. This integration was further enhanced by connecting with Google’s Firebase phone number verification service, enabling secure SIM-based authentication via encrypted tokens. The result is a streamlined, fraud-resistant authentication process that strengthens user trust and simplifies digital interactions.
“Security and simplicity are at the core of our digital transformation,” said Alexandre Harmand, Head of Networks at Telefónica. “By verifying phone numbers for authentication, we not only reduce fraud but also improve the overall customer experience, making digital interactions more secure and intuitive.”
Unlocking New Revenue Streams
This joint effort underscores Motive and Telefónica’s leadership in credential services and highlights the revenue potential of API-driven solutions. According to Jeevithan Muttu, Vice President of Product and R&D at Motive, “Operators can unlock new revenue streams by enabling seamless app authentication, RCS (Rich Communication Services) enablement, and secure business messaging. This proof of concept demonstrates how operators can monetize their networks while delivering added value to customers.”
For Telefónica, the initiative aligns with its broader strategy to enhance the security of customer authentication while improving the user experience. By adopting advanced technologies like the GSMA Open Gateway APIs, Telefónica is positioning itself as a leader in secure, user-friendly digital services.
Growing Industry Adoption of GSMA Open Gateway
The GSMA Open Gateway initiative continues to gain momentum, with significant industry adoption underscoring its importance. As of February 2025, 72 mobile operators have committed to implementing GSMA Open Gateway APIs, representing approximately 80% of the global mobile market share—a notable increase from just over 65% in June 2024.
Among the most popular applications of these APIs are security protection and fraud prevention, which have become critical priorities for mobile operators and their partners. By leveraging standardized APIs, operators can deliver robust, scalable solutions that address evolving cybersecurity challenges while meeting customer demands for seamless digital experiences.
Motive Entitlement Server: Powering Secure, Scalable Deployments
At the heart of this innovation is Motive’s Entitlement Server (ES), a powerful platform designed to enable secure, SIM-based activation of rich messaging features. The ES supports large-scale deployments and offers comprehensive capabilities to meet the evolving needs of businesses and consumers alike. It integrates the latest specifications from Apple, GSMA TS.43, and the automotive GSMA AiD.02, ensuring compatibility across primary and secondary mobile devices.
Key benefits of Motive ES include:
- Enhanced Security: Protects against fraud by leveraging SIM-based authentication and secure tokens.
- Scalability: Efficiently manages large-scale deployments, making it ideal for operators serving millions of users.
- Future-Ready Features: Supports emerging use cases in RCS, secure business messaging, and IoT-enabled devices.
Why This Matters for the Future of Authentication
As digital interactions become increasingly central to daily life, secure and frictionless authentication is more important than ever. Traditional methods like SMS OTPs are vulnerable to interception and phishing attacks, creating significant risks for both users and service providers. The GSMA Open Gateway Number Verification API addresses these challenges by enabling secure, token-based authentication directly tied to the user’s SIM card.
This approach not only enhances security but also improves the user experience by eliminating the need for manual input of codes. For businesses, it opens up new opportunities to build trust, reduce fraud, and drive revenue through innovative services like RCS and secure messaging platforms.
A Collaborative Path Forward
The successful PoC between Motive and Telefónica serves as a model for other operators looking to adopt GSMA Open Gateway APIs. By combining cutting-edge technology with strategic partnerships, companies can unlock the full potential of their networks while delivering value to customers.
As the telecommunications industry continues to evolve, initiatives like the GSMA Open Gateway will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of secure, seamless digital interactions. With growing operator interest and proven success stories like this collaboration, the stage is set for widespread adoption and innovation.
To learn more about Motive’s Entitlement Server or Telefónica’s advancements in secure authentication, visit their respective websites or explore resources on the GSMA Open Gateway initiative.
About motifs
Motive is an experienced provider of entitlement capabilities and a proven leader in device and service management. Motive has more than 150 global deployments and manages over 1 billion devices.
Motive helps operators manage devices across fixed, mobile, and IoT networks, maximize infrastructure, and deliver next-generation communications services. With secure, scalable, and innovative technologies, Motive helps mobile network operators improve the end-user experience, streamline operations, and unlock new revenue streams.
Visit www.motive.com for more information.
About Telefónica
Telefónica is one of the world’s largest telecommunications companies, measured by market capitalization and number of customers. The company offers a comprehensive range of services and connection quality delivered through world-class fixed, mobile, and broadband networks. Telefónica is present in 17 countries and provides access to 356 million people worldwide. The company is growing and prides itself on offering a differentiated experience based on both its corporate values and a public position that defends its customers’ interests.
Telefónica has a strong presence in Spain, Europe, and Latin America, where the company focuses an important part of its growth strategy. Telefónica is a 100% publicly listed company with more than 1.5 million direct shareholders. The company’s shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Spain, London, New York, Lima, and Buenos Aires.
