The GSMA Open Gateway Greece initiative was introduced at MWC 2026 as telecom operators COSMOTE and Vodafone partnered to improve fraud prevention and customer security using new telecom network APIs.
Two of Greece’s largest telecom providers, COSMOTE TELEKOM and Vodafone, have joined forces to introduce new network security APIs under the GSMA Open Gateway initiative. The goal is simple: make digital services safer and reduce the risk of fraud for mobile users and online businesses.
This move highlights how telecom companies are starting to collaborate instead of competing when it comes to cybersecurity.
What Is GSMA Open Gateway Greece, and Why Does It Matter?
The GSMA Open Gateway is a global telecom project designed to provide mobile network capabilities to developers through standardised APIs.
In simple terms, it allows companies and developers to access telecom network features directly when building apps or digital services.
Instead of building different integrations for every telecom network, developers can use a single standardised interface that works across multiple mobile operators.
This helps developers create:
- More secure apps
- Faster authentication systems
- New digital services using mobile networks
The initiative already includes dozens of mobile operators worldwide, covering a large portion of global mobile connections.
Greece’s New Collaboration Between COSMOTE and Vodafone
In Greece, the two telecom giants COSMOTE TELEKOM and Vodafone are now launching their first anti-fraud APIs.
These APIs will be made available to developers and businesses so they can improve security inside their apps and online services.
This collaboration is important because it shows that telecom competitors are willing to work together to create a safer digital ecosystem.
The two companies will initially launch two main APIs:
- Number Verification API
- SIM Swap Detection API
Both are designed to protect users from common online fraud attacks.
Number Verification: Login Without SMS Codes
One of the new technologies introduced is number verification.
Today, many apps rely on SMS One-Time Passwords (OTPs) for login verification. But SMS codes can sometimes be intercepted or abused by fraudsters.
The new Number Verification API works differently.
Instead of asking users to manually enter an OTP, the system automatically confirms their identity using the mobile network.
Benefits include:
- Faster login experience
- No need to type verification codes
- Reduced risk of OTP fraud
For businesses, this can make authentication both safer and easier for users.
SIM Swap Detection to Stop Account Takeovers
Another big feature launched in Greece is the SIM Swap API.
SIM swap fraud happens when attackers convince a telecom provider to transfer someone’s phone number to a new SIM card. Once they control the number, they can access banking apps, social media accounts, and other sensitive services.
The new API allows businesses to detect when a phone number has recently been linked to a new SIM card.
This gives companies an early warning sign before allowing high-risk actions like:
- Large payments
- Password changes
- Account recovery requests
By checking SIM swap activity, companies can block suspicious transactions before fraud happens.
How GSMA Open Gateway Greece Helps Prevent Mobile Fraud
Online fraud has increased dramatically over the past few years. People now use their mobile phones for everything from banking to digital identity verification.
As smartphones handle banking, payments, and personal data on a daily basis, mobile security is growing in importance. Technologies like the latest Android 16 features are also focusing on improving device security and protecting users from digital threats. With initiatives like GSMA Open Gateway Greece, telecom operators can add an extra security layer at the network level to help prevent fraud and protect mobile users, which is crucial as cyber threats continue to evolve and target mobile transactions and personal information.
Because of this, telecom operators are in a unique position to help protect users.
Security-focused APIs are already one of the most popular use cases for the GSMA Open Gateway initiative.
Operators can provide real-time network data that app developers normally cannot access, such as:
- Device identity checks
- SIM status
- Network authentication signals
This data can be used to prevent fraud in industries like:
- Online banking
- Fintech apps
- E-commerce platforms
- Government digital services
Built on CAMARA Open API Standards
The new security services launched in Greece are built using the CAMARA open-source framework.
CAMARA is an industry project that defines how telecom APIs should work so they can be used globally by developers.
Using standardized APIs has several advantages:
- Easier integration for developers
- Compatibility across multiple telecom networks
- Faster development of secure digital services
This is a key step toward creating a global telecom developer ecosystem.
What Comes Next: More Advanced Security Features
The current APIs are just the beginning.
Later this year, telecom operators plan to release Number Verification v2, which will support authentication even when users are connected through:
- WiFi networks
- VPN services
- Third-party internet connections
This will expand security coverage beyond traditional mobile network connections.
As digital services continue to grow, telecom networks are becoming an essential part of cybersecurity infrastructure.
How the Open Gateway Could Change the Telecom Industry
The GSMA Open Gateway initiative could reshape how telecom networks operate in the future.
Instead of acting only as connectivity providers, telecom companies could become platform providers for digital services.
For example, developers could use telecom APIs to build applications that use:
- Network location data
- Real-time connectivity information
- Authentication and identity services
- Quality-of-service controls for gaming or streaming
This could unlock major business opportunities for telecom operators and developers alike.
Some estimates suggest that network APIs could generate hundreds of billions of dollars in new telecom services by 2030.
Why This Matters for Mobile Users
For everyday smartphone users, these developments might seem invisible.
But they will likely improve several aspects of mobile security:
- Safer banking apps
- Better protection against identity theft
- Faster login experiences
- More reliable digital authentication
In short, the telecom network itself becomes part of the security system protecting your online identity.
Final Thoughts
The collaboration between COSMOTE TELEKOM and Vodafone in Greece shows how telecom operators are starting to rethink their role in the digital ecosystem.
By opening network capabilities through GSMA Open Gateway APIs, telecom companies can help developers build safer apps while reducing fraud risks for millions of users.
As more countries adopt similar initiatives, telecom networks may soon become a critical layer in global cybersecurity.
And if the momentum from MWC 2026 continues, this could mark the beginning of a new era where mobile networks power not just connectivity but also digital trust and security.
According to the GSMA Open Gateway initiative, telecom operators worldwide are opening network capabilities for developers.
