Tue 20 Oct 2026, at 12:30hrs BST
MEO, NOS and Vodafone have joined the global GSMA Open Gateway initiative to make available new APIs – Application Programming Interfaces – for their networks to address a growing fraud challenge in Portugal.
According to a report by the Bank of Portugal, digital fraud is one of the main risks for banks, having increased 45% in Portugal, last year. Against this backdrop, MEO, NOS and Vodafone are making new network APIs available to help organisations strengthen identity verification and combat fraud.
Through APIs developed in accordance with CAMARA global standards, companies and developers can integrate these functionalities into their services in a uniform and scalable way, regardless of the mobile operator used by their customers. In this way, the initiative helps to broaden access to advanced network capabilities for mobile users in Portugal.
Nokia is supporting the launch with its Network as Code platform, which aggregates network APIs and connects operator capabilities with developers and digital ecosystems. Its unified interface simplifies access to Open Gateway APIs, while supporting application onboarding, API routing, usage and monetization at scale.
First Phase – Fraud Prevention and Detection
In a first phase, available functionalities will focus on fraud prevention and detection, with the aim of strengthening security without adding complexity to the consumer experience. These solutions reduce the need for additional authentication processes in certain situations, making digital interactions faster and simpler, while contributing to the efficiency and digitalisation of companies’ processes.
As fraud and account takeover attempts continue to grow, organisations are increasingly looking for stronger ways to verify customer identities whilst maintaining a seamless digital experience.
The first APIs to become available are:
- Number Verification – Helps businesses verify customer identities more securely and reduce friction in digital journeys, enabling faster and safer authentication.
- SIM Swap – Helps businesses detect potential account takeover and fraud attempts by identifying when a mobile number has recently been associated with a new SIM card.
By early next year, Number Recycle will also be enabled. This API helps businesses protect customer accounts and prevent sensitive information being sent to the wrong person by identifying when a phone number has been reassigned to a new user.
Industry Insight
Henry Calvert, Head of Network at GSMA, said: “This initiative contributes to the development of a safer, more interoperable digital ecosystem that is prepared to support the next generation of digital services. At the same time, it opens new opportunities for companies, developers and organisations seeking to create innovative solutions based on the advanced capabilities of mobile networks.”
Filipe Arnaut Mendonça, Senior Director of Corporate and Enterprise at MEO, stressed: “At MEO, we have been working to unlock the value of our networks for businesses and developers, helping to build Portugal’s Network API ecosystem. From the 5G API Sprint, launched in 2024, to our participation in GSMA Open Gateway, we are taking important steps towards making advanced network capabilities accessible through secure, standardized and interoperable APIs. We see significant potential to enable new services across areas such as digital identity, smart mobility, remote operations and immersive experiences. Our commitment is to continue evolving our APIs portfolio, enabling innovation while ensuring security, privacy and data protection by design.
Judite Reis, Head of Network engineering at NOS, highlighted: “Network technology can play a key role in making digital services safer, simpler and more trusted. After opening the capabilities of our network through APIs in 2024, we are delighted to join GSMA Open Gateway to enable businesses to strengthen identity verification and combat fraud while delivering a more seamless experience to our customers. This is an important step in bringing the value of our network closer to businesses and to the digital services they provide.”
Johanna Wood, Director of Network API, Vodafone, explained: “”As fraud threats continue to evolve, businesses need stronger and more seamless ways to verify customer identities. The introduction of SIM Swap, Number Verification and Number Recycle APIs in Portugal gives enterprises access to secure, real-time network intelligence that can help protect users while improving the digital experience. We are proud to extend our footprint to Portugal and support organizations in building greater trust with their customers.”
Mikko Jarva, Head of Network Monetization Platform, Nokia, said: “Open Gateway enables developers to solve industry challenges and achieve real business outcomes without having to navigate network complexity. With Nokia Network as Code providing unified access to network APIs across Portugal’s networks, organizations can more easily deploy services that reduce digital fraud, strengthen customer authentication, and deliver trusted digital experiences. This is how standardized network APIs translate into tangible value for businesses and consumers.”
About GSMA Open Gateway
The GSMA Open Gateway initiative, which brings together more than 80 mobile operator groups and represents more than 80% of mobile connections worldwide, embodies a global movement towards the opening up and transformation of telecommunications networks. Led by the GSMA, the international organisation representing the global mobile ecosystem, the initiative aims to accelerate digital innovation by making standardised and interoperable network APIs available.
About MEO
MEO is a leading brand that goes beyond telecommunications, connecting people, businesses, and regions, and putting technology to work in the real world. Built on a unique infrastructure in Portugal, integrating satellites, data centres, submarine cable landing stations, fibre-optic networks and 5G, MEO delivers critical, secure and reliable connectivity, connecting Portugal to the world.
Through continuous investment in innovation and next-generation technologies, MEO is expanding the capabilities of its networks through advanced digital platforms and network APIs, enabling businesses and developers to create new digital services, enhance customer experiences and accelerate the digital transformation of industries.
About NOS
NOS is one of the leading telecommunications operators and tech group in Portugal. It is the leader in film distribution and exhibition, owning the largest number of cinema complexes and screens in Portugal. A leader in innovation in Portugal, NOS is the private company that invests the most in R&D in Portugal. NOS provides over 11 million services of next-generation mobile communications, fixed broadband, television, and landline to customers across the country. Further information at http://www.nos.pt/institucional
About Vodafone
Vodafone’s Network API programme provides developers and enterprises with access to network-powered capabilities through standardised APIs. By opening secure network insights and functions, Vodafone helps businesses enhance security, combat fraud, and deliver improved digital experiences while supporting the broader growth of the digital economy.
About Nokia
Nokia is a global leader in connectivity for the AI era. With expertise across fixed, mobile, and transport networks, we’re advancing connectivity to secure a brighter world.