Following the launch of AIS Open API, a platform offering standardized connectivity services from GSMA for application developers in various enterprises to access network provider resources and create innovative services, AIS remains committed to enhancing convenience for enterprise users by extending services to the regional level. This is achieved by furthering partnerships to strengthen networks and accelerate global API adoption.

In this effort, AIS has collaborated with Bridge Alliance to connect AIS Open API with the Bridge Alliance’s API Exchange (BAEx) platform. This platform is supported by 12 leading telecom providers, including Airtel, China Unicom, CSL, CTM, Globe, Maxis, Mobifone, Optus, Singtel, SK Telecom, Taiwan Mobile, and Telkomsel. This collaboration enables AIS to offer APIs through BAEx, providing access to telecom services from various providers and expanding service coverage. This will accelerate the adoption of these APIs, allowing developers, solution providers, and businesses to seamlessly access telecom services across multiple markets, fostering co-innovation and the development of new applications.

Mr. Phupa Akavipat, Acting Chief Enterprise Business Officer, AIS, stated, "This collaboration marks a new milestone in enhancing the competitive capabilities of Thai businesses at a regional level through advanced telecommunications services. By forming a technological partnership with members of the Bridge Alliance, we are driving the sharing and development of new innovations at an accelerated pace. This collaboration reduces complexity while enhancing security and user experience through BAEx, a unified API standard. It allows businesses to easily access the technologies of AIS and our partner telecom providers via a single connection.

AIS is now offering seamless access to and utilization of these telecommunications services through the AIS Open API platform, which operates and connects through BAEx. As of today, we are providing services such as the Number Verify API, which enhances convenience and security for mobile number-based identity verification; the SIM Swap API, which ensures proper SIM usage according to specific conditions; and the Device Location API, which allows for easy and accurate verification of equipment installation locations. These technologies will strengthen businesses and digital platform providers both in Thailand and across the region."

Dr Ong Geok Chwee, CEO of Bridge Alliance said, “We’re excited to have so many operators join us and help grow BAEx from strength to strength. This truly demonstrates the spirit of partnership and collaboration that Bridge Alliance stands for. Through BAEx as a single interface enabling regional consumption of telco APIs, we will continue to accelerate telco API exposure for operators. Enterprise customers will be able to consume telco APIs for their regional business with ease. More importantly, all parties benefit from our streamlined technical and commercial framework when working with BAEx. We welcome more operators, and commercial customers to connect with BAEx for co-innovation.”

Powered by Singtel’s Paragon orchestration platform, BAEx offers customers a single integration and contract, which reduces the complexity of them working with multiple operators unilaterally. It builds on the GSMA’s Open Gateway initiative and Project CAMARA, which are working on a framework of common network APIs to provide universal access to operator networks for developers. Among these, BAEx is now providing Silent Network Authentication APIs[1] such as Number Verify and SIM Swap, which tap on telco real-time data for use cases with mobile authentication and fraud prevention needs. These APIs serve enterprises in sectors such as FinTech, e-commerce and over-the-top media services, enabling a seamless mobile authentication process for a positive user experience.

BAEx will subsequently introduce more APIs such as eKYC (electronic know your customer) and QoD (Quality-of-service on Demand) APIs. By simplifying the commercial model and technical workflow for API consumption, BAEx will unleash new opportunities and revenue streams for operators and enterprise customers seeking to enable telco capabilities in their business.

“The GSMA welcomes and supports BAEx. We believe it will play a major role in helping enterprise developers across the world develop new mobile services and features for businesses and consumers. Initiatives like BAEx are needed to bring together and highlight the rich set of innovative capabilities that are available for developers, in mobile networks. By aligning to a standard framework, and through CAMARA APIs, this initiative can help enterprise developers accelerate time to market for new services, and provide more secure and productive applications to society,” said Henry Calvert, Head of Networks, GSMA.

The first enterprise to leverage BAEx for validating its use case is V-Key, whose security solutions are used widely by government, banking and mega app clients that deploy large-scale applications across the region. Another BAEx early adopter is Unmanned Life, a British company with a tech office in Barcelona that offers a software platform for the seamless orchestration of autonomous robotics.

Joseph Gan, CEO and co-founder at V-Key said, ”V-Key is excited to be at the forefront of the digital security landscape, collaborating with Bridge Alliance on the revolutionary BAEx platform. Silent Network Authentication APIs will undoubtedly redefine the standards for secure and seamless user experiences. By integrating V-Key ID, our revolutionary privacy-preserving universal digital identity solution with the API, we are not only enhancing security but also unlocking a fresh set of possibilities for businesses.”

Jorge Muñoz, Chief Commercial Officer at Unmanned Life said,” I am excited about our strategic partnership with Bridge Alliance in BAEx, marking a transformative leap in the autonomous robotics space. This collaboration will deploy our advanced technology across Asia, enhancing operational efficiency, safety, and sustainability in logistics, security, and infrastructure. Leveraging key CAMARA APIs like QoD, we are poised to drive innovation and expand our operations, revolutionizing autonomous robotic solutions in one of the world’s fastest-growing regions.”

AIS, in collaboration with Bridge Alliance and the telecom providers participating in BAEx, will engage in joint marketing and business development activities to promote awareness, understanding, and the use of APIs among businesses, telecom providers, and enterprises worldwide. For more information about BAEx, please visit https://www.bridgealliance.com/baex/, and to learn more about AIS Open API, visit https://www.ais.th/business/enterprise/technology-and-solution/communication/ais-open-api.

[1] Silent Network Authentication APIs are a basket of APIs that silently power authentication and fraud prevention needs using telco real time data. Number Verification API allows businesses to confirm the phone number a customer provides is the same as the one they’re using to access the online service or app. SIM Swap API allows businesses to verify that the SIM card has not recently been swapped and is still possessed by the rightful customer.

Published 18 September 2024