HCLTech teams with GSMA to drive global Open Gateway initiative
HCLTech has formed a strategic alliance with GSMA to support the advancement of the GSMA Open Gateway initiative for the global telecoms industry.
The GSMA Open Gateway initiative is focused on enabling Communication Service Providers (CSPs) to expose and consume network capabilities using standardised APIs through 'Network as a Platform' models. This approach is intended to improve customer experiences, streamline application development and facilitate new revenue streams for telecom operators worldwide.
HCLTech is the first global technology company to participate in the Open Gateway initiative, delivering system integration experience and solutions designed to support the adoption of programmable networks. The company's involvement reinforces its stated commitment to network openness and monetisation in telecoms.
Programmeme scope
According to the companies, HCLTech's planned contributions will include the development of a converged network monetisation platform aimed at generating new revenue streams for telecom operators. The company will also provide a secure and scalable network API layer designed to facilitate autonomous networks, alongside agentic Artificial Intelligence solutions that integrate with native network APIs.
Further, HCLTech will offer implementation and integration services tailored for the Open Gateway environment. The company will also develop industry-specific use cases spanning more than ten verticals, including manufacturing, energy, government, automotive, travel, healthcare and financial services.
"We are not just joining an initiative - we are shaping the future of telecom," said Anil Ganjoo, Chief Growth Officer, Global Technology, Media and Telecommunications at HCLTech. "Our alliance with GSMA reflects our commitment to empowering CSPs with agile, programmable networks. With our proprietary IP, AI capabilities and global scale, we are positioned to deliver real-world impact across the telecom value chain."
The partnership is expected to accelerate the global roll-out of API-driven solutions and automated services across telecom networks. GSMA states that more than 79 mobile operator groups, representing 291 carrier networks and close to 80% of global mobile connections, are already participating in the Open Gateway initiative.
Collaboration impact
GSMA views the involvement of HCLTech as a significant development in promoting API adoption and telecom innovation. Henry Calvert, Head of Networks at GSMA, said:
"We are delighted to welcome HCLTech to the GSMA Open Gateway partner community. With their proven expertise across 200+ CSPs globally and broad digital transformation capabilities, HCLTech will play a key role in accelerating adoption and delivering innovative, real-world use cases."
GSMA has positioned the Open Gateway initiative as a foundational pillar for future telecom architecture, highlighting a broader industry shift towards collaboration and openness.
Industry context
The wider telecom sector is undergoing transformation as CSPs look for ways to improve operational agility, automate core network functions and pursue diversified business models. Efforts like the GSMA Open Gateway aim to reduce development complexity for application providers and enable CSPs to monetise network features typically hidden from external users.
HCLTech's expertise in system integration, digital transformation and AI is seen as a valuable addition for operators seeking practical use cases from the Open Gateway initiative. The focus on multiple industry verticals aims to drive applicability beyond the traditional telecom market.
This collaboration between HCLTech and GSMA signals continued momentum for network API standardisation and repeatable frameworks that support digitalisation across industries served by telecom infrastructure.
