The GSMA Open Gateway, a framework of universal APIs, is at the heart of the GSMA-AECC partnership

The GSMA announced last week that Automotive Edge Computing Consortium (AECC) will tap into the telco’s new enterprise-focused initiative called GSMA Fusion — enabled by the GSMA Open Gateway — to accelerate the provision of services for connected vehicles using 5G mobile networks.

According to the GSMA, its Fusion initiative helps businesses and industries “identify unmet needs and explore new functionality that mobile networks can provide.” It also said it encourages cooperation between enterprises, operators and developers around the development of APIs that add value and improve the customer experience.

“Through the GSMA Fusion initiative, the automotive sector now has a seat at the table to express what it needs from the telecommunications sector,” commented Henry Calvert, Head of Networks at GSMA. “Advanced connectivity and edge computing create tremendous opportunities to digitally transform the industry, helping it increase safety, efficiency and sustainability, while driving innovation in autonomous driving and next-generation mobility.” He added that by working “closely” with AECC, he will help ensure that the mobile industry can support the automation sector to deliver new digital solutions “consistently across markets, regionally to globally”.

As part of this relationship, the pair will work together to ensure that technologies used on connected vehicle platforms are interoperable and compatible, unlocking “the full potential of connected vehicle services”. Without ensuring these common technology standards, developers will face increased barriers when seeking to access carrier networks and edge computing functionality.

“We are delighted to formalize this partnership with the GSMA and join forces to accelerate the digital transformation of the automotive industry. By harnessing the full potential of 5G networks and edge computing through interoperable technologies, we can unlock new services for connected vehicles and improve the driving experience,” said AECC Chairman and President and Chief Engineer and General Manager at Toyota Motor Corporation Dr. Ryokichi Onishi. “Our collaboration with GSMA Open Gateway and GSMA Fusion is a critical step in aligning the automotive and mobile industries, enabling innovation in various intelligent in-vehicle services, driver assistance, green mobility and cutting-edge AI services.”

As already mentioned, the GSMA Open Gateway initiative is at the heart of this partnership. This initiative is a framework of Universal Network Application Programmable Interfaces, or APIs, that provide developers with universal access to carrier networks. To her launchwhich took place at MWC Barcelona 2023, the initiative had the support of 21 mobile network operators. Now, the GSMA claimed, more than 64 mobile operator groups representing 277 networks and three-quarters of mobile connections globally are now participating in the initiative, as well as several technology companies.