Glide Identity has expanded its mobile network partnerships and teamed up with Google Cloud to deploy enhanced SIM-based authentication, replacing traditional one-time passwords (OTPs).
The company, which deploys GSMA Open Gateway, is scaling up its collaborations with mobile network operators (MNOs) worldwide.Â
This is a change from experimental phases to large-scale commercial implementation, reiterating Open Gateway’s role in the sustainability of telecommunications security and digital identity.
Through its partnership with Google Cloud, Glide Identity is bringing enterprise-grade identity solutions to both first-party and third-party applications. This collaboration underlines Open Gateway’s prospects, with top industry players backing its adoption.Â
Glide’s approach allows telecom operators to enhance security and simplify authentication processes, particularly in mobile verification services.
At the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025, Glide Identity demonstrated its progress during a panel discussion featuring representatives from Google Cloud, T-Mobile, and TelefĂłnica.Â
The highlight was the Firebase phone number verification service, which replaces traditional SMS-based one-time passwords (OTPs) with an advanced SIM-based cryptographic solution.Â
This innovation addresses long-standing security issues in authentication processes and brings a seamless user experience.
With network operators like T-Mobile and Telefónica integrating into its ecosystem, Glide is rolling out OG Connect, a Telco Identity Server that enables MNOs to expose Open Gateway services. This allows mobile operators to connect directly to Google Firebase’s verification system, supporting multiple security use cases.
The adoption of Open Gateway technology offers several benefits to telecom providers, including:
- Enhanced security through SIM-based cryptography, reducing risks associated with SMS OTP fraud.
- Standardised authentication APIs that align with GSMA Open Gateway specifications.
- Integrated billing via Google Cloud, simplifying transactions for developers and businesses.
Eran Haggiag, founder and CEO of Glide Identity, noted the importance of this partnership: “Our strategic partnership with Google, combined with our rapidly expanding network of Mobile Network Operators, demonstrates the industry’s confidence in Glide Identity’s vision. We’re on track to achieve global coverage, with our target of planet-scale implementation by the end of next year. As we approach the AGI era, humanity needs to upgrade its identity infrastructure. We offer free tools and integration to MNOs to drive 10X acceleration in adoption.”
Christiaan Brand, group product manager for Identity and Security at Google, also commended the collaboration: “Glide has proven to be a great partner by connecting the dots for interested telcos and providing a way for us to scale this solution rapidly. I am looking forward to seeing how Glide can help us bring Firebase phone number verification to even more telco partners in the coming year.”
David del Val, global open gateway director at Telefónica, spoke on the role of Open Gateway in identity verification: “By partnering with Google, we empower millions of developers to seamlessly verify a consenting user’s phone number through Open Gateway’s APIs. This collaboration enhances security and streamlines authentication via Google Firebase and Glide.”
The integration of Open Gateway into telecom infrastructure aims to bring new opportunities for MNOs, allowing them to offer secure digital identity solutions while unlocking new revenue streams.Â
Cybersecurity threats are evolving, but initiatives like these provide a stronger foundation for fraud prevention and data protection across the mobile ecosystem.
