The company, which deploys GSMA Open Gateway, is scaling up its collaborations with mobile network operators (MNOs) worldwide. 

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. 

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 Telefónica. 

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. 

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. 

Cybersecurity threats are evolving, but initiatives like these provide a stronger foundation for fraud prevention and data protection across the mobile ecosystem.

The new partnership is designed to deliver a technology showcase at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, establishing the venue as an Advanced Connectivity Innovation Centre, with the objective of promoting the future of connected and autonomous vehicles, drones and unmanned aerial vehicles, and entertainment technologies. 

The partnership will host innovation projects at multiple locations around the circuit to support different technology use cases. 

The showcase will be managed by GSMA Foundry, GSMA’s innovation hub, to serve as a venue for testing and experiencing live demonstrations of connectivity, automotive and smart drone technologies, as well as innovative new fan experiences. 

Positioned at the forefront of technological innovation, the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya will host the first demonstrations at MWC26 Barcelona, followed by dedicated events for fans at motor racing, e-sports and music events throughout 2026.  

John Hoffman, CEO, GSMA Ltd., said: “We are delighted to support Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya’s transformation strategy and technology roadmap. The GSMA Foundry thrives on delivering successful outcomes with valued partners, including more than 70 highly innovative projects since its launch in 2021. This new partnership is no exception, and our work with Mobile World Capital and Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya promises to provide some truly immersive experiences for visitors to future MWC events and at dates throughout the motor racing calendar.” 

Francesc Fajula de Quintana, CEO, Mobile World Capital, said: “This exciting partnership allows us to support the development of innovative digital services and enhance the circuit’s operations. In addition, by leveraging our digital talent program, we will offer reskilling opportunities and foster the circuit’s connection with Barcelona’s digital ecosystem, as well as manage its participation in events such as MWC, Talent Arena and 4YFN, showcasing how technology reshapes our lives and creates new opportunities.” 

Ignasi Armengol, general manager, Fira Circuit, said: “Our strategy for the circuit focuses on digitalisation, sustainability and diversification. Our goal is to develop the infrastructure around the circuit to deliver new and exciting fan and visitor experiences, not only for motorsport but other sporting, music and business events, such as MWC. We aim to deliver a long-term vision and leave a legacy that replicates the success model of Fira Barcelona.” 

In addition to showcasing connected and autonomous vehicle technologies, GSMA Foundry and GSMA Fusion will also leverage the new partnership to display enterprise applications based on open APIs. By integrating these open API-based solutions, the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya demonstrates the versatility and potential of enterprise applications in a real-world environment. 

GSMA Fusion is a GSMA Open Gateway initiative facilitating collaboration between enterprises and the mobile industry to create new network-based solutions for the automotive, aviation, financial services, manufacturing, media and broadcast sectors. 

GSMA Fusion announced that it has signed a number of partnerships with leading automotive groups, including the 5G Automotive Association, Automotive Edge Computing Consortium and JASPAR. 

GSMA Foundry’s Richard Cockle will host a panel discussion alongside Eduard Marin from Mobile World Capital and Ignasi Armengol from Fira Circuit, to discuss the new partnership and how the venue will bring connectivity use cases to life. 

The session will take place during the Connected Industries Networking Reception at 17:00 on Wednesday, March 5, 2025.