• Rakuten Mobile joins global alliance of more than 85 global mobile operator groups focused on advancing interoperable technical frameworks, harmonized API specifications and open commercial models.

Tokyo, March 5, 2026 - Rakuten Mobile, Inc. today announced that it has signed the GSMA Open Gateway Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), joining a global alliance of more than 85 mobile network operator groups under the GSMA Open Gateway initiative, a standardized framework of common Network APIs designed to simplify access to operator networks and enable developers and enterprises to integrate advanced network capabilities into their services and applications.

Sharad Sriwastawa, co-CEO Rakuten Mobile and Julian Gorman, Head of APAC GSMA signing the MoU during MWC Barcelona 2026

Through its engagement with the GSMA Open Gateway initiative, Rakuten Mobile is advancing its strategy to commercialize network capabilities through standardized APIs, unlocking new revenue opportunities while enabling scalable, cloud-native and interoperable services across global mobile ecosystems. As a signatory to the MoU, Rakuten Mobile will contribute to the development of interoperable technical frameworks, harmonized API specifications and open commercial models, reinforcing its commitment to modernizing mobile networks and fostering broader industry collaboration.

Julian Gorman, Head of Asia Pacific, GSMA, said, “We’re delighted to welcome Rakuten Mobile to the Open Gateway initiative. Japan is one of Asia and the world’s leading digital nations and by providing enterprise developers with easy access to rich mobile network capabilities, Rakuten can help fuel growth in new connected services, enabling a new era of mobile enabled innovation that can improve online customer experiences, protect consumers from scams and help enterprises automate workflows.”  

“Rakuten Mobile was built on the principles of openness, software-driven innovation and global collaboration,” said David Soldani, General Manager, Next Generation Advanced Research Department at Rakuten Mobile. “By supporting GSMA Open Gateway, we are contributing to a shared industry approach that enables developers and partners to seamlessly access network capabilities at scale, while accelerating the creation of next-generation digital services.”

Partnerships and Monetization Opportunities

Rakuten Mobile’s introduction of Network APIs marks a pivotal step in transforming its mobile network into a programmable, revenue generating platform, enabling new monetization models beyond traditional connectivity.

Through standardized and interoperable APIs, domestic and international aggregators, enterprises and digital service providers can integrate Rakuten Mobile’s network capabilities into their platforms, supporting use cases such as on demand network quality, fraud prevention, secure authentication, identity verification and account takeover protection, all contributing to a more secure and elevated customer experience.

“Our Network APIs are opening the door to entirely new revenue streams while elevating customer experience to unprecedented levels, empowering partners to innovate faster and monetize connectivity in smarter ways,” said Tarek Zeid, General Manager, International Business at Rakuten Mobile. 

For aggregators, these capabilities can be packaged into scalable multi market solutions, simplifying integration while accelerating monetization across regions. Enterprises benefit from trusted network level capabilities that improve service reliability, strengthen security and enable more personalized digital experiences. 

Rakuten Mobile will continue to accelerate technological innovation to improve services and deliver best value to customers in Japan.

Since its launch at MWC Barcelona 2023, more than 85 operator groups, representing over 300 mobile networks and 80% of mobile connections worldwide, have joined GSMA Open Gateway, alongside the world’s leading technology companies.