Malaysian telco Maxis said that it is offering a new “mobile identity” solution based on open network APIs designed to verify user IDs for mobile banking, e-commerce and other digital services without having to use SMS-based one-time passwords (OTPs).
The solution uses CAMERA APIs standardised under the GSMA Open Gateway framework and federated via the Bridge Alliance API Exchange (BAEx) initiative announced in July 2024.
BAEx leverages Singtel’s Paragon orchestration platform to aggregate the APIs of Bridge member operators (which includes Maxis and Singtel) for network authentication, user verification and network quality. Maxis said 13 of the Alliance’s 34 operators have endorsed BAEx to date.
In its initial phase, Maxis’ mobile identity solution leverages the Number Verify API to authenticate mobile devices by using real-time telco data to verify that the provided phone number matches the one used on the device.
This means mobile numbers can be securely verified without having to leave the platform, which makes it easier for customers to onboard apps or reset passwords and login details without the need for OTPs or transaction authorisation codes (TACs). Maxis said this also reduces customer exposure to scams and fraud through SMS verification.
Maxis chief enterprise business officer Prateek Pashine said the telco’s B2B arm, Maxis Business, will pitch the solution to financial institutions, e-commerce platforms and application developers to drive greater adoption of API solutions to improve user experience.
“With this solution, we are not only simplifying the process for users but also safeguarding them against fraud and scams,” he said in a statement. “We believe the adoption of more such API-based solutions will unlock greater possibilities for businesses and industries to deliver more seamless and secure digital interactions end-to-end.”
Maxis first publicly showcased the solution at last year's Smart Nation Expo 2024 at the end of November.