For number verification APIs, the technology is not new. Standardised, commercially available number verification APIs have been emerging since 2023–24, while providers are now increasingly positioning them as a way for operators to monetise their networks and compete in digital identity services.
The underlying technology has been around for several years:
- In 2022: Telefónica launched the CAMARA initiative with the Linux Foundation to develop standardised telecom network APIs.
- In February 2023: The GSMA launched its Open Gateway initiative to make mobile network capabilities accessible to developers through standardised APIs.
- In February 2024: Commercial Number Verification services launched in Spain and Germany, allowing businesses to verify mobile numbers in the background rather than asking users to enter SMS one-time passcodes.
hayo announces its own Number Verification API
hayo’s solution verifies mobile numbers directly through the SIM and operator network, providing secure, zero-touch authentication as an alternative to SMS OTP (one time password).
hayo launched its Number Verification API, enabling mobile network operators (MNOs) to securely verify mobile numbers at the network level, unlock new revenue streams, and reduce fraud associated with SMS based authentication.
The solution complies with CAMARA and GSMA standards and confirms a mobile number directly through the operator network via SIM-based authentication, without user input. Developed in-house and delivered as a fully managed service, MNOs can quickly go to market without upfront infrastructure investment.
A large share of authentication activity is shifting to over-the-top (OTT) apps, flash calls and APIs that bypass traditional operator messaging channels, leading to revenue leakage. At the same time, OTP SMS is quickly becoming a low-margin, high-friction channel that is vulnerable to phishing, interception and fraud. The Number Verification API enables operators to move up the value chain, take ownership of the identity layer and capture revenue from authentication activity, while improving the user experience.
Feraz Ahmed, CEO at hayo, comments:
“Authentication value is moving away from message delivery and towards identity verification. The Number Verification API creates a faster, more secure experience for customers, while enabling operators to monetize authentication events that already cross their network today. It’s a huge opportunity and we’re excited to bring it to more of our customers in Africa, the Middle East and across the globe.”
hayo’s Number Verification API works in real time to validate a user’s mobile number through their SIM card and mobile network connection, removing the need for codes, apps or user interaction. The enterprise-grade solution is TS.43 compliant to ensure global interoperability.
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