Frequently Asked Questions About the MEO Open Network APIs
What Are Network APIs?
Network APIs are standardized interfaces that allow mobile network capabilities to be integrated directly into digital applications and services. They can be used to validate mobile numbers, detect recent SIM card changes SIM, query or verify a device’s location, and obtain information about its status or identification.
What are the MEO Open Network APIs?
MEO Open Network APIs enable companies to integrate MEO mobile network capabilities into their applications through interfaces based on Open Gateway and CAMARA. Five families of APIs are available: Number Verification, SIM seadaSwap, Device Standards GSMA Location, Device Status, and Device Identifier.
For what use cases can the MEO Open Network APIs be used?
MEO Open Network APIs can support use cases such as digital authentication, fraud prevention, account protection, location validation, geolocation-based services, and device identification or monitoring. Possible use cases include validating a mobile number during onboarding, detecting a recent SIM card sw SIM ation before a critical transaction, confirming a device’s approximate location, and checking its accessibility status or roaming.
How does the Number Verification API work?
The Number Verification API allows you to verify whether the mobile number associated with the device accessing the app matches the number provided by the user in the app.
This validation can be used in onboarding, login, account recovery, or identity verification processes, reducing the need for manual code entry and providing a signal derived directly from mobile network data.
How does the SIM Swap API help prevent fraud?
The SIM Swap API allows you to check whether a recent replacement of the SIM card associated with a mobile number has occurred. A recent replacement may be a sign of risk, particularly in cases of account takeover or attempted misuse of the mobile number. The customer for this API can use this information as an additional factor in risk assessment and, if necessary, apply additional security measures before completing critical transactions.
Do the APIs comply with international standards?
Yes. The MEO Open Network APIs are based on the GSMA Open Gateway and CAMARA project specifications, which promote the adoption of common interfaces among mobile operators. The use of standard specifications facilitates the reuse of development efforts for other operators and other markets that offer compatible versions of the same APIs. However, availability, versions, and access conditions must be confirmed with each operator.
How can I start using the MEO Open Network APIs?
Start by identifying the business problem or use case you want to implement. The MEO Empresas team will help you evaluate the most appropriate APIs, the applicable requirements, and the access conditions. After this evaluation, you’ll be able to access the technical documentation and the Sandbox environment, test the integration, and prepare for the transition to the production environment.
Is there a test environment?
Yes. The Portal provides a sandbox environment for testing and validating the integration before moving to production. The portal also allows you to view technical documentation and manage the customer applications that use the APIs.
Do I need telecommunications knowledge to integrate APIs?
It is not necessary to be familiar with the internal protocols of mobile networks. The APIs are made available through REST interfaces and technical documentation intended for developers. The team responsible for integration must, however, have knowledge of API development and integration, authentication, security, and handling responses and error codes.
Is the end user's consent required?
It depends on the API, the data processing involved, and the use case. Some uses may require the user’s consent, while others may be based on another applicable legal basis. Whenever consent is required, MEO provides mechanisms that allow users to manage the permissions granted to applications. The applicable legal framework must be confirmed during the evaluation of the use case.
What is the Consent Management Portal?
It is a portal where MEO mobile network “ customers ” can view and manage the permissions granted to apps that use APIs requiring consent. Through this portal, users can authorize or revoke access on a per-app and per-API basis and exercise the rights available regarding the data being processed.
Do MEO Open Network APIs work with other operators' customers ?
The MEO Open Network APIs provide information regarding the mobile SIM cards and devices covered by the network and the terms of use for the MEO service.
Can the APIs be used outside of Portugal?
The APIs follow internationally adopted specifications, which facilitates the development of reusable solutions across different markets. However, the availability of each API depends on the local carrier, the country, the implemented version, and the respective technical and commercial conditions. Integration with MEO does not, in and of itself, guarantee coverage in other countries.
Who can use the MEO Open Network APIs?
MEO Open Network APIs are designed for companies, startups, digital platforms, institutions, integrators, and software providers that wish to incorporate mobile network capabilities into their applications. This offering can support projects in digital authentication, fraud prevention, location services, e-commerce, mobility, logistics, IoT, and device management. To gain access, please contact the sales teams at MEO Empresas.