As the telecom industry transitions into the 5G era, the challenge of combating fraud remains a critical concern for operators and technology partners alike. The recent CASA24 event in Amsterdam brought together industry leaders to discuss the pressing issues surrounding telco fraud and explore strategies to address them. It was part of the bigger discussion during the event on improving customer experience and the benefits of transitioning to the use of Telco APIs to enhance security and to benefit from direct access to a variety of other network functions, as also standardized under the Open Gateway initiative of the GSMA.

Key Challenges in Telco Fraud

When examining the current landscape of fraud within the telecom sector we see that messaging-related fraud—encompassing SMS and channels like RCS and WhatsApp—poses significant financial risks. Millions are lost due to grey routes, artificial inflation of traffic (AIT), credential theft, phishing attacks, and a staggering volume of spam.

While SMS has been a reliable method for delivering services like one-time passwords (OTPs), its credibility is increasingly under scrutiny caused by high rates in some markets that drive customers toward alternative solutions. Regional disparities in pricing influence how different markets experience fraud, the attractiveness of messaging solutions for authentication purposes could be improved by introducing variations in pricing as done by WhatsApp.

The Evolving Nature of Fraud

As fraudsters continuously adapt their tactics, understanding who is most affected is crucial, with also the human element in fraud through social engineering tactics that exploit vulnerabilities irrespective of technological advancements. 

While Rich Communication Services (RCS) can mitigate some SMS fraud issues, new types of fraud are emerging alongside these innovations.

Various stakeholders—including end consumers, operators, aggregators, and brands—are all impacted by fraud. The erosion of trust in messaging necessitates ongoing innovation and the development of new solutions to combat evolving threats.

Navigating the Complexity of 5G

With the rollout of 5G networks, expectations are high for improved security measures. However, new technology introduces complexities related to end-to-end security protocols and interoperability among different generations of networks (2G, 3G, 4G). The slow global evolution further complicates these challenges.

Leveraging New Technologies

As we look to the future, it’s clear that new technologies will play a pivotal role in addressing telco fraud. The introduction of APIs offers exciting possibilities for enhancing customer experiences while simultaneously increasing their security (with robust security measures as API’s allow third-party access to network functions). Telco APIs can streamline authentication processes and improve overall service delivery, which is why initiatives like Open Gateway/Camara are also aimed at standardizing APIs to achieve a universal availability. 

Conclusion: A Collaborative Approach

The decline of SMS A2P messaging underscores an urgent need for operators and tech partners to adapt to a rapidly changing landscape. Future strategies must focus on leveraging new technologies—secure APIs—to create more secure environments. Collaboration among operators, technology partners, and developers will be essential in addressing evolving threats while maximizing the potential benefits offered by 5G network capabilities.

In summary, as we move deeper into the 5G era, it is imperative to remain vigilant against fraud. By fostering innovation and prioritizing security measures, we can build a more resilient industry capable of withstanding the challenges posed by increasingly sophisticated fraudsters.

Gilbert Relou, Head of Consultancy & Strategic Development, Kaleido Intelligence

At CPaaS Acceleration Summit 2024, the sentiment surrounding network APIs was notably optimistic. The GSMA Open Gateway initiative and Project CAMARA were highlighted as pivotal movements, particularly with active participation from leading operators like Deutsche Telekom, e& enterprise, KPN and Telin, all of which are advancing commercial deployments. The event’s timing was significant, occurring just days after Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson announced a joint venture with 12 global telcos aimed at accelerating the monetization of network APIs. This milestone is expected to enhance the commercial rollout of network APIs across the telecom industry, marking a crucial step forward in leveraging these technologies for growth.

Context

The CPaaS Acceleration Alliance is focused on fostering the growth and widespread adoption of communications PaaS offerings. The alliance unites a diverse array of stakeholders, including CPaaS providers, technology vendors, sales partners, industry experts and media representatives, all working collaboratively to enhance the CPaaS landscape.

Launched at Mobile World Congress 2023, the GSMA Open Gateway initiative is a transformative effort aimed at establishing a standardized framework for mobile operators. The framework enables operators to expose their networks as accessible platforms for developers. By providing APIs that facilitate secure access to mobile network capabilities — such as messaging, location services and billing — the initiative empowers third-party developers to create innovative applications and services. Ultimately, these advancements can lead to enriched customer experiences and new revenue opportunities for network operators, positioning them as vital players in the digital ecosystem.

Key highlights from the CPaaS Acceleration Summit

This year’s event attracted a diverse array of participants, including global network operators such as BT Business, Deutsche Telekom AG, e& enterprise, Koninklijke KPN NV and Telin, alongside representatives from the GSM Association. Key players in the communications PaaS landscape, including 2600hz, CM.com NV, EnableX, Infobip, Sinch AB and Vonage, were also in attendance, along with leading technology vendors like BICS, Cisco Systems Inc., Ericsson, Radisys and Speechmatics, plus startups Akixi, Enreach, Glide, Nabstract and Sabrhub.

It opened with an in-depth exploration of emerging growth opportunities for network operators through network APIs. While still in the early stages, the current deployment landscape demonstrates significant progress. As reported by the GSMA, service providers have successfully deployed and commercially launched CAMARA-compliant network APIs across 27 countries as of October – up from 23 in May. The first day of the summit featured several key discussions, emphasizing the potential of network APIs to drive innovation and revenue growth for telcos.

Read the full 451 Research Market Insight Report here.

Raul Castanon, Senior Analist, 451 Research (S&P Global Market Intelligence)

After an incredible three days at CASA24, it’s clear that something special unfolded at this event. The first two days brought together around 150 attendees—senior and mid-level thought leaders, telcos, CPaaS providers, technology companies, and analysts/advisors. What made this gathering unique was not just the caliber of people, but the openness and transparency in discussions. Competitors shared the stage, speaking candidly about the industry’s challenges without the usual sales or marketing spin. The result was a high-level conversation that pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in the communications industry.

Day One: Telcos Must Embrace Open Networks and Customer-Centric Use Cases

The first day focused heavily on telcos and their need to transform from infrastructure providers to technology companies. This has been a long-running narrative, but the conversation finally feels actionable with the rise of open networks, network APIs, and initiatives like GSMA’s Open Gateway and Project Camara.

A key takeaway from day one is that while the technology is in place, the real challenge is customer engagement. Telcos need to work more closely with their customers to develop use cases that solve specific needs for verticals like healthcare, logistics, and finance. As the day progressed, it became clear that success in the future will hinge on understanding and addressing customer pain points, not just relying on the capabilities of the technology.

Day Two: From Customer Experience to Scaling Solutions That Matter

Day two picked up on the customer-centric theme, starting with Adrian Swinscoe’s keynote referencing Steve Jobs’ famous 1987 quote: “You’ve got to start with the customer experience and work back toward the technology.” The morning sessions reinforced that successful products come from truly understanding the customer’s needs before diving into development. Presentations from telcos and CPaaS providers showed how they are evolving to embrace this approach, but the real challenge remains aligning technology with real-world customer pain.

The afternoon split into parallel tracks. One track explored AI and its transformative role in product development. However, the two key tracks for this discussion were on go-to-market strategies and the convergence of cloud communication platforms.

Go-to-Market in the 21st Century

The go-to-market track emphasized how sales and lead generation must evolve alongside customer needs. The days of traditional marketing and outreach are over, and companies need to adopt new strategies to generate demand. Sessions focused on verticalization—getting precise about customer segments and building solutions for their specific pain points. The service provider playbook, featuring almost 100 use cases, provided real-world examples and best practices for telcos and technology companies looking to innovate.

The Convergence of Cloud Communication Platforms

Meanwhile, the other breakout track focused on the convergence of UCaaS, CCaaS and CPaaS platforms. The key takeaway here? The technology isn’t the problem anymore. What’s holding companies back are people and processes. Whether you’re a telco or a cloud communication provider, the industry needs to adopt more flexible platforms that cater to specific customer needs. It’s about bringing the right teams together, giving them the resources and space to innovate, and using proven venture builder processes to scale impactful solutions.

Day Three: Members-Only Working Sessions for Actionable Results

The final day of CASA24 was a more intimate, members-only affair. We spent a focused six hours in working group sessions that delved into the key topics driving the industry forward. The day started with a roundtable for revenue leaders, which was initially scheduled for an hour but extended to two. Why? Because generating revenue remains the ultimate challenge and priority for everyone in the industry.

In parallel, we had working groups on AI, security and trust, and telco APIs. These sessions weren’t just discussions—they were about setting practical, tangible objectives and key results for Q4. The goal? To ensure that we’re not just talking but driving real, measurable progress. At the CPaaS Acceleration Alliance, acceleration is at the heart of what we do, and this day underscored that mission. We’re all starting to understand the next big step—accelerating outcomes and results that will shape the future of our industry.

Wrapping Up with Fun and Collaboration

Beyond the structured sessions and insightful panels, the feedback we received was overwhelmingly positive. Attendees mentioned that CASA24 delivered the “best content in years,” and this speaks to the openness and sharing mindset that truly set the event apart. There’s something unique happening here—a collaborative spirit that’s pushing the industry forward. It’s not just about technology anymore—it’s about people coming together to solve real problems and create meaningful impact.

We closed day two with a lively showcase challenge, where attendees got to experience some of the latest innovations firsthand. It was a fun way to wrap up the formal sessions before heading into the member dinner, where connections were strengthened and ideas flowed freely.

In the end, CASA24 captured the full picture: from telco transformation and opening networks, to focusing on customer development and new ways to build companies that succeed. It’s not just about technology anymore—it’s about people, process, and solving real-world problems.

The Significance of CASA24: Insights from Kevin Nethercott

As Managing Partner at CPaaS Acceleration Alliance, I am honored to share the immense value of CASA24. This year, we are thrilled to see more service providers and technology companies joining us, representing the top players in the industry. What sets CASA24 apart is our unique combination of diverse companies, analysts, and media, creating a comprehensive platform for collaboration and innovation.

Reflecting on last year’s CASA23 event, it was humbling to be on stage and collaborate with everyone. CASA23 marked an incredible milestone for both CPaaSAA and the industry. The interaction and sharing among attendees and members were remarkable, establishing a culture of collaboration and industry advancement.

A Year of Growth and Innovation

Over the past year, we’ve witnessed tremendous growth among our members. The industry has evolved significantly, with more members offering more cutting-edge solutions. This transformation has opened up numerous key conversations around best practices, ethics, business models, and partnerships.

Critical Conversations

Amsterdam will be the epicenter for these crucial discussions this year. CASA24 will bring together leaders to drive these topics forward. Members from our Working Groups, who have been diligently working on these issues, will share relevant and timely insights, and we have an incredible lineup of strategic speakers from members and non-members alike.

Customer Experience (CX) Focus

At CASA24, we emphasize enhancing the customer experience (CX). We have a stellar lineup of top-notch speakers from across the industry who will provide valuable insights into CX innovations. These speakers are pioneers in their fields and bring a wealth of knowledge that will benefit all attendees.

Network APIs and Beyond

We’re also seeing incredible advancements with operators providing Network APIs, and our partnership with GSMA makes CASA24 uniquely positioned to gather all key perspectives in one place, fostering real, impactful conversations. There isn’t another event in the next six months that offers such a comprehensive platform for industry dialogue.

Why You Must Be There

Being part of CASA24 means being at the forefront of the CPaaS industry. It’s an unparalleled opportunity to learn, share, and contribute to the future of communications platforms. I look forward to seeing you in Amsterdam and continuing this journey of innovation and collaboration.

Onwards!

Kevin Nethercott
Managing Partner
CPaaS Acceleration Alliance

As the Member Success Manager at CPaaS Acceleration Alliance, I’m excited to share why CASA24 in Amsterdam is a must-attend event for our Alliance members. Whether you’re a Connect, Grow, or Accelerate member, this event offers unparalleled opportunities to learn, grow, and lead in the CPaaS industry.

Learn: Deepen Your CPaaS Knowledge

CASA24 is a premier event designed to provide deep insights into the CPaaS industry. Connect members, this is your opportunity to immerse yourself in the latest trends, technologies, and strategies. You’ll have access to sessions on telco APIs, AI integration, security, and more, all designed to enhance your understanding and help you stay ahead in the rapidly evolving CPaaS landscape.

If you’re not a member yet, CASA24 is equally valuable, offering a rich learning environment where you can gain new perspectives and network with industry leaders. Get your tickets here.

Exclusive Day 3 Experience
Our members can look forward to an exclusive third day featuring in-depth workshops, collaborative sessions, and unique networking opportunities. This day is tailored to provide deeper engagement and personalized learning, making it a highlight of your CASA24 experience.

Grow: Amplify Your Brand Through Sponsorship

Sponsorship at CASA24 is an excellent way to elevate your brand visibility and support the event. Whether you’re a Connect, Grow, or Accelerate member, there are sponsorship packages designed to meet your needs, ranging from €3,000 to €25,000. Grow members receive a 10% discount, while Accelerate members benefit from a 25% discount on sponsorship packages.

Silver and Gold sponsors enjoy premium benefits, including larger expo tables, keynote slots, and participation in our pre and post-event PASA talks. These exclusive sessions are streamed to a global audience, ensuring your brand is prominently featured before, during, and after the event.

For Grow members, upgrading your sponsorship is a strategic move to showcase your products and services to a wider audience. Accelerate members, this is your chance to reinforce your leadership and engage with potential partners and clients. Non-members can also take advantage of sponsorship to gain significant recognition and break into the CPaaS space.

Lead: Share Your Expertise

We encourage all members to submit ideas for talks and panels. Sponsoring members can further elevate their participation by delivering keynotes or leading discussions, positioning themselves as thought leaders in the CPaaS community.

Benefits of Speaking:

• Connect Members: Gain exposure and contribute to discussions that matter to you.
• Grow Members: Influence industry direction and inspire others with your insights.
• Accelerate Members: Solidify your leadership position and drive new business opportunities.

Conclusion

CASA24 in Amsterdam is not just an event; it’s a catalyst for growth, innovation, and collaboration. Whether you’re attending to learn, sponsoring to grow your brand, or speaking to lead, CASA24 offers unparalleled benefits for all members and non-members alike.

Don’t miss out on this transformative experience. Visit our Sponsorship Opportunities page for more details. Let’s make CASA24 a milestone in your CPaaS journey!

Best regards,

Gert-Jan Huizer
Member Success Manager
CPaaS Acceleration Alliance

We are thrilled to announce the official launch of the CASA24 website, marking a significant milestone in our journey to accelerate the growth and adoption of Communications Platforms as a Service (CPaaS). Visit us at casa24.amsterdam and explore everything our premier event has to offer!

CASA24, set to take place in the vibrant city of Amsterdam, is not just an event—it’s a pivotal gathering for the global CPaaS community. This year, we are bringing together even more industry leaders, innovative technology vendors, strategic partners, and thought leaders from around the world to shape the future of communications.

Why Attend CASA24?

CASA24 is designed to be the ultimate hub for networking, learning, and collaboration within the CPaaS ecosystem. Here’s what you can look forward to:

1. Insightful Keynotes and Panels: Hear from the brightest minds in the industry. Our lineup of speakers includes top executives, successful entrepreneurs, and leading experts who will share their insights on market trends, innovative technologies, and the future of CPaaS.
2. Cutting-Edge Exhibitions: Discover the latest products and solutions from leading technology vendors. The exhibition floor will be a hotspot for groundbreaking innovations that are driving the CPaaS industry forward.
3. Networking Opportunities: Connect with peers, partners, and potential clients. Whether you’re looking to build new relationships or strengthen existing ones, CASA24 offers unparalleled opportunities for meaningful interactions.
4. Interactive Workshops: Engage in hands-on sessions and workshops that delve deep into specific CPaaS topics. These sessions are designed to provide practical knowledge and skills that you can apply directly to your business.

Call for Speakers

We are now accepting applications for speakers who want to share their expertise and vision with our diverse audience. If you have a compelling story, groundbreaking research, or innovative ideas in the CPaaS space, we want to hear from you! Speaking at CASA24 is a fantastic opportunity to position yourself as a thought leader and contribute to the industry’s growth.

Sponsorship Opportunities

CASA24 offers a range of sponsorship packages tailored to suit your business needs and goals. As a sponsor, you will gain visibility among key decision-makers and influencers in the CPaaS industry. Our sponsorship opportunities are designed to maximize your brand exposure, generate leads, and drive business growth. Don’t miss the chance to showcase your company at the forefront of CPaaS innovation.

Join Us in Amsterdam

We invite all members of the CPaaS Acceleration Alliance, along with anyone passionate about the future of communications, to join us in Amsterdam for this landmark event. CASA24 promises to be a transformative experience, providing valuable insights, fostering connections, and igniting new opportunities for growth.

Visit casa24.amsterdam today to apply to speak or explore sponsorship options. Let’s come together to accelerate the CPaaS industry’s journey from $16B in 2022 to over $100B by 2030.

Together, we can drive the next wave of innovation and collaboration in the CPaaS space. We look forward to welcoming you to CASA24 and making this event a resounding success!

Stay tuned for more updates and follow us on social media for the latest news and announcements. Let’s make CASA24 an event to remember!

For any inquiries, please contact us at info@cpaasaa.com. See you in Amsterdam!