(Telecompaper) The GSMA is launching its own procurement platform for the mobile industry. The GSMA Marketplace is an online platform that has already signed up over 1,300 participating buyers and sellers. GSMA members asked for the platform, and the industry group said it aims to make the marketplace the "premier online destination to do business in the future". The GSMA Marketplace allows sellers to establish their own personalised online storefronts and promote their products and services to a global community of active, qualified telecoms buyers. Sellers will also be able to upload their product and service catalogues and respond to instant Requests for Proposals and other more complex queries, enabling them to expand their market reach and increase visibility. The GSMA Marketplace also includes a tool called 'Research Centre' that enables buyers and sellers to analyse markets as well as potential partners and competitors. Access to the marketplace is free for buyers, while sellers will be charged an annual subscription of USD 1,500. In the first phase of the market's roll-out, buyers will be able to search, discover and make contact with sellers. Future phases of the GSMA Marketplace will be driven by buyer and seller feedback and may include formal accreditation of sellers as well as the ability to carry out transactions within the site.