Network programmability could emerge as a potentially powerful force, transforming how we manage, use, and profit from our networks. The cumbersome days of manual configurations might give way to a more agile landscape where networks can quickly adapt to the ever-evolving demands of our interconnected world. Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) will be central to this revolution, which is looking to become the new network orchestration and automation champion.
APIs play a crucial role in the 5G landscape, enabling third-party developers to harness the power of the software-defined 5G network. However, for developers to effectively utilize these APIs, mobile operators must open up these network interfaces. They must make them readily accessible and user-friendly for developers to integrate into their applications, allowing them to improve performance and the customer experience. “Through network APIs, developers and enterprises get easy access to the network’s advanced capabilities to develop entirely new use cases,” said Börje Ekholm, President and CEO of Ericsson.
Interaction with networks is already possible with the use of Communication Platform as a Service (CPaaS) platforms, which have APIs allowing applications to add voice, video, messaging, and authentication. Developers are wanting more though – per a survey by Nokia, 73% of developers “are interested in using APIs to call new and exciting capabilities that a feature-rich 5G network is making available.” Functionality to be found will include voice, video, and others now available with CPaaS, but also new ones such as service quality, device location, and network performance. These enhanced functionalities are expected to boost the customer experience and provide new revenue streams.
“Open APIs are critical to the future of digital services – they are not only a new way of deploying networks, but also of managing their services. They’re also a way to monetise new capabilities available to us and a way for us to make new services available to our customers in an easy way”.
Juan Carlos Garcia Lopez, SVP Technology Innovation and Ecosystem for Telefónica
Open network APIs present a promising opportunity for private mobile networks to realize significant advantages. By embracing these open APIs, private networks can develop new applications incorporating external systems, services, and devices, fostering increased adaptability and customization. This enhanced openness will empower organizations, allowing them to integrate unique functionality, improve network efficiency, and streamline operations, boosting overall efficiency and competitiveness.
CAMARA, the Telco Global API Alliance, came into being in 2021 and held its inaugural meeting in 2022 under the auspices of the Linux Foundation. CAMARA is an open-source project dedicated to defining, developing, and testing APIs. It operates in close collaboration with GSMA and its Open Gateway Initiative (OGI), which was established to create a standardized set of universal APIs. Notably, OGI has garnered support from 35 mobile operators, representing approximately 60% of the global mobile subscriber base, underscoring its significance in shaping the future of mobile telecommunications. The OGI launched with eight network APIs, including SIM Swap, Quality on Demand, Device Status, Number Verification, Simple Edge Discovery, One Time Password SMS, Carrier Billing, and Device Location. “When developers can call network features through APIs and combine them with application logic, they can address new use cases, boosting innovation and creating new value for CSPs’ customers,” said Caroline Chappel, Research director at Analysys Mason.
“Open APIs are the necessary means to simplify how third parties make use of new network services.”
Nathan Rader, VP Cloudified Production for Deutsche Telekom
A number of companies are now offering or plan to provide open network APIs to their customers.
- Ericsson and Deutsche Telekom (DT) have teamed up to furnish developers and enterprises with an array of communication and network APIs. Ericsson’s acquisition last year of Vonage is a pivotal element in constructing this expansive global platform. It brings with it the CPaaS capabilities and an established developer community.
- AT&T’s CTO Jeremy Legg has disclosed plans to unveil an encompassing “open API platform,” covering network slicing, edge computing, virtual reality, and an array of other services. Stephanie Ormston, AT&T assistant vice president of digital services integration, describes their APIs as “a software layer that rides on top of our network that is cloud-native, distributed, uses industry standards, and software development best practices.”
- In collaboration with Amazon, Verizon extends a set of APIs through its edge computing service.
- Nokia offers a “Network as Code” platform and developer portal to bridge the gap between CSP networks and third-party developers.
- T-Mobile uses its nationwide 5G SA network to allow developers to program video calling applications using network slicing.
- Dish is offering a suite of subscriber provisioning APIs, catering to the specific needs of its user base. Examples include managing a subscriber’s balance, SIM, and profile.
STL Partners, a telecommunications consultancy and research firm, anticipates that the revenue potential generated by mobile network APIs will surpass $20 billion by 2028.
The broad excitement about open network APIs should be met with reasonable skepticism, considering the many cases of failed technologies in the network area. History is full of once-promising breakthroughs that eventually failed or created more issues than they fixed. For example, the unfortunate promise of IPv6 aimed to resolve the looming shortage of IPv4 addresses but has taken far longer than expected to gain the level of adoption hoped for, even after being available for years. Likewise, the once-hyped WiMAX technology, which was supposed to revolutionize wireless broadband access. Even 5G has shown disappointing progress in network deployment in various parts of the world, reminding us about the gap between high hopes and actual outcomes. Open network APIs, praised as a solution for better compatibility and creativity, might face a similar fate if we don’t keep an eye on potential problems and setbacks.
“In the right hands, with the right tools, APIs possess enormous power to simplify digital consumption, reduce market friction, and help transform ideas into revenue. Offering more choices to developer communities, enterprises, and CSPs benefits everyone.”
Camille Mendler, Chief Analyst – Enterprise Services, Omdia
While the recent growth of 5G subscribers is high, the revenue from 5G has been lower than expected. Opening networks and allowing new use cases to be developed should help accelerate income for operators and developers alike. The future looks promising for mobile networks, with open APIs poised to unlock new possibilities. However, this transformation won’t be just about revenue – it’ll also be about empowering developers to unleash innovation, reducing market friction, and revolutionizing connectivity.
