Global Telecom Operators Launch New Network API Venture

New Initiative Aims to Democratise Advanced Network Capabilities and Expand API Access.

Highlights

  • New venture aims to provide easier access to advanced network capabilities.
  • APIs will enable new use cases such as anti-fraud verification and dynamic video quality adjustment.
  • Closing of the transaction expected in early 2025, with Ericsson and telecom providers each holding 50 percent equity.

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Global Telecom Operators Launch New Network API Venture
Global telecom operators, including America Movil, AT&T, Bharti Airtel, Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Reliance Jio, Singtel, Telefonica, Telstra, T-Mobile, Verizon, and Vodafone, in collaboration with Ericsson, announced a new joint venture to unify and sell network Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) on a global scale. They assert that Network APIs provide an easy way to access, use, and pay for network capabilities. The venture will facilitate the implementation and access to common APIs from multiple telecom service providers, extending to a broader ecosystem of developer platforms, according to the joint statement on Thursday.

Also Read: Deutsche Telekom and Sony Test 5G Network APIs to Enhance Live TV Production




Goals and Benefits of the New Venture

The newly formed company aims to democratise access to advanced network capabilities, which have traditionally been out of reach for developers. By standardising and integrating network APIs, the venture will streamline the process for developers, enabling them to build applications that function seamlessly across different networks worldwide. Key features of the initiative include global standardisation, ecosystem integration, and an open and collaborative approach.

Impact on Various Sectors

Reportedly, these APIs will unlock advanced network capabilities and enable developers to create new use cases across various sectors, including anti-fraud verification for financial transactions and the ability to check device status, allowing streaming providers to dynamically adjust video quality.

According to the official release, the newly formed company will provide network APIs to a broad ecosystem of developer platforms, including hyperscalers (HCPs), Communications Platform as a Service (CPaaS) providers, System Integrators (SIs), and Independent Software Vendors (ISVs), based on existing industry-wide CAMARA APIs (an open-source project driven by the GSMA and the Linux Foundation).

Also Read: Sri Lankan Mobile Operators Commercially Launch Three Open Gateway Network APIs

Key Partnerships and Collaborations

Vonage and Google Cloud will partner with the new company, providing access to their ecosystems and partners. Additional telecom operators are encouraged to join the new company. Telecom operator Three Sweden (Hi3G Access) is reportedly already in discussions.

Gopal Vittal, Managing Director and CEO of Bharti Airtel said: "Today marks a defining moment as the industry comes together to form a unified platform that will allow more developers and businesses to utilise our networks and explore API opportunities through open gateway principles. This move will enhance network monetisation opportunities. Airtel is delighted to partner in this initiative that will help enable the telecom sector to drive growth and innovation across the ecosystem."

Also Read: Bharti Airtel Signs GSMA Open Gateway Initiative

Mathew Oommen, President of Reliance Jio, added: "We spearheaded the transformation of both mobile and fixed home broadband by delivering affordable, high-quality broadband to everyone across India. As we rapidly adopt an AI and API-driven technology ecosystem, collaborating with global leaders, Jio is thrilled to offer a suite of innovative and transformative APIs to enterprises and developers worldwide. Together, we are not just building networks; we are laying the foundation for a smarter, more connected, and inclusive world in the AI era."

Expected Timeline and Equity Distribution

The closing of the transaction is expected in early 2025, subject to regulatory approvals and other customary conditions. Upon closing, Ericsson will hold 50 percent of the equity in the venture, while the telecom providers will collectively hold the remaining 50 percent.

Reported By

Telecom Analyst

Passionately following the Indian #Telecom Industry for over a decade from Business, Consumer and a Technical perspective. My primary focus area is Consumer & Digital Experience.

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