In a groundbreaking move for the telecommunications industry, 12 of the world’s leading telecom operators have announced a joint venture with Ericsson to develop and monetise network Application Programming Interfaces (APIs). This collaboration includes major players such as América Móvil, AT&T, Bharti Airtel, Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Reliance Jio, Singtel, Telefonica, Telstra, T-Mobile, Verizon, and Vodafone.
The establishment of this new company is set to lay the groundwork for the emerging telecom API market, which analysts from ADL predict could be worth approximately $30 billion by 2030. The implementation of network APIs is expected to revolutionise the telecommunications landscape, providing more direct, dynamic, and scalable access to networking and computing resources.
Industry experts believe that telecom operators must adapt to the evolving demands of customers, which are increasingly becoming global in nature. The newly formed venture, with its expansive platform and reach, aims to meet these demands for stakeholders and the wider industry ecosystem. This initiative could become a driving force for scaling the API market in the coming years.
Christoph Uferer, Lead Partner, expressed pride in the collaboration, stating, “We are thrilled to have witnessed the largest telecom players in the world joining forces to simplify access, usage, and payment for network capabilities—essentially creating a new market. This partnership is a pioneering effort in the industry. To fully realise the potential of network APIs, it is crucial for more operators to collaborate with the venture. This will create a truly global presence, enabling developers to reach any subscriber worldwide with a single API ping.”
The potential for industry-wide collaboration is vast, as it provides opportunities for other players to monetise their networks through API access. However, telecom operators must align their technical, strategic, and governance approaches to effectively contribute to and benefit from this alliance.
Karim Taga, Managing Partner, highlighted the transformative nature of API-based business models, noting, “The way customers source and consume connectivity has changed dramatically, resulting in the emergence of a new ecosystem. This alliance presents an excellent opportunity for additional telecom operators to get involved.”
The formation of the new company is anticipated to conclude in early 2025, pending regulatory approvals and customary conditions. As the telecom industry continues to evolve, this partnership marks a significant step towards unlocking new revenue streams and enhancing service offerings through innovative technology.
This initiative represents a monumental shift in how telecommunications can utilise network APIs to benefit consumers and businesses alike, paving the way for a more interconnected and efficient future in global communications.
As telecom operators come together to embrace this new frontier, the potential for growth and collaboration within the industry is promising. The success of this venture will depend on continued partnerships and a shared vision among telecom providers, developers, and industry stakeholders. For further information, please visit www.adlittle.com
