5G network API uptake is still lacking
Anti-fraud 5G APIs are the only ones taking off
“Exposed 5G network services will take a while,” analyst Leonard Lee said
Nearly three years after the GSMA launched its open gateway alliance to promote the use of 5G APIs to develop new digital services and mobile apps, the technology has yet to broadly catch on.
Telco API uptake, “5G and otherwis," is lacking, said AvidThink principal analyst Roy Chua. The industry "continues to struggle with what [a network] API is,” said Leonard Lee, executive analyst at neXt Curve.
What are 5G network APIs?
An application programming interface (API) allows applications to communicate with other apps, devices, or networks. A network API enables developers to write applications that can utilize the network's functions without needing a deep understanding of its technical aspects.
A network API can allow applications to get information like location data, as well as manage bandwidth, monitor network performance and obtain other real-time data. A network API can enable features like call handling, video conferencing and secure connections. A network API can also manage network configurations, implement quality-of-service rules and optimize traffic routing.
Who is using them now?
Ericsson’s Aduna venture with multiple mobile network operators has taken the lead this year in rolling out APIs. For instance, AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon are deploying number verification and SIM swap APIs — the first time the U.S. operators have worked together to support open networked APIs.
Brazilian operators Claro, Tim and Vivo have already rolled out similar anti-fraud APIs in their home country. These APIs include number verification, SIM swap, as well as device location verification.
“We are seeing some hopeful developments in security and trust, especially for fraud prevention,” Lee said. Still, he noted that expectations are ahead of the roadmap for 5G network APIs.
“Exposed 5G network services will take a while,” the analyst said.