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Network APIs

Innovate at scale with network APIs

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Network APIs are reshaping how telecommunication providers create value

APIs are not new. They have long enabled software systems to communicate through defined interfaces and protocols, making them a foundational element of modern computing. In telecommunications, APIs have similarly supported the control, automation and assurance needed to run telecom services. What is changing is how the industry is applying this proven concept. A generation of open, intent-based network APIs is exposing selected network capabilities to developers, enterprises and ecosystem partners. Network intelligence now can be embedded directly into applications, unlocking new forms of value creation. This is why telecommunication providers are increasingly turning to partners with deep network expertise and strong alignment with industry standards.

Network APIs are evolving fast

New APIs are opening network capabilities to developers and partners, making it easier to embed network intelligence directly into enterprise and consumer applications.

Scaling requires the right integration

To deliver value at scale, telecommunication providers need seamless integration between network systems and APIs to simplify complexity and create a consistent developer experience.

Ecosystems drive innovation and growth

Success depends on working with partners who understand network domains and standards, enabling stronger developer engagement, faster innovation and new service creation.

How are new industry developments expanding the capabilities of network APIs?

Advances in network API standardization, combined with the emergence of agentic AI, are expanding what networks can do and how easily developers can use them. Together, these developments are creating more consistent cross-network capabilities while simplifying how applications interact with programmable networks, unlocking new innovation opportunities.

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Monetize network capabilities through API-driven services

Telecommunication providers can expose capabilities like quality on demand, location and identity through network APIs, enabling differentiated services, B2B2X models and new revenue beyond connectivity. This also enables providers to package APIs as products and scale partner-led innovation.
 

Explore Network as Code

Agentic AI simplifies how applications consume network APIs

Agentic AI is making network programmability easier. Applications can interact with software agents that handle API calls behind the scenes, translating intent into action. This builds on network APIs, helping developers create services without managing complexity directly.
 

Explore this scenario

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Aligning network APIs across fixed and mobile networks

Closer alignment between initiatives like Mplify & GSMA Open Gateway is shaping a more unified approach to network APIs. Together, they enable telecommunication providers to expose capabilities consistently across fixed/mobile environments, simplifying developer adoption and enabling cross-network innovation.
 

View the GSMA press release

“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 telecommunication providers’ customers.”
Caroline Chappell
Research director, Analysys Mason
“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 telecommunication providers benefits everyone.”
Camille Mendler
Chief Analyst - Enterprise Services, Omdia
“The overarching theme in relation to the enterprise sector at MWC was network APIs and how telcos see exposure as a key tool to unlock value from their networks, in particular in the B2B2X segment.”
Darius Singh
STL partners
“Nokia Network as Code does represent the first steps in a revolutionary vision: a real-world, complete implementation (technically and, importantly, commercially) of a new way to monetize 5G network capabilities (not just capacity – telcos already know how to do that).”
Robert Curran
Appledore Research
“Emerging 5G and 5G advanced network capabilities are creating new opportunities for the developer community to consume, package, and deliver network resources in a way that would enable them to build higher-value consumer and enterprise use cases.”
IDC's Worldwide Network API Taxonomy, 2024
Doc #US51862623, February 2024

Why Nokia for network APIs?

We help telecommunication providers unlock the full value of advanced connectivity through network APIs. We transform network capabilities into new revenue streams and scalable growth. Nokia goes beyond mere API exposure, realizing a network’s full potential. We secure platforms, integrate expertise and evolve the API ecosystem.

We offer two industry-leading platforms: Nokia Network as Code, a cloud-based API aggregator, and Network Exposure Platform, which connects network subsystems to APIs. These platforms empower telecommunication providers to securely expose, manage and scale API access while streamlining integration and enabling global developer reach. This simplifies the path from network capability to consumable service, creating a more agile foundation for developer engagement, partner innovation and new monetization opportunities.

Related solutions

Solution

Network as Code for developers

Accelerates the work of producing software applications for new enterprise, industrial, and consumer use cases, and monetizing 5G/4G network assets beyond basic connectivity

Solution

Network Exposure Platform

Built on cloud-native and programmable infrastructure, Nokia Network Enablement Platform NEP offers an extensive range of API Enablement functionalities.

Frequently asked questions