According to Capgemini, programmable network software, especially network application programming interfaces (APIs), is expected to shift from an optional tool to an essential capability for telecom operators globally from 2026, as the industry intensifies efforts to monetise 5G networks.
Network APIs enable telecom operators to virtualise selected network functions and securely expose network data and capabilities to developers. The sector is increasingly viewing these APIs as a pathway to generate incremental revenues by supporting new consumer and enterprise applications built on 5G networks.
Momentum around network APIs has picked up this year, reflected in initiatives such as Aduna, a 50:50 joint venture between Ericsson and a consortium of global telecom operators. Separately, in early December, Nokia partnered with Bharti Airtel to expose Airtel’s 5G network capabilities to developers, with the aim of enabling new monetisable use cases across multiple industry verticals.
However, despite rising interest and experimentation, large-scale revenues from network APIs have yet to materialise. Citing estimates from Juniper Research, the report noted that global operator revenues from network APIs are expected to cross $8 billion by 2030, with initial growth driven mainly by use cases such as know-your-customer (KYC), SIM swap detection and number verification.
Capgemini added that while it is difficult to forecast when network APIs will gain mass adoption in India, the risk for operators lies in delayed investment. Without building scale and capabilities today, the firm cautioned, telecom operators may struggle to support more advanced and revenue-generating 5G use cases in the future.
