SHERIDAN, WYOMING – September 15, 2024 – A consortium of leading telecommunications companies, including Deutsche Telekom, along with Ericsson, today announced the formation of a groundbreaking joint venture aimed at revolutionizing the way developers access and utilize network capabilities. This new company will create a unified global marketplace for network Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), streamlining innovation and enabling the seamless deployment of digital services across different networks worldwide.
Simplifying Access to Network Capabilities
Network APIs provide developers with standardized tools to tap into the advanced functionalities of modern mobile networks. However, until now, developers faced the challenge of navigating a fragmented landscape of APIs from hundreds of individual telecom providers. The newly formed company addresses this issue by consolidating and offering network APIs on a global scale, making it easier for developers to create applications that work seamlessly across any network.
Unlocking New Digital Experiences
This initiative promises to unlock a wave of innovation in various sectors. By simplifying the integration of network capabilities into applications, developers can create new and enhanced digital experiences. Potential use cases include secure financial transaction verification, real-time device status checks for optimized video streaming, and location verification for regulatory compliance.
Industry-Wide Collaboration
The joint venture includes major telecom players like América Móvil, AT&T, Bharti Airtel, Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Reliance Jio, Singtel, Telefónica, Telstra, T-Mobile, Verizon, and Vodafone. Ericsson, a leading telecommunications equipment and services provider, will also play a key role in the venture.
Quotes from Industry Leaders
- Tim Höttges, CEO of Deutsche Telekom: "The new company supports our successful work with MagentaBusiness APIs to make our network functions accessible to customers and developers. At the same time, new economic opportunities are emerging for the industry. We encourage other telecom providers to join in order to expand and further develop this ecosystem."
- Börje Ekholm, President and CEO of Ericsson: "Today is a decisive moment for the mobile industry and a milestone in our strategy to open up networks for new revenue opportunities. Based on our technology and our comprehensive ecosystem, the global API platform creates uniform access for millions of developers. It thus offers the telecommunications industry the far-reaching opportunity to invest in the business model around the interfaces of the mobile network and thus promote growth and innovation for all."
Open and Inclusive Ecosystem
The new company is committed to fostering an open and inclusive ecosystem. It will operate in alignment with the principles of the GSMA Open Gateway initiative, ensuring fair and non-discriminatory access to network APIs for all stakeholders.
Looking Ahead
The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2025, subject to regulatory approvals. Following the closing, Ericsson will hold 50% of the shares in the company, while the telecom operators will collectively hold the remaining 50%.
This landmark collaboration marks a significant step towards a more connected and innovative future. By providing a unified platform for network APIs, the telecom industry is empowering developers to create groundbreaking applications that will shape the digital landscape for years to come.