Increased adoption and standardisation of mobile network APIs
The GSMA Open Gateway initiative is a seismic shift. Operators responsible for 75% of the global mobile market share have aligned with this effort since June 2024 and that’s a remarkable feat.
This progress stands in stark contrast to the challenges faced a decade ago with the One API project, which faltered under the weight of fragmented standards and regional inconsistencies. Back then, everyone was pulling in different directions, leading to stalled progress. Today, the collaboration is smooth, powered by unified standards and integration through Linux/Camara. This system creates consistency, eliminates confusion, and accelerates the adoption process.
The lesson is clear: when you align on standards, you unlock scale at a level that previously seemed unattainable. The pace of adoption signals an industry-wide commitment and a readiness to deliver tangible results.
Regional disparities in API awareness and usage
It’s a story of contrasts when it comes to regional awareness and usage of mobile network APIs. In regions with comprehensive 5G deployment, think the US, Europe, and the Middle East, awareness levels among developers are sky-high, sitting at an impressive 70–80%. These are regions where infrastructure meets opportunity, creating fertile ground for API exploration.
But then there’s China. Despite leading the world in 5G development, awareness of mobile network APIs lags at just 20–30%. That’s a striking imbalance, especially given the resources and technology already in place.
Now let’s talk about usage. Even in regions with high awareness, actual engagement paints a different picture. Only 30% of developers in the US and Europe are actively using APIs, just half of those who are aware of their potential. Meanwhile, India and Latin America are bucking the trend. Their higher usage rates are driven by sector-specific demand, such as retail and eCommerce in India and gaming in Latin America. This divergence points to a simple truth: awareness is great, but localized applications are what drive adoption.
Monetisation opportunities through network APIs
Developers know a good thing when they see it. Mobile network APIs are a goldmine for solving real-world challenges. Take fraud prevention in eCommerce. APIs can identify and block suspicious activity before it wreaks havoc. Similarly, APIs are becoming indispensable tools in tackling counterfeit devices, increasing consumer trust.
Then there are the regional trends. In India, APIs are fueling growth in retail and eCommerce. Latin America is seeing a surge in gaming applications, while Europe uses them in manufacturing. China, meanwhile, focuses on consumer electronics. These aren’t isolated examples, they’re patterns that show how APIs can embed themselves into the very fabric of industries.
The big win? Software-as-a-service solutions. APIs are opening doors to SaaS models that generate revenue and create recurring value for developers and businesses alike.
Key developer priorities for API partnerships
When developers evaluate partnerships they want the fundamentals nailed down. At the top of their list is quality of service, cited by 32% of developers. This makes perfect sense; no one wants to work with APIs that falter under pressure.
Right behind that is security and compliance at 31%. With regulations tightening worldwide, comprehensive security isn’t optional. The third priority is ease of use, which 25% of developers value. APIs that are cumbersome to implement won’t get a second look.
Secondary preferences like testing tools (16%) and a broad range of APIs (18%) matter too, but they’re not deal-breakers. What we’re seeing is a clear focus on practicality and reliability. Developers are sending a message: get the basics right, and they’ll come on board.
Evolving revenue models for network APIs
Revenue models are where the rubber meets the road, and developers are showing a clear preference for predictability. Subscription models, favored by 40% of developers, provide the kind of stable income streams that make CFOs sleep easier at night.
That said, other models are equally compelling. Usage-based pricing (35%) aligns costs with actual engagement, making it a flexible option for many applications. Pay-per-feature models (38%) cater to developers working on niche use cases, such as location-based services. And let’s not overlook one-time purchase models (37%), which offer simplicity for straightforward applications.
The message is simple: one size doesn’t fit all. Revenue strategies must be as diverse as the applications they support.
Challenges and future direction for API deployment
Let’s face it, 2024 hasn’t been without its hurdles. Hyperscalers made big announcements at MWC 2024, but deployment in H2 has been sluggish, thanks to competing priorities. That said, the year 2025 is shaping up to be a make-or-break moment. This is when hyperscalers will need to prove they can deliver on their API promises in alignment with enterprise demands.
For mobile operators, the path forward is clear. Developers want clear documentation, comprehensive integration support, and flexible business models. Meeting these needs is the price of admission.
As we await GSMA Intelligence’s H2 2024 report, one thing is certain: the stakes are high, but so is the potential. This is an inflection point, and those who act decisively will set themselves apart in an increasingly competitive field.
Key takeaways
As the world moves deeper into the era of connected ecosystems, ask yourself this: Is your brand prepared to collaborate, innovate, and scale at the speed of tomorrow’s technology? The companies that succeed won’t just adapt; they’ll lead. Are you building partnerships, using APIs, and anticipating trends, or simply waiting for others to define the future? Now is the time to decide whether your brand will shape the market or be shaped by it.
