Ericsson, Deutsche Telekom ink partnership to offer access to network APIs

Swedish telecom gear maker Ericsson and Deutsche Telekom have entered into a commercial partnership to offer communication and network Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) to developers and enterprises that will allow telecom operators to accelerate the monetisation of their network investments.

Ericsson said it will create a global network platform business to expose advanced 5G capabilities – such as Quality on Demand, speed, latency, and location – through easy-to-consume network APIs.

The platform will use Vonage which Ericsson bought for $6.2 billion in 2022 to help developers create new use cases based on a network. Under the brand ‘MagentaBusiness API’, Deutsche Telekom will offer access to Vonage communications APIs that are currently available as well as new network APIs, according to a statement by the Swedish company.

“Through network APIs, developers and enterprises get easy access to the advanced capabilities of the network to develop entirely new use cases. By creating a global platform business, Ericsson is redefining the industry and creating new ways to innovate through the network,” said Börje Ekholm, President and CEO of Ericsson.

Telecom consultancy and research firm STL Partners predicts that the revenue opportunity created by mobile network APIs will grow to over $20 billion by 2028. In turn, Ericsson also estimates the “vastly higher revenue opportunities” for operators to be realised through new use cases based on network APIs.

“We are thrilled to support DT as they launch communication offerings to enterprises by providing network APIs to the developer community,” Ekholm added.

“Our network is the very foundation of our company. By opening it up, we are creating new ways for customers and developers to generate value for their business. APIs are a key strategic focus for Deutsche Telekom,” said Tim Höttges, CEO of Deutsche Telekom.