Vodafone joins global telecom leaders to form Ericsson API joint venture
Staff Reporter
September 25, 2024
Vodafone has joined other major neowkr operators around the world to create a new company with Ercisson to offer network Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) globally.
The venture aims to simplify access to advanced mobile network features, which have traditionally been difficult for developers to integrate across various telecom systems.
The deal is expected to close in early 2025, pending regulatory approval. Ericsson will own half of the venture, with the participating telecom companies collectively holding the other half. This initiative aligns with the GSMA’s Open Gateway principles, focusing on an open, non-discriminatory platform.
The new company will streamline network APIs from multiple telecom providers, enabling developers to create applications that work seamlessly across different networks. The initiative is expected to foster innovation in areas such as fraud prevention in financial transactions and adaptive video streaming based on device connectivity.
Margherita Della Valle, Vodafone Group Chief Executive, said: “Network APIs are reshaping our industry. This pioneering partnership will enable businesses and developers to use the collective strength of our global networks to develop applications that drive growth, create jobs, and improve public services. Just as 4G and smartphones made apps integral to our everyday life, the power of our 5G network will stimulate the next wave of digital services.”
Della Valle: pioneering partnership
In collaboration with partners such as Vonage and Google Cloud, the venture will provide these APIs to a broad ecosystem of developer platforms. The venture will build on existing CAMARA APIs, a project by the GSMA and the Linux Foundation. Telecom operators are encouraged to join, and Three Sweden (Hi3G Access) is already in discussions to participate.
CAMARA APIs are a set of API’s designed to simplify access to advanced mobile network features for developers. CAMARA is an open-source project driven by the GSMA and the Linux Foundation to enable consistent access to network capabilities, such as quality of service, location, security, and authentication, across multiple telecom operators.
Historically, mobile networks’ advanced features have been difficult for developers to integrate due to differing implementations across operators. CAMARA APIs aim to solve this by offering a unified API framework that developers can use regardless of which telecom network they are working with. This makes it easier for developers to build applications that leverage network features across different regions and providers, enhancing digital services and fostering innovation in areas like 5G, IoT, and real-time applications.
These APIs are based on the GSMA’s Open Gateway initiative, which promotes collaboration and interoperability among telecom operators to unlock new opportunities for app development and network monetisation.