CSPs have started their network API exposure journeys but still have work to do to realise the full benefits

Communications service providers (CSPs) have still yet to really make the most of network APIs, despite the strong interest and promising level of activity. Indeed, 81% of all network API use cases revolve around low-cost, high-volume transactional APIs, such as SIM Swap and Device Location. Advanced APIs such as Quality on Demand offer higher value and are sought after by enterprises to enhance network insight and control, but CSPs still have challenges to overcome before they can fully expose these APIs and develop high-value use cases such as network as a service (NaaS).

In this article, we explore some of the main current use cases for network APIs, commercial strategies for CSPs and the barriers to achieving network API-enabled NaaS, which is where the most valuable opportunity lies for CSPs. Further information about regional trends, vendor activity and the architecture of network API exposure platforms can be found in our activity tracker and associated report.