Nokia Leads Telco API Rankings as Cloud Competition Heats Up

Telecommunications operators worldwide are seeking new ways to monetise their network investments as traditional revenue streams from voice and data services face increasing pressure.

Network APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) are enabling operators to expose network capabilities to developers and create new revenue streams from their 5G and 4G infrastructure, allowing third-party developers to integrate telecommunications capabilities directly into their applications, ranging from quality of service guarantees to network slicing for specific use cases. The market for these services is expanding rapidly, with analysts projecting significant growth as more operators adopt API-first strategies to compete with cloud providers and over-the-top services.

Against this backdrop, telecommunications infrastructure provider Nokia has secured the top position in ABI Research's assessment of telco API platforms, amid growing demand from operators for tools to monetise their networks through cloud services.

How Nokia’s Network as Code platform drives industry adoption 

The assessment highlights Nokia’s Network as Code platform, a system that allows developers to integrate network capabilities into their applications through standardised interfaces known as APIs (Application Programming Interfaces). The platform has attracted 27 partners globally since its launch in September 2023, including BT Group, DISH Network and Telefonica.

ABI Research’s analysis emphasises Nokia’s approach to cloud provider partnerships. “Nokia follows a policy of impartiality across public cloud providers, giving operators freedom to select their preferred hyperscaler partner,” the report states.

ABI also notes that Nokia’s deep network API portfolio offers more integration points across the telecommunications stack than other vendors, enabling operators to maximise customisation while maintaining industry standards. “ABI Research assessed Nokia as the leading vendor due to the comprehensive scope of its solutions and its success in enabling operator network API flexibility and configurability, while adhering to industry standards,” the report explains.

Rapid acquisition expands developer ecosystem reach

Nokia’s recent acquisition of Rapid’s technology assets has expanded its API capabilities. The purchase included Rapid’s API hub – a platform used by thousands of developers globally – along with the company’s research and development team. This acquisition strengthens Nokia’s position in the API management sector, where telecommunications companies are seeking new revenue streams from their 5G and 4G networks.

The platform enables telecommunications operators to expose network capabilities to third-party developers through standardised interfaces. This approach allows operators to generate revenue from services beyond traditional connectivity, including network slicing, which enables dedicated virtual networks for specific applications.

Partner adoption extends beyond traditional telecommunications companies, including cloud service providers like Google Cloud and Communications Platform as a Service (CPaaS) providers such as Infobip. The company has also secured partnerships with Orange and Telecom Argentina.

Nokia’s strategy focuses on developing what it considers the most comprehensive API management system in the market. The company aims to enable multiple API ecosystems through its Network as Code platform, positioning itself as a key enabler of network programmability and monetisation.

The telecommunications industry is moving towards greater integration with cloud services, with operators seeking ways to generate additional revenue from their network investments. Nokia's platform addresses this trend by providing tools for operators to expose network capabilities to developers in a standardised way.

The company’s approach to API development includes collaboration with industry standards groups, ensuring compatibility across different operator networks. This standardisation is crucial for developers who need to create applications that work across multiple telecommunications networks.

Shkumbin Hamiti, Head of Network Monetization Platform, Cloud and Network Services at Nokia says: “This recognition is an important reflection of the very differentiated strategy that Nokia has taken in the network API space, drawing on our strong technology pedigree and on very close collaboration with developers, industry standard groups and operators. This approach is allowing Nokia to leverage the broader B2B digitalization ecosystem and drive new business models that make network programmability monetizable for operators.”

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