Open Gateway API monetisation (Part 1): Is there money in API monetisation?

Telcos are considering API monetisation as a means of getting a return on expensive 5G rollouts. So, is API monetisation the killer app the industry is hoping for or just hype?

Recently, several reports have made widely different API market revenue forecasts. For example, Juniper Research estimates that global operator network API revenue will surge by 2,762% between 2025 and 2030. STL Partners estimates 506% growth over the same period.

It may be tricky to determine the potential of API revenue, given all the varying estimations. Thankfully, there is evidence that shows a likelihood of consistent growth in the API market.

Evidence of money in API monetisation

Even the most conservative reports on the API market show growth and expectation of good things to come. It is unlikely that all the market research groups are wrong.
For years, telecom operators have been trying to monetise APIs. So, the interest is already there; we’ve just not been able to do it at scale till recently.
The launch of 5G significantly increased telco API revenue in 2020 as they leveraged 5G network capabilities. Additionally, AI could radically enhance the scale and scope of API functionality, unlocking revenue growth.
GSMA launched Open Gateway to enable API standardisation and proliferation.Interest in the initiative from operators is growing, and more companies and projects are seeking to leverage APIs.
In September 2024, Ericsson and 12 communication service providers (CSPs) launched Aduna, a 50/50 ownership network API aggregation project. The project makes APIs easily accessible to developers through partners in Azure Marketplace. The aim is to boost collaborative innovation, improve user experiences and unleash industry potential.

Source: GSMA Intelligence (June 2025)

Factors driving API Market growth

Four primary factors are driving API growth:

Revenue stream generation from developers using programmable services, which could replace diminishing SMS revenue.
Legislation requirements, such as age verification for online services, are pushing operators to leverage APIs.
Reduced operational expenditure and greater innovation by streamlining global network complexity.
Improved user experiences from streamlined functions. For example, streamlining authentication services could make SMS one-time passcodes redundant, while enhancing security.

Many of the API monetisation use cases currently in operation focus on security, like verification and authentication. However, MWC Barcelona’s Hackathon is an inspiring event that showcases the versatility and possibilities of APIs. The event demonstrates an API future, where APIs can leverage network services for everything from transportation to social care.

Operators with an API monetisation mindset and the right tools could generate significant new revenue streams. To prepare network APIs for monetisation, CSPs need Network Exposure Platform solutions. Otherwise, a chaotic mess might await them.

From connected vehicles to massive, multi-user, high-quality graphic gaming experiences, APIs are set to change our digital world. Even so, among the many API opportunities, there are several threats for CSPs to consider.

So, how can operators avoid pitfalls and where can they maximise API revenue?

Find out more

SWOT Analysis of Open Gateway API Monetisation for Telcos

Strengths

Existing resources: For decades, CSPs have been developing their own internal APIs to deliver services. Now, those APIs are a valuable resource that can be leased to developers. Similarly, the data held on networks and network capabilities are products that can be used as a revenue stream for telecom operators.

Additionally, CSPs’ API developers have years of experience that can be put into developing new APIs and upgrading existing ones. As innovation and API applications surge, developer expertise will be critical in maximising revenue from future APIs.

Industry frameworks: GSMA’s Open Gateway project established an API standardisation infrastructure, making it easier for CSPs to enter the API marketplace.

Fast-to-market products and services: Standardised APIs and easy access to the developer community via aggregator partnerships enable faster launches of new products and services.

Weaknesses

Cybersecurity threats: Security is one of the biggest concerns about network exposure through APIs. Without maintenance, the long lifecycle of some APIs could make them vulnerable to hacks. APIs can also be subjected to continuous brute force and DOS attacks, along with many other types of cyberattacks.

API complexity: GSMA’s Open Gateway makes APIs more uniform. The problem is that legacy systems might not have the flexibility required for easy reconfiguration and integration. Additionally, years of modifications and huge databases make them cumbersome to work with.

However, complex APIs are also unappealing to potential customers. Thus, products like Squire Technologies’ Open Gateway solution are useful in standardising telco APIs to fit with aggregator and consumer preferences.

Market control: Aggregators like Aduna are already taking their piece of the API pie. By controlling access to the market, aggregators put themselves in a strong position to dictate terms. Hence, 12 CSPs agreed on a 50/50 ownership of Aduna with Ericsson, helping ensure they have a say in how revenue is split.

5G ROI pressures: Telecom operators are under pressure to monetise 5G and get a return on expensive 5G infrastructure deployments. The appeal of API monetisation could cause hasty deployments, increasing security vulnerabilities and quality of service issues.

Threats

Reputation damage, fines and restrictions: A successful cyberattack executed against exposed APIs that are poorly maintained could lead to reputation damage. In cases with massive data hacks, it can result in fines or governments introducing restrictions on technology.

Revenue minimisation: By partnering with Ericsson on Aduna, 12 CSPs have strengthened their influence on revenue decisions. Telcos that fail to strengthen their positions may find themselves in a weak negotiating position, sidelined by aggregators.

Commoditisation: Unfortunately, in the near-term, API standardisation and a limited scope of applications may be off-putting for CSPs. However, increasing collaboration, AI integrations and regional requirements will allow much greater differentiation.

Opportunities

Long-term revenue growth: As discussed earlier, market analysts see a bright future for APIs with massive ROI. Those who secure their positions early could do very well in the long term.

Market diversification: With the help of developers and partners, CSPs can diversify with APIs designed for new purposes. They can focus on real-time fraud detection and prevention, network slice booking, population density data, location verification and more. The list of API options is expanding.

Reduced operational costs: Consistency in API design frameworks, language, and behaviour minimises API development timelines and streamlines processes. As such, CSPs may benefit from reduced operating costs as their systems benefit from improved API functions. Furthermore, shared API parameters simplify management, making it easier to spot bugs, make fixes and speed-up integrations and configurations.

A standardised level of quality assurance also speeds up decision-making processes, cutting costs and bringing products to market faster.

Positive brand recognition: Standardised APIs that seamlessly interop could deliver increased uptime, and high throughput and reliability.

Conclusion

The resources, infrastructure, opportunities and interest are all present in the case of API monetisation. The only factor that could be missing is speed.

‘As with 4G, 5G monetisation will come in time. Unfortunately, the concept of 5G speeds and the hype around its versatility have raised shareholder expectations. Combined with years of thinning margins, understandably people are frustrated at having to wait for returns on 5G investments.’

All signs point towards API monetisation as a means of generating revenue. However, operators need to move early if they want to secure their share of revenue.

Douglas Bryce, Marketing Communications Specialist at Squire Technologies

To find out more about Squire Technologies’ Network Exposure Platform, visit www.squire-technologies.com/open-gateway/

References

https://www.gsmaintelligence.com/research/gsma-open-gateway-state-of-the-market-h1-2025

https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/telecom-api-market-2349

https://stlpartners.com/research/mobile-network-api-monetisation-forecast-2024-2030-can-telcos-make-up-for-lost-time/

https://www.telecoms.com/network-software/telcos-could-reap-35-billion-from-comms-apis-but-they-must-tread-carefully

https://apiconference.net/blog-en/api-economy-trends-2025/

https://www.analysysmason.com/research/content/articles/network-api-forecast-rma21-rdmm0-ren01/

https://api7.ai/learning-center/api-101/future-and-trends-of-apis

https://www.ericsson.com/en/news/2025/6/aduna-expands-ecosystem-with-major-new-partnerships

https://www.telecoms.com/oss-bss-cx/telco-and-network-api-spending-to-hit-6-7-billion-by-2028-idc?utm_source=chatgpt.com