Telecom API market to grow 14.2% annually through 2035

Additional Context

The recent momentum in the telecom API space is largely underpinned by the GSMA Open Gateway initiative. As of early 2026, the project has garnered support from over 85 mobile operator groups worldwide, facilitating a unified framework for network APIs. Per GSMA reporting in March 2026, this collaboration has already resulted in over 300 commercial launches of CAMARA-standardized APIs across 65 markets, with a primary focus on anti-fraud measures like SIM-swap detection and number verification to replace vulnerable SMS-based one-time passwords. Major infrastructure players are also accelerating technical parity with cloud hyperscalers. In March 2026, Nokia announced an expansion of its 'Network as Code' ecosystem, integrating Google Cloud’s agentic AI to make network functions more consumable for developers. According to Nokia and Google Cloud, this partnership uses the Model Context Protocol (MCP) and Gemini models to allow enterprise software agents to autonomously request network optimizations, such as increased bandwidth for high-stakes video broadcasts, without manual coding. Competitive dynamics among carriers are intensifying as they seek to move beyond the 'dumb pipe' moniker. In February 2026, US carriers AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon began rolling out advanced 5G APIs for number verification through 'Aduna,' a joint venture with Ericsson. Per Light Reading in February 2026, Ericsson’s Vonage division is already seeing tens of millions of dollars in revenue from these early specialized APIs. While current revenues are modest compared to core connectivity, major vendors like Ericsson suggest a line of sight to a $100 billion market as they transition toward lucratve capabilities like network insights and quality on demand.