Telefónica leads GSMA 'App Token' standard to monetize 5G network slicing

Individual network slices have long been technically feasible, but telcos have struggled with a lack of visibility due to device operating systems acting as gatekeepers. This standard shifts control back toward the operator, allowing for 'app-aware' traffic management that can prioritize high-bandwidth video or low-latency gaming streams. For the streaming ecosystem, this creates a path for premium 'performance-guaranteed' delivery tiers that bypass standard congested internet lanes. Watch for Apple and Google to integrate these tokens into iOS and Android, as hardware-level support is the final hurdle for commercial scalability.

The push for standardized 5G slicing comes as the industry faces slow adoption of 5G Standalone (SA) infrastructure, which is required for end-to-end slicing. Per the GSMA’s State of the Industry report in early 2026, while over 300 operators have launched 5G, fewer than 60 have deployed the SA cores necessary to monetize these advanced features. Operators are increasingly desperate to find 'killer apps' beyond basic mobile broadband to recoup massive capital expenditures. Standardizing the interface between apps and the network is seen as a prerequisite for the B2B2C business models that Telefónica and its peers, such as Orange and Deutsche Telekom, are banking on for revenue growth.

In the months leading up to this GSMA approval, competitors have also been active in the space. Per Light Reading in April 2026, Ericsson and Nokia have focused heavily on exposing network APIs through the 'Open Gateway' initiative, which aims to give developers easy access to network capabilities like location and quality of service (QoS). The App Token mechanism complements these APIs by providing the underlying authentication layer. Meanwhile, market analyst firm Omdia reported in May 2026 that enterprise demand for private 5G and dedicated network slices is projected to grow at a CAGR of 35% through 2030, provided that cross-operator roaming and device compatibility issues, such as those addressed by the new GSMA standard, are resolved.