Network API revenue to exceed 8 billion by 2030

A new study from Juniper Research, the foremost experts in telecommunications and connectivity markets, has found operator revenue from network Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) globally will exceed $8 billion by 2030. This is a substantial increase from the $284 million operators are forecasted to generate in 2025; with Juniper Research identifying KYC as key to this revenue boost.

Network API revenue to exceed $8 billion by 2030 globally, as KYC identified as the next major opportunity

Network APIs enable external applications to interact with telecoms networks; allowing operators to generate revenue through access to their networks. Juniper Research identified SIM Swap and Number Verification APIs as key early use cases that will foster confidence in a growing API ecosystem. The SIM Swap API detects recent SIM changes to prevent fraud, while the Number Verification API confirms device ownership.

KYC: The next network API opportunity

Juniper Research believes that APIs which provide authentication services will be key in fostering initial confidence in a growing API ecosystem. However, we urge operators to launch Know Your Customer (KYC) network APIs to provide stronger identity assurance for enterprises. KYC APIs verify users against a range of operator-verified data, including subscriber information, the SIM, and the device being used.

“Operators must leverage the advanced capabilities of the KYC API to charge a higher fee per API call; thus pushing greater revenue growth,” says Alex Webb, Senior Research Analyst at Juniper Research. “KYC APIs will have the greatest impact in market verticals such as eCommerce and gambling, where regulations are increasingly requiring more stringent solutions for age verification. Operators must ensure they provide reliable information on a user’s identity to capitalise on this opportunity, otherwise they risk faltering growth in the early stage of KYC APIs”.

Our Network API research suite provides operators, CPaaS providers, and other GSMA channel partners with extensive analysis and actionable insights into the rapidly growing network API market. It contains data that allows stakeholders in the market to make informed decisions on their product development and business strategies in the network API market. Since the launch of the GSMA Open Gateway and the CAMARA Project networks, APIs have become a key part of operators’ future revenue strategies. The report assesses the present-day and future impact of current stable network APIs including Authentication and Fraud, Communication Quality, Communication Services, Computing Services, Device Information, Location Services, and Payments and Charging.

The report also analyses and provides strategy for non-stable network APIs, with recommendations being provided for network APIs in the areas of Know Your Customer (KYC), Population Density Data, and Network-as-a-Service (NaaS)-related APIs. This is in addition to assessing the different network APIs driving operator revenue both at present and in the future. The study includes case studies on Aduna’s aggregation platform and the Bridge Alliance API Exchange (BAEx).

The report also features insights and analysis on how developers and enterprises are currently using network APIs, and which market verticals will be important to monetisation, including AI applications, banks and fintechs, cellular IoT, eCommerce, and gaming. It also looks at how operators need to update business systems, strategy alignment, and data protection and consent.

The report includes a Country Readiness Index; providing insight and analysis into which network API markets will experience the greatest growth over the next five years. This enables stakeholders to effectively understand the current and future status of more than 60 different network API markets.

The market forecast comprises of several different options that can be purchased separately, including access to data mapping and a forecast document, a strategy and trends document detailing critical trends in the market, and strategic recommendations for monetising and innovating services in the network API market.

The research suite includes a Competitor Leaderboard, which can be purchased separately; containing analysis and market sizing for 11 leading network API vendors, who are each working with operators to monetise network APIs.

Collectively, the suite provides a critical tool for understanding the network API market, allowing operators and other stakeholders to optimise their future business strategies and product or service development; providing them with a competitive advantage over their rivals.

Top countries for network API calls

• Key Takeaways & Strategic Recommendations: In-depth analysis of key development opportunities and findings within the network API market. This is accompanied by strategic recommendations for operators, and other stakeholders in the market seeking to increase their revenue from network APIs.
• Market Dynamics: Insights into key trends and opportunities in the network API market, including analysis of key APIs. It also includes a strategic analysis of the different business models that operators can leverage to monetise their network APIs.
• Benchmark Industry Forecast: The suite provides five-year forecasts for the global network API market, including for the total number of network API calls and total operator revenue from network APIs. It is further split by the categories of authentication and fraud prevention, location services, communication services, communication quality, device information, computing services, and payments and charging.
• Juniper Research Competitor Leaderboard: Key player capability and capacity assessment for 11 key vendors in the network API market, with market sizing and detailed analysis of each vendor’s offering.