In a strategic move aimed at enhancing network capabilities, Telstra, the Australian telecom giant, has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Vonage, a unit of Ericsson. This partnership signifies Telstra’s intent to integrate its network APIs into Vonage’s platform, offering enterprises and developers access to advanced network features.
One notable aspect of the agreement is the focus on collaborative efforts to improve existing APIs. Among these is the Silent Authentication API, a secure verification method that eliminates the need for traditional login credentials. Additionally, the collaboration aims to identify and develop new open APIs in various domains including slicing, edge compute, network analytics, and fraud and spam protection.
Telstra’s developer portal currently grants access to eight individual APIs, spanning messaging, tracking, monitoring, and more, accompanied by comprehensive guides for developers. As part of the GSMA’s Open Gateway initiative, Telstra is keen on monetizing its network APIs, which has expanded to 17 APIs covering identity, location, network quality, and billing.
Kim Krogh Anderson, Telstra’s group executive for product and technology, views the partnership with Vonage as a means to foster a thriving ecosystem around their network product, paving the way for new monetization opportunities.
Niklas Heuveldop, CEO of Vonage and head of business area global communications platform at Ericsson, underscores the transformative potential of the collaboration, leveraging Vonage’s API platform and Ericsson’s 5G network capabilities. He envisions an open ecosystem driving exponential innovation and enabling the development of solutions that revolutionize enterprise operations and customer engagement.
This collaboration adds to Vonage/Ericsson’s portfolio of API partnerships with leading telecom providers like Verizon and Deutsche Telekom. For Telstra, it aligns with its T25 strategy, emphasizing investments in advanced network and technology solutions, including APIs.
As spending on network APIs is projected to soar to $6.7 billion by 2028 according to IDC, partnerships like this MoU position Telstra to capitalize on emerging opportunities and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving telecom landscape.
