Network APIs: a new world of innovation opens up for companies


Why code what someone else has already taken the time to carefully develop? This is the question that APIs, the backbone of today’s digital world, have been answering since the early days of the Internet. But thanks to the increasing softwarization of telecoms services, they are gradually conquering a new playing field: that of the networks themselves, enabling those who use them to benefit from the data and functionalities of the networks and 5G in particular. A new world of
innovation is opening up for businesses!

Orange can help you discover and test these network APIs in the Orange 5G Lab.

Contact us to take advantage of this new service
Vidéo “Network APIs : 2 min pour tout comprendre”. Par Ludovic Robert Teach Lead API Network chez Orange

We use them every day without even realizing it: when we check the weather on our phone or make an online payment, for example. The weather application is connected via an API to a weather data producer, and the e-commerce site is connected to an online payment service.
Application Programming Interfaces or APIs are a set of protocols and functions that enable two distinct applications to communicate and exchange data, independently of their architectures or programming languages.

To operate, the application sends a request to another application's API, providing it with all the information it requires. The API processes this request and queries the relevant service or database, before sending the response to the application that issued the request.

Most APIs are based on standardized communication protocols such as SOAP (small object access
protocol) or REST  (representational state transfer). They can be public (open API), meaning that anyone can use them, or private, meaning that you need a key to use them.

Network APIs, or application programming interfaces, offer developers a standardized way of interacting with 5G infrastructure, services and data.
In concrete terms, they offer developers a simplified way of integrating advanced network
functionalities into their applications and services.
By providing real-time information and the ability to request instant customization, these 5G APIS
open up the field of possibilities for innovation.
What's more, these APIs enable developers to enhance their customers' experience by providing
greater certainty as to the quality of the results delivered, and greater consistency, ensuring services that work consistently.

Les API réseau ou interfaces de programmation d’applications, offrent aux développeurs un moyen normalisé d’interagir avec l’infrastructure, les services et les données 5G.

Concrètement elles offrent aux développeurs un moyen simplifié d’intégrer des fonctionnalités réseau avancées dans leurs applications et services.

En fournissant des informations en temps réel et la possibilité de demander une personnalisation instantanée, ces APIS 5G ouvrent le champ des possibles pour l’innovation. 

De plus, ces API permettent aux développeurs d’améliorer l’expérience de leurs clients en leur apportant plus de certitude quant à la qualité des résultats fournis, et plus de cohérence, leur assurant ainsi des services qui fonctionnent de manière uniforme.

The rise of network APIs is having a profound impact on the telecoms industry. They enable telecom operators to transform their networks into true innovation platforms, creating new revenue streams
by offering innovative services to enterprises and developers. McKinsey & Co estimates that the value of network APIs could reach between $10 and $30 billion over the next few years.

New sources of revenue:
ABI Research believes that APIs will enable operators to monetize 5G, enabling innovative applications. Operators will also be able to develop differentiated service offerings.

Accelerating innovation:
Network APIs foster the emergence of an open innovation ecosystem and reduce time-to-market for
developers.

Enhanced customer experience: Development of personalized services and improved quality of service thanks to real-time data monitoring.

Digital transformation: Operators will be able to offer innovative new services in sectors such as healthcare, automotive, industry and energy.

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Orange is developing APIs in several major areas, all of which are available on its dedicated Orange Developer platform.

  • Fraud detection and prevention
  • Geolocation services
  • Improving network quality
  • Population density
API antifraude

Fraud detection and prevention :

Data from the network (technical, but also personal customer data) enables financial transaction services to verify the location of a person carrying out a transaction, for example, or to compare the information they provide with that available on the network.

Which API ?
Device Reachability Status, Device Roaming Status, SIM Swap, Number Verification, KYC Match

To find out more?

Access the complete Orange Developer Network APIs catalog (opens in a new window)

Geolocation services:

Some APIs make it possible to use the network’s highly reliable geolocation data, for example, to transmit it to logistics services, so that they can offer their customers additional services.
This data can also be used to detect and prevent fraud.

Which APIs ?
Geofencing, Device Location Verification and Device Location Retrieval

To find ou more ?

Access the complete Orange Developer Network APIs catalog (opens in a new window)

Improving network quality :

This family of APIs provides access to the highest network quality on demand for a wide range of uses, from video games to in-car applications and large-scale events.

Which APIs ?
Quality on Demand

To find out more ?

Access the complete Orange Developer Network APIs catalog (opens in a new window)

Population density:

The Population Density Data API provides developers with powerful tools for accessing real-time and future population density estimates for specific geographic areas. This anonymized data comes from Orange’s consumer mobile network. The API converts this data into reliable and accurate statistical indicators for measuring the frequency of use of a geographical area and the movement of populations, data that can improve decision-making in a variety of sectors, such as urban planning, marketing and resource allocation. This API is part of the Network APIs by Orange in the CAMARA open-source project(opens new tab).

Want to know more ?

Access the complete Orange Developer Network APIs catalog (opens in a new window)

API utilisées

  • – QoD
  • – Location

API used ?

  • – Population Density Data

Api used :

  • – QoD

Ericsson and Orange have formed a strategic partnership to develop and promote the use of network APIs. This partnership is part of a wider movement in the telecoms industry to open up networks and create new revenue opportunities for operators and developers. A joint company will aggregate and sell network APIs on a global scale. It will stimulate innovation in digital services by facilitating the provision, use and operation of network functionalities. . 

Within the GSMA Open Gateway initiative and the CAMARA open-source project, Orange and Ericsson are cooperating to standardize network APIs and ensure interoperability between different operators. Both companies aim to promote network APIs among developers to stimulate innovation and the creation of new services.

It’s a truly innovative approach that can bring new solutions to the ecosystem, and it’s transforming
the way we interact with our customers and developer communities,” concludes Otilia Anton, Director
of Network API Strategy at Orange.

Listen to the interview with Otilia Anton, Telco API’s Program Director at Orange, on Linkedin.. (opens in a new window)

Ecouter l’interview sur Linkedin (opens in a new window)

Survey results

Consulting firm Kearney surveyed developers to find out their appetite, and 60% said they would implement 5G APIs within the year if given the chance. 63% of developers believe that 5G connectivity would “bring significant value to their projects”.
While the study encourages CSPs to invest in the standalone 5G cores required for the most advanced 5G API functionalities, it also stresses the need for operators to better collaborate with developers in an ongoing dialogue, to foster innovation and adoption of network APIs.

Read the testimonials of two winners of our Orange Network APIs Hackathon challenge held in November 2024.
Our users say it best!

Orange is already actively committed to supporting developers in their quest for innovation with its
Orange Developer platform, which provides them with numerous APIs enabling them to explore new
possibilities with 5G technology.
To enhance this collaboration, Orange is now offering a new service, the “Early Adopter” program.
This program offers a unique opportunity to discover and test these network APIs in our Orange 5G
Labs. By collaborating with Orange, developers can not only benefit from privileged access to
advanced tools, but also participate in tomorrow’s digital transformation.

Contact us

to discover and test our 5G APIs

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