US Telecom Giants Introduce First Standardized 5G Network APIs

2025-02-28 wireless

Dallas, Friday, 28 February 2025.
AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon launch standardized 5G Network APIs in collaboration with Ericsson and Aduna, set to enhance security and innovation in 2025 with Number Verification and SIM Swap features.

Groundbreaking Industry Collaboration

In a landmark development announced on December 31, 2024, the three major U.S. telecom operators have united through Aduna, a joint venture with Ericsson, to revolutionize network capabilities [1]. The initiative, which launched in September 2024, represents the first collaboration of its kind among AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon to promote standardized, open network APIs [2]. This strategic alliance marks a significant shift in how telecommunications companies approach network security and authentication services [3].

Enhanced Security Features

The collaboration will introduce two crucial APIs in 2025: Number Verification and SIM Swap protection [4]. The Number Verification API aims to redefine user authentication by securely verifying mobile numbers through operator networks, while the SIM Swap network API will provide critical protection against unauthorized SIM swaps, a common tactic in account takeover fraud [5]. These standardized APIs will be accessible nationwide through Aduna’s developer platform, offering unprecedented integration possibilities for businesses and developers [1].

Industry Impact and Future Implications

The initiative has garnered strong support from industry leaders. AT&T’s Senior VP of Technology and Network CTO, Yigal Elbaz, emphasizes how this collaboration transforms participating networks into platforms offering advanced capabilities [6]. T-Mobile has already demonstrated success with network-based authentication in their own services, setting a precedent for broader industry adoption [3]. This standardization effort is expected to strengthen U.S. leadership in the global API economy and set the foundation for broader adoption worldwide [2].

Global Reach and Implementation

Aduna’s reach extends beyond U.S. borders, with partnerships including global telecommunications giants such as América Móvil, Bharti Airtel, Deutsche Telekom, KDDI, Orange, and Vodafone [2]. The platform’s development is based on the CAMARA open-source project, ensuring standardization and interoperability across different networks and regions [4]. As these APIs become available in 2025, they are expected to enable a new era of connectivity-driven innovation, particularly in sectors such as IoT, healthcare, and smart cities [7].

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5G Network Telecom Innovations