As telecom operators continue to invest heavily in 5G and broadband infrastructure, the pressure to generate return on those assets is intensifying. The industry’s focus is shifting beyond connectivity toward monetization—and network APIs are emerging as a key lever.
In a recent conversation with FNTV, LotusFlare executives outlined how operators can expose core network capabilities, including authentication and location, to create new revenue streams. The challenge is not just technical exposure, but building the commercial and operational frameworks to support it.
“CSPs have invested billions of dollars in building out 5G networks… and it’s hard to drive an ROI… just by selling data plans,” one executive explained, pointing to the need for broader monetization strategies.
Partnerships are playing a central role in that effort. LotusFlare’s collaboration with Ericsson aims to combine global programmable networks with a commerce and monetization layer, enabling operators to bring network APIs to market at scale. Early use cases, such as number verification APIs, highlight how operators can reduce user friction while creating new enterprise-facing services.
Beyond APIs, the discussion emphasized the importance of modernizing legacy systems. Traditional telecom business support systems were built to sell connectivity products, not dynamic services or digital assets. A more flexible, cloud-native platform is required to package, price and deliver everything from APIs to AI-powered services.
The shift signals a broader transformation: telecom networks are evolving into platforms, and monetization will depend on how effectively operators can productize and commercialize what they already own.
The editorial staff had no role in this post's creation.