Webinar – Network APIs: A new ecosystem for innovation
Published: March 18, 2025
In a recent episode of the Orange 5G Lab webinar, that took place on February 2025 industry leaders gathered in Toulouse Orange 5G Lab to explore the transformative potential of Network APIs. This session highlighted how these programming interfaces can democratize access to advanced mobile network functionalities, paving the way for innovation across various sectors.
Webinar participants :
- Bruno Calvet, CTO – Certificall
- Johann Lebel, API Business Developer at Orange
- Makram Chehayeb, Principal, Arthur D Little
- Stéphanie Cavaillès, Directrice Open Innovation at Orange
What are Network APIs?
Network APIs are standardized interfaces that allow developers to access mobile network capabilities, such as SMS, geolocation, and network performance management. They simplify the integration of these functionalities into applications, making it easier for developers to create innovative solutions without needing deep expertise in mobile networks.
Key takeaways
The role of 5G in Network APIs
Stéphanie Cavaillès, Director of Open Innovation at Orange, emphasized that 5G is not just an evolution of previous networks but a technological revolution. It enhances performance through features like network slicing, allowing for customized network experiences tailored to specific use cases. This flexibility is crucial for the development of Network APIs.
Co-innovation and collaboration
The webinar underscored the importance of co-innovation between developers and network operators. By collaborating, companies can identify valuable use cases and develop solutions that leverage the capabilities of Network APIs. This partnership is essential for creating a robust ecosystem that benefits all stakeholders.
Real-world applications
Bruno Calvet, CTO of Certificall, shared insights on how his company utilized Network APIs to enhance user authentication and combat fraud. By integrating geolocation APIs, Certificall improved the reliability of digital proofs, positioning Orange as a trusted third party in the process.
Future prospects and new APIs
Makram Chehayeb from Arthur D. Little highlighted the upcoming APIs that will further enhance functionalities, such as SIM Swap APIs for multi-factor authentication and Edge APIs for optimized traffic routing. The introduction of these APIs will open new avenues for developers to create innovative applications.
Getting Started with Network APIs
For developers eager to explore Network APIs, the webinar provided several actionable steps:
- Learn: Familiarize yourself with the available APIs and their functionalities through documentation and online resources.
- Experiment: Utilize sandbox environments provided by Orange to test APIs and understand their integration into your projects.
- Engage: Attend workshops, hackathons, and events to connect with industry experts and gain insights into best practices.
To sum up, Network APIs represent a significant leap forward in how developers can interact with mobile networks. By simplifying access to advanced functionalities, these APIs not only enhance security and user experience but also open up new avenues for innovation. As we move forward, collaboration and co-innovation will be key to unlocking the full potential of Network APIs, paving the way for a more connected and efficient future.
