AT&T is opening its network capabilities to developers through standardized 5G Network APIs, marking a shift toward a programmable, platform-based model. In a blog post, Shawn Hakl, SVP & Head of Product – AT&T Business, said the company is allowing access to select network elements through business-grade APIs to enable developers to build mobile applications using carrier-grade intelligence. The initiative positions AT&T’s network as a scalable platform designed to meet enterprise requirements for reliability, security, and performance.
Through a partnership with Aduna, AT&T is launching what it describes as the first standardized 5G Network APIs in the United States. According to Shawn Hakl, the collaboration provides interoperability across all three major U.S. carriers through a single, trusted interface. Developers can access network verification capabilities without negotiating separate agreements or completing individual carrier certifications. The APIs are distributed through established marketplaces, allowing developers to test and deploy applications without the operational complexity of fragmented integrations.
The move builds on AT&T’s earlier Authentication & Verification Service (AAVS), which enabled real-time identity verification and fraud detection using network intelligence. While AAVS demonstrated the value of network-based authentication, it required separate agreements and certification processes. The new standardized APIs streamline access and reduce integration barriers. Initial offerings include Number Verification and SIM Swap detection, designed to help reduce fraud and prevent account takeovers. Early adoption in the United States is emerging in financial services and healthcare, sectors that rely heavily on secure digital identity verification.
- Partnership with Aduna enables standardized 5G Network APIs in the U.S.
- Single interface supports interoperability across all three major U.S. carriers
- APIs available through established developer marketplaces
- Initial APIs include Number Verification and SIM Swap detection
- Targeted use cases include fraud prevention and secure authentication
- Early adoption in financial services and healthcare sectors
“By making network capabilities available through business-grade APIs, we’re transforming our network into a platform for innovation that meets the highest standards for reliability, security, and scalability,” said Shawn Hakl.
🌐 Analysis: AT&T’s initiative aligns with broader industry efforts such as GSMA Open Gateway to standardize network API exposure and reduce fragmentation across operators. As 5G standalone architectures mature, carriers are increasingly seeking new revenue streams by exposing network intelligence to application developers, particularly in areas such as fraud mitigation and digital identity verification.
