- STL Partners lowers 2030 network API forecast from $37bn to $31bn due to slower adoption.
- Operators still push APIs, but growth is steadier and needs stronger standards and developer uptake.
What happened: STL Partners cuts 2030 forecast to $31bn
STL Partners has changed its forecast for the global mobile network API market. The new figure for 2030 is $31 billion. The old forecast was $37 billion. The change comes from new models and slower ideas about how fast companies will use the tools. Major operators have started projects such as quality-on-demand, network slicing and anti-fraud APIs. These projects show early effort, but making money from them has been slower than first thought.
There is still strong energy in the market. The GSMA Open Gateway programme has support and shows that telecoms groups want to push new use cases. Early proofs of concept also show that the work is moving forward. The new forecast from STL shows that growth will come, but the rise will be more steady and in smaller steps. The update shows both the promise and the risk of network APIs as operators look for new revenue and a bigger role in digital services.
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Why it’s important
The downgrade matters because network APIs have been promoted as a key part of telecom change. Operators have said that giving developers access to network tools could bring new income, support new ideas, and move the industry beyond basic connectivity. The cut in forecast means hopes must be adjusted, not dropped. The $31 billion figure is still big, but it shows slower growth that depends on standards, developer use, and strong cases.
This trend is like other telecom projects such as 5G standalone, edge, and IoT, which also grew slower than planned. For developers it means building services on APIs needs time and clear rules. For operators it means they must build full ecosystems. For users it means better apps and safer services will come, but adoption will grow step by step.
