As 5G technologyexpands across Latin America, it is unlocking a new era of faster, moreefficient APIs that can transform digital experiences and businessoperations. The deployment of 5G networks is not only accelerating APIperformance by reducing latency but also enabling smoother, real-timeinteractions across platforms.
This synergy worksboth ways: network APIs are also becoming critical tools for telecomproviders to monetize their 5G investments. By exposing thedifferentiated capabilities of next-generation wireless networks—such as ultra-lowlatency, high-speed data transmission, and precise geolocation—APIsallow developers to build next-level digital applications and servicestailored to the demands of today’s hyper-connected users.
What Are NetworkAPIs and Why Do They Matter?
APIs(Application Programming Interfaces) enable seamless communication between applications,software systems, and mobile networks. In the context of 5G connectivity,APIs are vital for unlocking the full potential of hundreds of use cases acrossindustries.
According to theanalysts at McKinsey:
“If developers gainaccess to the right 5G APIs, businesses can create high-performanceapplications that leverage on-demand speed, low-latency connections, tieredbandwidth, and edge computing discovery.”
McKinsey furtheremphasizes that network APIs can help businesses:
Open APIs: A Keyto Scaling 5G in Business
Experts agree that openAPIs will be a defining factor in the success of 5G for business. Bysimplifying how third-party developers access advanced 5G networkcapabilities, open APIs will accelerate deployment and scale adoptionacross industries.
However, effectiveadoption depends on one crucial factor: API standardization forinteroperability. Poorly designed or fragmented APIs could causeperformance bottlenecks, reduce network security, and undermine the low-latencypromise of 5G.
A recent survey by Kearney revealed:
The 5G Landscapein Latin America: 2024 and Beyond
According to a 2024report from GSMA, 29 operators in 10 Latin American countries have already launchedcommercial 5G services, with more expected in the coming years. Theinitial use cases include:
GSMA also reportedthat 49 operator groups had joined its Open Gateway initiative,representing 65% of global mobile connections. This move is translating intomore commercially available network APIs, with 90% of Latin Americanoperators already exposing APIs to external developers and partners.
Real BusinessImpact: 5G and APIs Across Industries
The combination of 5Gtechnology and robust APIs has vast potential to improve efficiency acrossindustries such as:
To turn thispotential into action, industry collaboration is key. Operators, aggregators,and developers must build a shared culture of innovation and knowledgeexchange.
Plusmo: PoweringSecure Digital Transformation with Mobile ID APIs
At Plusmo, we contribute to this ecosystem by offering deepexpertise and a comprehensive portfolio of mobile ID APIs that boost security and efficiency inenterprise-level digital operations. We believe that secure API integrationis essential for businesses to harness the full potential of 5G in LatinAmerica.
