Experts from Appledore Research, the GSMA and ConnectiviTree (Europe) explore the shift to platform-based models during this lively Q&A session. They discuss cultural transformation, AI, data architecture, and why telcos must act now to remain competitive in a fast-changing ecosystem.

Among the questions raised by our audience were:

• Will there be challenges from AI-originated API calls, and how are these scenarios being addressed?
• If non-standardised APIs with local reach exist, why do we need a new, coordinated approach, like the Open Gateway, Camara or Aduna?
• How might LLMs and model context protocol (MCP) impact telco APIs?
• APIs have often been added as an afterthought, so do we now need to build API first or API native?
• Who should be leading the API development efforts, the open-source communities, the telcos or a combination of both?
• Is there potential for bundling APIs with other non-core telco services to create more compelling network API monetisation use cases for verticals?

Recorded April 2025