Towards Open Telco - Business Models of API Management Providers

The term Open Telco refers to a new phenomenon where telecommunication operators provide open APIs for 3^rd party developers and content providers. Multi-operator support requires cross network service providers (CNSPs) or network brokers between operators and developers. In the mobile domain brokers have already stepped into the SMS and data roaming businesses, but API brokering is still an emerging phenomenon. Business models based on mobile brokering are also in an early phase. On the other hand, internet API management providers have been offering services to various API publishers for a long time. This paper utilizes internet case studies in order to find out the best mobile broker business models. The analysis is carried through using the STOF model. At the end, the results are verified with the literature review, and recommendations for mobile brokering and for the next steps are given.