Nokia Strengthens Leadership in Network Programmability with Top Industry Ranking for Innovation and Implementation

Nokia Strengthens Leadership in Network Programmability with Top Industry Ranking for Innovation and Implementation

(IN BRIEF) Nokia has been recognized as the overall leader in network API platforms by ABI Research for the second consecutive year, achieving the highest scores in both innovation and implementation. Its Network as Code platform enables telecom providers to transform their infrastructure into programmable networks, unlocking new revenue streams and supporting the commercialization of 5G services. With a strong partner ecosystem, alignment with global standards, and advanced capabilities such as network slicing and AI integration, Nokia is helping drive the adoption of network APIs across multiple industries. The recognition highlights the growing importance of programmable networks and positions Nokia at the forefront of enabling scalable, secure, and monetizable connectivity solutions.

(PRESS RELEASE) ESPOO, 16-Apr-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Nokia has been ranked as the overall leader in network API platforms for internal exposure in the latest competitive assessment by ABI Research. The recognition places Nokia at the top for the second consecutive year, reflecting its strong performance across both innovation and implementation criteria.

In the evaluation, Nokia achieved the highest combined score among all vendors, demonstrating its ability to deliver advanced, scalable solutions that enable telecommunications providers to transform their networks into programmable platforms. Its Network as Code platform was highlighted as a comprehensive and adaptable offering that supports industry standards, integrates effectively with existing infrastructure, and facilitates new revenue opportunities.

The ranking emphasizes Nokia’s continued focus on helping telecom operators unlock the commercial potential of network programmability. By enabling providers to expose network capabilities through APIs, the platform supports the development of new business models and encourages collaboration between operators, developers, and enterprise customers.

Shkumbin Hamiti, Vice President and Head of Network Monetization Platform at Nokia, pointed to the importance of this recognition in validating the company’s strategy. He noted that enabling programmable networks is key to expanding the reach of advanced connectivity and accelerating the adoption of applications powered by 5G technology.

ABI Research’s report highlights Nokia’s strengths in innovation, particularly in areas such as API standardization, customization, and advanced capabilities including network slicing and fraud detection. On the implementation side, the company’s extensive commercial footprint and alignment with market needs have enabled telecom providers to effectively monetize their 5G Standalone networks.

Nokia has built a broad ecosystem around its Network as Code platform, bringing together more than 75 partners, including telecom operators, communications platform providers, systems integrators, and independent software vendors. The company has also expanded its capabilities through collaboration with Google Cloud, integrating agentic AI with network APIs to make network services more accessible and programmable for enterprise applications.

The platform follows a multivendor approach aligned with global standards such as 3GPP and CAMARA, allowing telecom providers to securely expose network capabilities across both legacy and modern systems. Nokia’s API portfolio includes functionalities such as quality of service management, device location tracking, SIM swap detection, number verification, and device status monitoring.

By simplifying access to complex network functions, the platform enables developers to create applications tailored to specific industry needs. Use cases are emerging across sectors including finance, healthcare, automotive, and media, supporting applications such as secure authentication, remote monitoring, connected vehicle communication, and enhanced digital entertainment experiences.

Larbi Belkhit, Senior Analyst at ABI Research, highlighted Nokia’s ability to combine innovation with large-scale commercialization, noting that its strong ecosystem and advanced platform capabilities position it as a key enabler for telecom providers seeking to maximize the value of their 5G investments.

The report also points to broader industry trends supporting the adoption of network API platforms, including the increasing maturity of 5G Standalone networks, ongoing efforts toward global API standardization, and deeper integration with cloud and hyperscale ecosystems. Nokia’s leadership in these areas reinforces its position as a strategic partner for telecom operators navigating the transition toward programmable, software-driven networks.

Multimedia, technical information and related news

Webpage: Network as Code

Blog: How network APIs are powering smarter urban life

Press release: Nokia expands Network as Code ecosystem, advances API-based agentic AI with Google Cloud #MWC26

Press release: ABI Research ranks Nokia overall leader and top innovator for telco API platforms (November 2024)

Webpage: ABI Research

About Nokia

Nokia is a global leader in connectivity for the AI era. With expertise across fixed, mobile, and transport networks, we’re advancing connectivity to secure a brighter world.

Media Contact:

Nokia Press Office
Press.Services@nokia.com

SOURCE: Nokia