TOKYO — January 30, 2026 — NTT DOCOMO, Inc. has entered into a strategic partnership with Aduna aimed at accelerating the global rollout of standardized mobile network application programming interfaces (APIs), the companies announced Thursday.Under the agreement, finalized on January 29, DOCOMO’s network APIs designed for international use will be distributed through Aduna’s global platform. The collaboration is intended to broaden enterprise and developer access to mobile network capabilities, supporting use cases such as fraud prevention, secure authentication, and identity protection across markets.Growing Demand for Network APIsThe exposure of mobile network functions through APIs has gained momentum worldwide as enterprises look for more reliable tools to combat mobile fraud, account takeovers, and identity theft. These efforts are largely guided by the CAMARA framework, an open-source initiative that standardizes network APIs across operators.Aduna operates as a global aggregator for these standardized APIs, offering enterprises a single integration point to access mobile networks from multiple operators. The model is designed to simplify adoption and reduce complexity for developers building services at scale.DOCOMO has been active in this space through its participation in the GSMA Open Gateway initiative and has worked with Aduna since mid-2025 to explore an aggregation-based approach to network API distribution.Expanding Global Reach Through AggregationWith the partnership now formalized, DOCOMO’s network APIs—including tools for number verification and SIM swap detection—are expected to become available to enterprises worldwide via Aduna’s platform. The companies say this will help organizations strengthen fraud prevention strategies while enabling new digital services built on trusted network intelligence.The arrangement also provides DOCOMO with an additional route to reach international customers by leveraging Aduna’s established distribution network.“By making NTT DOCOMO’s network APIs, developed in alignment with global standards, available through Aduna’s global platform, we are confident this collaboration will help create new value that enhances the safety and comfort of customers’ daily lives,” said Nobuko Hiraguchi, senior vice president and general manager of DOCOMO’s Core Network Design Department.Strengthening the Network API EcosystemAduna said the partnership reinforces its mission to help telecom operators turn standardization efforts into commercial opportunities. By aggregating APIs from multiple operators under a unified platform, the company aims to enable faster, more secure innovation for enterprises and developers.“By linking DOCOMO’s advanced network APIs to a global distribution platform, we enable enterprises worldwide to innovate more quickly, securely, and at scale,” said Anthony Bartolo, CEO of Aduna. “This partnership also strengthens Aduna’s footprint in Asia and reflects our shared commitment to accelerating the global Network API economy.”Industry ContextNetwork APIs are increasingly viewed as a foundational layer for next-generation digital services, allowing developers to tap into carrier-grade capabilities without direct integration with individual operators. Industry groups such as the GSMA and the Linux Foundation-backed CAMARA project have positioned standardization as a key driver for adoption.By combining DOCOMO’s network technology with Aduna’s aggregation model, the two companies aim to support broader enterprise uptake and foster a more interoperable global API ecosystem.About the CompaniesNTT DOCOMO is Japan’s largest mobile operator, serving more than 91 million subscribers and operating advanced 3G, 4G, and 5G networks. The company continues to expand beyond traditional mobile services into broader digital and technology solutions through international partnerships.Aduna is a joint venture backed by global telecom operators and Ericsson, focused on delivering standardized network APIs to developers worldwide. Its platform aggregates APIs from operators across regions, offering enterprises a single access point for network-based capabilities.Source: NTT DOCOMO
Via: Tech News PH
