Key Takeaway
Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) is identified as the primary strategy for monetising 5G investments, according to a Deloitte report. Operators are leveraging mid-band spectrum to provide competitive broadband services, with global FWA adoption projected to grow by 20% annually by 2025. Additionally, network Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) are opening new revenue streams for enterprise clients, facilitated by the GSMA Open Gateway initiative, which aims to standardise these APIs across operators. With 73 operator groups involved, the focus on APIs is seen as crucial for B2B growth, marking the current phase as the “Impact Era” for 5G networks.
Monetising 5G with FWA and network APIs
Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) has become the most straightforward approach to monetising 5G investments.
A report from Deloitte describes FWA as “the only current path for 5G monetisation.”
Operators are leveraging mid-band spectrum to provide competitive broadband services for both residential and commercial clients.
Industry analysis predicts that global FWA adoption will grow by 20% year-on-year by 2025.
For enterprise customers, network Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) and open gateways are generating new revenue streams. The GSMA Open Gateway initiative aims to standardise network APIs among various operators.
This standardisation enables software developers to incorporate network functionalities such as enhanced quality of service, location data, or SIM-based identity verification into their applications.
With 73 operator groups, covering around 80% of global mobile connections, now committed to the initiative, telecommunications companies are positioning APIs as a key driver for B2B growth.
Kearney’s 2025 5G Success Index has labelled this period the “Impact Era,” where mature 5G networks can unlock their commercial potential through API-based services.
