Why is Network as a Service (NaaS) capturing attention across the telecom and enterprise ecosystem?

As communications service providers (CSPs), network solution vendors, and enterprises evolve in an increasingly cloud-native, AI-driven world, NaaS is emerging as a foundational model for modern connectivity. But what exactly is NaaS—and why is everyone from Vodafone to Google Cloud aligning behind it?

Understanding NaaS

At its core, NaaS is a consumption and business model that abstracts network capabilities (connectivity, quality of service, slicing, etc.) and exposes them via APIs. These capabilities can then be consumed on-demand—just like cloud compute or storage. It’s about making network services programmable, flexible, and instantly accessible.

Who’s leading the charge?

Global operators like Vodafone, Telefónica, BT, and AT&T are pioneering NaaS transformation. Industry bodies—TM Forum, MEF, GSMA, and CAMARA—are collaborating to standardize open APIs, while hyperscalers like Google Cloud and Vonage are enabling new monetization platforms through API marketplaces.

Why the urgency now?

• Enterprises demand agile, cloud-like experiences for network services
• Developers require direct access to network features for next-gen apps
• Traditional OSS/BSS environments are proving too rigid and costly
• Network APIs are projected to unlock $100B–$300B in new revenue over the next 5–7 years (source: McKinsey)

What’s in it for telecom operators?

NaaS is more than a technical upgrade—it’s a business opportunity:

• New revenue streams through API exposure and premium services (e.g., 5G slicing, edge cloud, SD-WAN)
• Operational efficiency via automation and multi-domain orchestration
• Faster go-to-market with reusable, modular service components
• Improved customer experience with real-time provisioning and SLA visibility

Real-world progress

• Vodafone has over 35 NaaS APIs in production
• BT replaced multiple orchestration systems with a modern NaaS layer
• Vocus and Etisalat offer on-demand bandwidth services via self-service portals
• AT&T demonstrated a 50% reduction in provisioning time using NaaS for wavelength services

The shift is clear: From rigid, hardware-defined operations to network-as-a-platform—flexible, automated, and API-driven.

For CSPs, the time to embrace this transformation is now. NaaS enables monetization, ecosystem expansion, and operational agility—key ingredients for success in the telecom-to-techco journey.