Pan-operator telecom API venture Aduna launched a network based authentication system aiming to replace SMS one-time passcodes (OTPs).
As spearheaded by Aduna members AT&T, T-Mobile US, and Verizon, the new solution verifies the authenticity of a mobile number with the carrier and its association with the device and SIM being used.
Aduna stressed the near-term capabilities of the service, with a single API-based integration across AT&T, T-Mobile US, and Verizon networks to eliminate OTP waiting time – something exacerbated when users are on Wi-Fi. Besides the potential to boost conversion rates and lower support costs, Aduna claims to be addressing the $15.9 billion in fraud losses that affected U.S. consumers last year, according to Federal Trade Commission (FTC) data.
It also pointed to cybercriminals leveraging AI and sophisticated social engineering scams to circumvent OTP security.
"We are entering an era where your mobile number is one of your most secure digital passports," said Anthony Bartolo, CEO of Aduna. " By authenticating users directly through the carrier network in real time, we can reduce customer friction while significantly reducing the risk of fraud through interception or account takeover.”
“Aduna’s Number Verification marks an important step in how businesses and developers securely interact with the network. Through standardized network APIs, we’re enabling real-time authentication that moves beyond legacy methods like SMS codes,” added Lani Ingram, vice president of AT&T Connected Solutions, AT&T Business.
The service follows AT&T’s deployment of 5G network APIs in February for number verification and SIM swap, as part of a venture between it, T-Mobile US, and Verizon to reduce risks such as text messaging fraud and unauthorized SIM swaps.
Aduna and network APIs #
Formed in late 2024 by Ericsson, Google, and various telecom operators, Aduna was established to help carriers monetize network APIs within the developer community. The joint venture became official in mid-2025, with Ericsson holding a 50% stake, and the remaining half divided among the 12 founding operators.
In turn, Ericsson saw ABI Research acclaim over its network API positioning through both Aduna and its Vonage subsidiary, while IDC projects the global telecom API market will surpass $6 billion annually by 2028.
Issues remain, though, with ABI noting operators still face issues such as fragmentation, pricing, regulatory diversity, inconsistent latency, and reliability
The open source Camara project – the API standard from which Aduna follows – also admitted to this title that developer buy-in remains a challenge due to the historical nature of telecom-based APIs being overtly technical, a perception both it and Aduna are aiming to address.