Nokia, now a leader in telecommunications infrastructure beyond mobile phones, has acquired Rapid, a company renowned for its wide API marketplace.
The acquisition will enable Nokia to strengthen its presence in the 5G space by providing telecom operators with a platform to enhance network accessibility for developers.
Rapid’s technology, particularly its API hub, will be integrated into Nokia’s “Network as Code” initiative, aiming to unlock new opportunities for innovation within 5G and 4G networks.
With Rapid’s API solutions now under its umbrella, Nokia intends to support telecom providers in capitalising on network capabilities by making them accessible to third-party developers.
Nokia’s new framework will enable mobile carriers to offer secure, standardised APIs, allowing developers to build diverse applications and services on existing network infrastructures.
The platform has already attracted interest from industry giants such as BT, DISH, Google Cloud, Orange, and Telefonica, promising an extensive global reach for its 5G innovation strategy.
This acquisition is also a strategic pivot for Nokia. Once big in mobile handset manufacturing, Nokia gradually transitioned to telecom infrastructure after losing ground in the smartphone sector.
Now, with the integration of Rapid’s API marketplace, Nokia will serve as an important link between telecom and technology. This step symbolises Nokia’s aim to help mobile operators seamlessly connect with the digital ecosystem, stimulating a new wave of services powered by 5G.
Network operators and tech companies alike are investing heavily in 5G infrastructure and leveraging Rapid’s technology will help Nokia empower telecom companies with a flexible API management solution, which will allow real-time control of API usage, enhanced lifecycle management, and improved developer collaboration.
Raghav Sahgal, Nokia’s president of Cloud and Network Services, emphasised the importance of creating a scalable platform that bridges telecom capabilities with developers worldwide.
“Operators need a bridge to thousands of developers to drive value creation and monetise networks. Rapid’s API technology and skilled R&D team will support Nokia in accelerating the adoption of network APIs,” Sahgal stated.
Rapid’s CEO, Marc Friend, noted that Nokia’s scale and extensive industry expertise provide an opportunity to expand the reach and impact of Rapid’s API solutions.
Through the merger with Nokia, Rapid will contribute its API marketplace and enterprise-grade technology to a platform already gaining momentum in the global market.
Although the terms of the acquisition have not been publicly disclosed, this deal reiterated Nokia’s continued investment in future-proofing the telecom sector and enhancing its 5G offerings.
The integration of Rapid’s assets, from its API hub to its developer network, is expected to drive global innovation, making it easier for network operators to collaborate with technology providers and developers worldwide.
