The GSMA Open Gateway initiative and the CAMARA Project have given Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) a clear path to monetize not only their network assets, but also their customer data, via Network APIs. However, transitioning from being a "pipes" provider to a high-value platform involves significant strategic and operational hurdles.
There are four fundamental questions for MNOs to evaluate regarding this shift. The answers determine whether they capture billions in new revenue or yield total control to platform partners.
Telcos are looking to generate meaningful revenue beyond low-margin connectivity by securely monetizing their customer and network data, but many carriers don’t have the time, capital, personnel, and/or market knowledge to deliver a robust network authentication solution. And most recently, ambiguous technical standards threaten to cede revenue control to hyper-scalers.
The Shush platform, Sherlock, enables a direct-to-market approach with all the necessary facets to operate and manage a Network Authentication API business, brings existing demand partners, and affords carriers a zero cost, zero risk framework with a managed services option, where Shush handles all day-to-day business operations based on carrier guidance.
This monetization model is designed as a "Business-in-a-Box" for MNOs, ensuring they retain complete control over the revenue stream through:
The zero cost, zero risk, and managed services model removes all risk away from the MNO, allowing them to realize long-term value without needing to staff a full enterprise sales team for new APIs.
It is important to note that Shush is not an aggregator. Shush sits on the supply side of the ecosystem with the Carriers to empower safe and secure delivery of Network signals to enterprises for fraud prevention. In contrast, Aduna is an aggregator of demand, which is also an important piece of the puzzle and can be partnered with in conjunction.
2. Infrastructure: Is our network ready for scale now?
Advanced NaaS network APIs such as QoD, Network Slicing often require sophisticated infrastructure like 5G Standalone (SA) core, expensive NEFs or SCEFs, or extensive network virtualization. This creates a massive gap between developer demand (which is immediate) and operator capability (which is slow and capital-intensive).
Sherlock is a cloud-native platform - which can be integrated to any backend network - that accelerates time-to-revenue by bridging this infrastructure gap. Built for resilience and scalability, Sherlock integrates with a minimal number of existing network elements This architecture allows MNOs to deliver a robust suite of up to 47 Network APIs, including all 8 stable CAMARA APIs, and works on any “G” - eliminating CapEx and accelerating market entry.
Exposing core network and customer data functions to third parties heightens scrutiny under strict regional regulations, including GDPR, PSD2, and CPNI (Customer Proprietary Network Information). Balancing agility with compliance is non-negotiable. This is not and cannot be a one size fits all approach.
The Shush/Sherlock Solution: Compliance is built into the Sherlock platform's DNA. We understand that PII exposure is the carrier’s greatest liability. Unlike ambiguous methods, Sherlock ensures PII (MSISDN) is never shared directly with third-party applications, relying instead on secure, token-based verification (like the GSMA TS.43 ap2015 standard). Furthermore, Shush provides the necessary Business Operations Framework - including vetting processes and localized regulatory guidance - to ensure policy-aligned API delivery without compromising speed.
The window of opportunity for value creation is narrow. Developers are already building. Operators fear losing relevance if they delay, especially as hyper-scalers and aggregators capture the market first.
The Shush/Sherlock Solution: Speed is Sherlock's core advantage. We provide a “business-in-a-box” that accelerates go-to-market from months to weeks. Our platform, paired with our team of veteran telecom executives who have built these systems before, handles: fast deployment, pre-integrated APIs, operational management, and demand sourcing. By adopting Sherlock, MNOs move from strategy to revenue realization immediately, ensuring they stay ahead of the disruption and capture their rightful share of the API economy.
Ready to get started? Fill out our contact form, email info@shush.pw, or message us on LinkedIn. We look forward to working with you!