The journey of the CPaaS Acceleration Alliance began with a vision to unite telcos and technology companies. Our first meetup was planned for MWC 2020, but the pandemic had other plans. Fast forward five years, and it’s incredible to see how far we’ve come. This year’s MWC was not just a telco event; it was a vibrant tech convergence, and we were thrilled to be part of the GSMA Open Gateway Zone, representing our community of 100+ companies, experts, and leaders in the programmable communications industry.
Here are the five key takeaways that defined this year’s experience:
- From Telco to Techco: This year, MWC felt more like a tech event than a traditional telco conference, highlighting the industry’s transformation.
- Network APIs Take Center Stage: The focus on Network APIs showcased how telcos are embracing innovation and creating new revenue opportunities.
- The Rise of AI and Automation: AI took the spotlight, emphasizing its pivotal role in transforming customer engagement and driving efficiency.
- The Convergence of CPaaS, CCaaS, and Vertical Solutions: Enterprises are seeking comprehensive solutions that go beyond communication tools, marking a shift towards integrated, vertical-specific offerings.
- Strategic Partnerships Matter: The event underscored the importance of strategic collaborations, with the CPaaS Acceleration Alliance playing a central role in driving these partnerships forward.
In the sections that follow, we’ll dive deeper into each of these takeaways, exploring how they are shaping the future of our industry and the pivotal role the Alliance continues to play.
From Telco to Techco
This year, MWC felt more like a tech event than a traditional telco conference, highlighting the industry’s transformation. This shift was clearly reflected in the opening keynotes by major telcos like Telefónica and especially Telstra. While they still addressed regulatory and operational challenges, they emphasized the importance of value-added services and Network APIs as enablers. This marked a significant departure from the traditional focus on spectrum and infrastructure alone, highlighting a clear pivot towards innovation and tech-driven solutions.
This new direction underscores the industry’s commitment to embracing technology as a core driver of future growth.
Network APIs Take Center Stage
Network APIs were a focal point at MWC 2025, showcasing how telcos are leveraging their infrastructure to drive innovation. In the GSMA Open Gateway Zone, Shabodi and Nabstract.io, both part of our demo experience, demonstrated how their solutions enable telcos to unlock new possibilities and revenue streams.
This emphasis on APIs is paving the way for more flexible, customizable, and innovative solutions that cater to diverse industry needs.
The Rise of AI and Automation
AI was a major theme, with Intel as one of our demo partners leading the charge. Their demonstrations showcased the potential for telcos to reclaim revenue that had migrated to the web and app economies over the past two decades.
This shift towards a conversational economy, driven by (agentic) AI, holds immense potential for new revenue streams and business models!
The Convergence of CPaaS, CCaaS, and Vertical Solutions
Enterprises are increasingly seeking integrated platforms that address their unique needs. Creo Solutions, one of our demo partners, exemplified this trend by showcasing how vertical-specific solutions can quickly be developed and tailored to various industries, bringing real value to the market.
Creo’s work on verticalization demonstrates the importance of comprehensive, customizable solutions that go beyond traditional communication tools, meeting the specific needs of different industries.
Strategic Partnerships Matter
One of the most significant takeaways was the emphasis on strategic partnerships. The CPaaS Acceleration Alliance has been instrumental in fostering these collaborations, playing a pivotal role in driving industry growth and innovation.
Looking ahead, the focus must shift from strategy to execution. We were thrilled to have Mach49, a venture builder from Silicon Valley, as part of our demo zone. They highlighted the possibilities for telcos and techcos to collaborate and build new growth and revenue streams, emphasizing the need for action and implementation.
Looking Ahead: From Conversations to Action
MWC 2025 was more than just a conference—it was a catalyst. The discussions, partnerships, and innovations showcased this year prove that the CPaaS, Network API, and AI-driven ecosystem is entering a new phase of acceleration. But the real work begins now.
At the CPaaS Acceleration Alliance, we’re committed to turning these conversations into concrete actions—whether that’s through expanding partnerships, driving adoption of Network APIs, or supporting members in creating real business impact. The momentum from MWC will carry into our upcoming initiatives, from our working groups and industry playbooks to the next major gathering at CASA25 in September.
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us at the GSMA Open Gateway Zone, our DevCon talk, the CAVE lunch, or simply for a quick chat—every conversation matters in shaping the future of this industry!
If we discussed next steps, you’ll hear from us soon. If we missed each other, let’s reconnect—there’s plenty to do, and we’re just getting started.
Let’s accelerate.