Vodafone introduces Quality on Demand Network API in Germany

Vodafone is launching Quality on Demand in Germany, enabling businesses and developers to optimise their customers’ mobile connections when accessing services such as digital payments, sports broadcasts and delivery services.

Germany is the first market to receive Vodafone’s latest network application programming interface (API), with more countries to follow. Vodafone’s Quality on Demand service enables organisations to offer customers a more stable, high-performing connection through a simple, secure interface to Vodafone’s 4G and 5G networks. This gives businesses greater control over the user experience, helping services run smoothly even during peak periods when network demand can rise sharply, while also supporting the development of new services.

Dynamically manage network quality

The Quality on Demand API enables third-party users to dynamically select a predefined profile with specific network parameters to meet their connectivity needs. For example, providers of payment solutions and card terminals could help shops serve many more people in crowded areas such as football stadiums, concerts and festivals, using advanced network capabilities from Vodafone. The service ensures the payment process is uninterrupted, meaning the merchant can process more transactions.

A wide range of applications that require high bandwidth and low latency are supported. The customer can choose the bandwidth level they need, for as long as they need, and they easily scale it worldwide because the network API adheres to a common industry standard. Vodafone is already working with other industry players on a proof of concept with a leading German broadcaster covering a football game. The broadcaster can run reliable push-to-talk communications between production crew and return video footage over the network.

Invite to developers

Vodafone is now welcoming organisations and developers to get in touch to explore other applications for the service.

Possible uses include:

• Entertainment: Download movies faster, stream games without interruptions, and enjoy immersive VR/AR experiences without lag.
• Transport systems: On-demand transport services such as ride-hailing and ridesharing, and vehicle rentals.
• Emergency situations: Facilitate seamless cooperation between drones during rescue operations.
• Remote Maintenance: Use augmented reality to maintain infrastructure from a central control unit.

Johanna Wood, Vodafone Director of Network APIs, said: “People use their smartphones to shop, bank, pay for public services and for entertainment services around ten times a day, making a stable mobile connection crucial for businesses that want to build customer loyalty. Our Quality on Demand API gives them a competitive advantage by letting them tailor network quality dynamically for specific use cases.”

Global initiative

Vodafone and other mobile network operators joined forces in 2024 as part of the global GSMA Open Gateway initiative. The aim is to give app developers, companies and cloud providers access to mobile networks via network interfaces, enabling them to improve existing services and develop new digital offerings. In addition to the Quality on Demand service, Vodafone’s mobile network currently also offers other APIs, including SIM Swap and Number Verify, which help combat online fraud.

Quality on Demand complements Vodafone’s network-based products, including dedicated 5G slices and private networks, by helping customers improve connection quality. Interested developers and organisations can find out more about Quality on Demand and other Vodafone network APIs here.