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Internet companies have utilized the benefits of open innovation and open APIs for a long time, but mobile operators are just entering the open domain with a concept referred to here as Open Telco. This paper investigates how open APIs can be applied to mobile networks in order to transform them from a one-sided into a two-sided platform where new business models can be utilized. The research method is based on a single case study using a representative usage scenario. The research framework, applied in this case study, was driven by the literature analysis. The research was started by creating a set of usage scenarios for analysis by an expert group. The most representative case was then selected for a closer examination with the results presented in accordance with the research framework. According to the results, the Open Telco concept creates an ecosystem that enables a two-sided platform. However, positive network effects require at least national coverage; developers want innovative pricing schema and novel payment services need changes for regulation. Finally, the research limitations are expressed, the proposals for the next steps are given, results are compared with the literature findings, and conclusions are drawn.

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Mobile evolution from the second generation (2G) to the third generation (3G) raises several important questions for operators and manufacturers. How to ensure that the old and current investments can still be utilized in the future? What is the optimum architecture? ATM or IP? Voice or data? There is no single correct answer to these questions, as it all depends on individual cases. In this paper, we discuss the transport architecture evolution for the universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS)/international mobile telecommunications—year 2000 (IMT‐2000), or 3G cellular networks and interworking aspects between 2G and 3G cellular networks. The interfaces between access nodes in a cellular network and the changes incorporated to support packet data services are described. Emerging services such as mobile data, virtual private networks (VPN) and location aware networking are described. Role of ATM and IP in this new transport architecture is presented. Control and data plane interworking issues between different transport technologies are described. The new ATM standard, ATM adaptation layer type 2 (AAL2) and its applicability for transporting compressed speech in an ATM based cellular network is described. A similar approach in IP, multiplexing in real‐time transport protocol (RTP) payload to transport compressed speech on selective interfaces of 3G network, is introduced. Transport network architecture evolution within four different scenarios is evaluated. Special interest is focused on the protocol stacks and flexible layered solutions that allow smooth migration from one transport technology to another. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.