AT&T Becomes First US CSP to Achieve 'Running on ODA' Status for Its MVNx Ecosystems Group: Driving MVNO Innovation Through Open Digital Architecture 

TM Forum announced that AT&T has achieved ‘Running on ODA’ accreditation for its MVNx Ecosystems group, becoming the first US Communications Service Provider to gain this status. TM Forum’s ‘Running on ODA’ status recognizes CSPs building software architectures and delivery capabilities to TM Forum’s industry standard Open Digital Architecture and Open APIs – proven to deliver advanced business agility.

ODA replaces traditional monolithic software stacks with a ‘plug and play’ component-based modular architecture that underpins rapid product and service innovation. Built on TM Forum’s Generation 5 Open APIs, ODA helps to simplify, modernize, and automate operations, enabling significant cost savings and creating new revenue opportunities.

AT&T’s MVNx Ecosystems organization enables Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) to offer their own branded mobile services without having to invest in the expensive infrastructure typically required to operate a mobile network. ODA is a critical foundation for delivering this service, providing a common framework on which AT&T’s customers can innovate and offer new experiences by integrating network capabilities into their products and services.

By achieving Running on ODA accreditation, AT&T’s MVNx Ecosystems group is demonstrating a clear vision and strategy for the architecture underpinning its efforts toward network monetization and MVNO partner enablement. Moreover, by empowering its employees with the tools and training required to leverage ODA, AT&T is well positioned to innovate and deliver value to its customers while contributing to the evolution of the industry, evidenced by its award-winning TM Forum Catalyst project, and winning the inaugural TM Forum Training Champions Award at this year’s DTW – Ignite.

Stephanie Ormston, Assistant Vice President, MVNx Ecosystem, AT&T said: “We’re proud to be the first U.S. communications provider to achieve ‘Running on ODA’ status, a milestone that underscores our commitment to empowering our customers to deliver compelling new products with embedded network capabilities. This recognition from TM Forum highlights our ability to deliver innovative, scalable solutions that drive new revenue opportunities, while ensuring an exceptional customer experience. With ODA, we’re enabling MVNOs to seamlessly integrate connectivity to bring more valuable experiences to their customers."

“I’m delighted that AT&T has further demonstrated its commitment to ODA and Open API standards by gaining Running on ODA accreditation for its MVNx Ecosystems group,” said Andy Tiller, EVP Member Products and Services, TM Forum. “By embracing ODA, AT&T is making it easier and faster for its partners to build and launch new services, leveraging the power of AT&T's network. This means more innovative offerings and greater choice for consumers.”

Fourteen CSPs spanning the globe have now achieved Running on ODA accreditation, with AT&T joining Axiata, BT Group, CityFibre, Deutsche Telekom, Jio, NTT Group, Orange, SES Astra, Telefonica, Telia, Telstra, TELUS, and Vodafone. Additionally, 74 CSPs have participated in ODA collaboration meetings in the last 12 months.

Source: TM Forum media announcement