- Emergency Services: Emergency applications can query the connectivity status of critical team members. If a responder’s device is connected to a lower bandwidth network like 2G or 3G, the system can trigger a fallback mechanism for low-bandwidth communication (e.g., SMS) or adjust the urgency of the response. This ensures that alerts are still delivered even if the device is not on a high-speed network.
- Customer Support Platforms: A customer support platform checks the connected network type of a customer’s device before attempting to send a message or support ticket. If the device is connected to 2G or 3G, the system may opt for SMS-based communication to ensure message delivery, especially if data (mobile internet) connectivity is poor.
- IoT Devices: In IoT use cases, such as fleet management, the system can query the connectivity status of devices in vehicles. If the device is connected to 4G or 5G, real-time data transfer can be maintained for monitoring and management. However, if the device is connected to 2G or 3G, the system may reduce the frequency of data updates or switch to more efficient, lower-data-consuming communication methods like SMS.
Connected Network Type
API Description
The “Connected Network Type” API allows API consumers to query the connectivity status of a device on a mobile network. It reveals whether the device is connected to a 2G, 3G, 4G, or 5G network. This API also specifies the time when the status was last updated. The API helps to determine the type of mobile network a device is connected to in real time, allowing better decision-making regarding communication, service delivery, and network optimization based on the device’s network connection.
Use Cases
Benefits
- Real-time Connectivity Status: The Connected Network Type API provides real-time information on whether a device is connected to 2G, 3G, 4G, or 5G networks.
- Enhanced User Experience with Accurate Connectivity Information: The API ensures that businesses know whether a device is on a high-speed or low-speed network before sending communication.
API Portfolio: Device Information
SubProject Wiki: Device Status
(incl. how to meet the team)
API Wiki: Connected Network Type
API Repository: Device Status
API Repository Status: Sandbox
API Status: Initial
API Version(s) and Release Date(s):
- v0.1.0 (14.03.2025), Spring25 meta-release
API availability: Information which APIs are available in which country and network, and how to get access can be found on the GSMA public launch status page.