Azure Programmable Connectivity on Microsoft Azure
Notice: Microsoft has removed the documentation and product page for Azure Programmable Connectivity; the former addresses (learn.microsoft.com/azure/programmable-connectivity and azure.microsoft.com/products/programmable-connectivity) now redirect to Microsoft’s telecommunications industry page. We have not found a dated retirement announcement from Microsoft. The description below reflects the last known state of the service; please check the current status directly with Microsoft.
What is Azure Programmable Connectivity?
Azure Programmable Connectivity (APC) was, per the last available Microsoft documentation, a gateway service in public preview that provided developers with unified API access to network capabilities from various mobile carriers. Instead of building individual integrations with each carrier, applications used standardized CAMARA APIs via Azure.
The service abstracts the complexity of the telco world: Different carrier APIs, authentication methods, and data formats are translated into a unified Azure API. Developers can use network capabilities like SIM swap detection, location verification, or QoS requests with just a few API calls.
APC supports multiple partner carriers and continuously expands available network functions based on the GSMA Open Gateway and CAMARA project.
Typical Use Cases
Fraud prevention: Banks and financial services check via SIM Swap Detection API whether a SIM card was recently changed before authorizing sensitive transactions. Reduces account takeover attacks.
Location verification: Apps verify that a device is actually at a claimed location based on network data rather than GPS. Useful for geofencing and compliance checks.
QoS for critical applications: Gaming, streaming, or enterprise apps request temporarily higher bandwidth or lower latency for specific sessions.
Number verification: Verification that a user actually has access to a phone number without needing to send SMS OTP.
Frequently Asked Questions about Azure Programmable Connectivity
Which carriers are supported?
APC works with selected carrier partners. Availability varies by region and carrier. Contact Microsoft for the current partner list and regional availability.
What are CAMARA APIs?
CAMARA is a Linux Foundation project for standardized telco APIs. APC implements CAMARA standards to ensure cross-carrier compatibility. APIs include SIM Swap, Device Location, QoD, and more.
How does authentication work?
Applications authenticate via Microsoft Entra ID, for example using the .NET SDK together with the Entra Authentication SDK. APC handles carrier-specific authentication in the background. End-user consent is handled according to API type and carrier requirements.
What does Azure Programmable Connectivity cost?
The pricing model is based on API calls. Prices vary by API type and carrier. Contact Microsoft for detailed pricing information.
Is APC GDPR compliant?
Network data provided via APC is processed by the respective mobile carrier according to that carrier’s data protection policies. A GDPR assessment should consider both Azure compliance standards and carrier-specific data protection terms for your specific use case.
Is Azure Programmable Connectivity generally available yet?
The last known status was public preview. Microsoft has since removed the product page and documentation; both addresses now redirect to Microsoft’s telecommunications industry page. We have not found a dated retirement announcement, so the service’s current status cannot be confirmed from here. Please check directly with Microsoft.
Integration with innFactory
As a Microsoft Solutions Partner, innFactory can help you assess the current status of Azure Programmable Connectivity and evaluate alternatives for telco API integrations.
Contact us for a non-binding consultation.
Typical Use Cases
Note: All product information on this page has been compiled with care, but is provided without guarantee and may be outdated or incomplete. Cloud services evolve rapidly — features, pricing, SLAs, and availability change frequently. Authoritative and up-to-date information can only be found on the official product page of Azure (official documentation). This page does not represent an offer by Azure.
