Why I’m Excited About MWC 2026 Barcelona...
...and the Five Big Trends That Will Define It
As the global technology and telecommunications ecosystem prepares to converge on Barcelona for Mobile World Congress 2026, I couldn’t be more energized about what’s ahead. For two decades, MWC has been the proving ground where connectivity innovation, commercial ambition, and visionary leadership intersect, and this year promises more of that transformative energy than ever before.
Whether you’re a network operator, a cloud platform leader, a SaaS innovator, or an enterprise strategist shaping digital transformation, MWC26 is a lens into the future of how connectivity will reshape industries, business models, and societal outcomes.
Here are the five key trends I’m most excited to watch in Barcelona:
1. AI Embedded Everywhere from Devices to Infrastructure
Artificial intelligence is no longer a buzzword on the sidelines of connectivity — it is now becoming foundational. MWC’s theme “The IQ Era” reflects a recognition that intelligence and automation must be woven directly into network architectures, enterprise workflows, and real-time experiences.
We are moving beyond talking about AI features to building AI-native networks, where intelligence isn’t just an add-on but is fundamental to how networks operate, adapt, and optimize. Expect demonstrations of real-time edge AI, network inference systems, and new tools that reduce operational friction while unlocking fresh value for customers and enterprises.
2. 5G Maturation and the Early Threads of 6G
Though 5G is widely deployed, the industry is now intensely focused on how to turn those investments into measurable revenues and new services. Analysts are tracking momentum around 5G Standalone (SA) deployments, network slicing for enterprise IoT, and programmable interfaces that let operators and third parties innovate more fluidly on top of their platforms.
At the same time, discussions about 6G are emerging at MWC as a strategic horizon rather than a distant dream — exploring early technologies such as integrated sensing, ultra-low latency planning, and the role of next-generation spectrum.
For TMT leaders, this is the moment when the telecom roadmap transitions from incremental connectivity improvements to strategic re-thinking of what future networks enable.
3. Open RAN and Cloud-Native Architectures
Open Radio Access Network (Open RAN) and cloud-native strategies aren’t just theoretical anymore — they’re being tested, scaled, and operationalized. Operators and vendors alike are presenting proof points around cloud-first network deployments, more modular infrastructure, and APIs that let partners and ecosystems plug in value without proprietary lock-in.
