The Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026 opened Spain, with the theme "The IQ Era," focusing on intelligent infrastructure, artificial intelligence (AI) connectivity and integration, enterprise-level AI applications, AI ecosystem collaboration, inclusive technology, and innovation-driven transformation.
Marking its 20th anniversary in Barcelona, this year's MWC attracted around 2,900 exhibitors, sponsors, and partners. More than 1,200 speakers took part in discussions.
Meanwhile, country and regional pavilions and technology-themed exhibition areas represent more than 100 countries and regions. Participants include global mobile network operators, device manufacturers, and technology companies.
In his opening remarks, GSMA Director General Vivek Badrinath stated that the mobile communications industry is entering a new phase of development that requires joint efforts to deepen 5G deployment, address AI-related challenges, and strengthen digital security.
Badrinath said that telecommunications networks, as critical infrastructure for the AI ecosystem, must play a greater role in the application of computing power and the development of model capabilities.
Amidst the ever-changing global digital landscape, Badrinath emphasized that global standards, global scale, and global innovation remain the foundation for sustainable industry growth.
In his keynote address, the general manager of China Telecom stated that the joint construction and utilization of 5G infrastructure provides valuable experience for large-scale global deployment. Moving forward, standards innovation and the rollout of 6G networks must fully consider the rapid development of AI while enhancing AI security governance systems.
Badrinath also said that while AI presents vast opportunities, the technology also brings new responsibilities.
Of the approximately 7,000 languages spoken worldwide, mainstream AI models are trained in only a small subset, potentially widening the "language divide" and limiting access to smart technologies for certain regions and communities.
"Mobile payments, precision agriculture, digital education, and telemedicine have transformed the lives of millions of people," he said. "We must ensure that more people benefit from them."
