Mobile World Congress 2015 wrap-up - Exclusive insight and analysis on the key developments and trends from Mobile World Congress 2015

The 2015 edition of Mobile World Congress was busier than ever and set new records with more than 93,000 visitors convening in Barcelona over the four-day event to do business, share knowledge and set out a positive vision for the future.

The conference agenda and the exhibition both benefited from a huge increase in participation by the wider ecosystem. The event attracted executives from the world’s largest and most influential mobile operators, internet and software companies, equipment providers, and companies from adjacent industry sectors such as automotive, finance, robotics and healthcare, as well as government delegations from across the globe.

Innovative technologies were also showcased by start-ups and entrepreneurs during the 'Four Years From Now’ event (4YFN), while the rapidly increasing number of connected devices demoed shows the pace at which the industry is committed to making a fully connected lifestyle a reality — and continuously increasing the positive impact that mobile has on society.

The topics we have selected in this report are therefore focused on key announcements and trends spotted during Congress, with a view to highlight the changes and growth factors that industry players will be implementing over the coming years to lead the industry’s transformation.

Our analysis is organised into three key areas; networks, devices and services:

Devices

• High-end flagship smartphone frenzy
• Breaking the operating system status quo
• Wireless charging technologies come to the forefront
• Wearables setting greater expectations
• A fully connected lifestyle not far on the horizon

Networks

• Defining 5G requirements and expectations
• Combining LTE, Wi-Fi and unlicensed spectrum
• Network virtualisation is gaining momentum

Services

• Championing trust through mobile security
• Mobile devices at the heart of contactless payment
• Google expands mobile strategy with MVNO deal
• Partnerships continue to drive M2M/IoT opportunities
• Broadening the game from M2M to IoT