MWC Barcelona 2026: AI and sovereignty battle for dominance in a post-5G world
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MWC Barcelona 2026: AI and sovereignty battle for dominance in a post-5G world
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EX. VATThis report is one of more than 140 published annually as part of the GSMA Intelligence data and research subscription, which is designed for organisations that require regular access to our insights. Contact our sales team for details.
Contact usAround 105,000 people from 207 countries attended MWC Barcelona 2026. The show attracted more than 2,900 exhibitors, including telecoms operators, vendors and firms from across the broader technology ecosystem. Almost 60% came from industries adjacent to telecoms, reflecting MWC’s evolution to an event covering digital transformation in its broadest sense – with impacts for people, companies and economies. The 4YFN area was a distinct force, hosting 1,000 startups and exhibitors, 300 speakers, and investors representing collective funds of €70 billion.
MWC is a place for deal-making. More than 45% of attendees were director level or above, with 17% C-suite level. Public policy has also been a focus area. Some 188 governmental delegations (including 54 ministers and 118 heads from regulatory bodies) participated in bilateral negotiations and policy convenings. Meanwhile, 2,600 journalists came to MWC to report on major announcements and the topics discussed.
This report examines the key announcements and innovations that took centre stage, what came as a surprise and what it all means for telecoms and the wider TMT industry.
Report details
MWC Barcelona 2026: AI and sovereignty battle for dominance in a post-5G world
£2500
EX. VATThis report is one of more than 140 published annually as part of the GSMA Intelligence data and research subscription, which is designed for organisations that require regular access to our insights. Contact our sales team for details.
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