MWC Shanghai 2023: innovation and transformation send signals beyond China
This report is available to those subscribed to the IoT & Enterprise, Digital Consumer, Fixed, TV and Convergence, Spectrum or Mobile Operators and Networks modules.
MWC Shanghai returned as an in-person event this year, celebrating its 10th anniversary. The event figures speak to the magnitude and importance of the show. Nearly 37,000 people attended from 115 countries and territories, with 3,000 from outside mainland China. Attendees represented more than 8,000 companies, with over 30% of attendees from adjacent industries beyond the mobile sector.
Taking centre stage at the event was progress with 5G and the impact of the technology on accelerating digital transformation and innovation for consumers, businesses and society. This Insight Spotlight examines the takeaways from the show spanning 5G, open network APIs, devices, spectrum and digital transformation. The learnings and implications stretch across the telecoms ecosystem both in China and around the world.
Related research
Global Mobile Forecasts, Q3 2025 Review: capturing the changes, discussing the drivers
GSMA Intelligence constantly monitors mobile markets across the world to capture the most recent trends and share the latest available data. This analysis looks at the key revisions made to the mobile connection forecasts over the previous quarter and the drivers underpinning the changes.
Open RAN as 2026 looms: performance continues to hold it back
As 2026 approaches, many operators remain committed to open RAN, but its status as a technology priority is nearing an all-time low. What has held back open RAN market development and how is the technology failing to meet operator needs?
The Mobile Economy Middle East and North Africa 2025
The mobile industry continues to play a significant role in digital transformation across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), with advanced networks supporting new applications for consumers and businesses. The expansion of coverage and the transition to 4G and 5G are influencing technological development and economic growth, as reflected by the mobile sector’s contribution.
Authors
How to access this report
Annual subscription: Subscribe to our research modules for comprehensive access to more than 200 reports per year.
Enquire about subscriptionContact our research team
Get in touch with us to find out more about our research topics and analysis.
Contact our research teamMedia
To cite our research, please see our citation policy in our Terms of Use, or contact our Media team for more information.
Learn moreRelated research
Global Mobile Forecasts, Q3 2025 Review: capturing the changes, discussing the drivers
GSMA Intelligence constantly monitors mobile markets across the world to capture the most recent trends and share the latest available data. This analysis looks at the key revisions made to the mobile connection forecasts over the previous quarter and the drivers underpinning the changes.
Open RAN as 2026 looms: performance continues to hold it back
As 2026 approaches, many operators remain committed to open RAN, but its status as a technology priority is nearing an all-time low. What has held back open RAN market development and how is the technology failing to meet operator needs?
The Mobile Economy Middle East and North Africa 2025
The mobile industry continues to play a significant role in digital transformation across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), with advanced networks supporting new applications for consumers and businesses. The expansion of coverage and the transition to 4G and 5G are influencing technological development and economic growth, as reflected by the mobile sector’s contribution.
- 200 reports a year
- 50 million data points
- Over 350 metrics