MWC26: What to expect and how to plan.

MWC26 Barcelona: What to Expect — And How to Plan

MWC26 is where the mobile industry moves from connectivity to intelligence, monetisation and responsibility.

In our preview session, Peter Jarich (Head of GSMA Intelligence) and Hakan Dursun (CSO, GSMA) — alongside GSMA Intelligence analysts Tim Hatt and Radhika Gupta — outline the six themes shaping MWC Barcelona 2026 and what they mean for operators, vendors and policymakers.

The Six Themes at a Glance

• Intelligent Infrastructure – AI-native, cloud-based, automated networks as the foundation layer
• Connect AI – From cost savings to revenue-generating AI deployments
• AI for Enterprise – Vertical use cases with measurable ROI
• AI Nexus – Sovereign AI, governance and the control layer debate
• Game Changers – Direct-to-device satellite, quantum and frontier innovation
• Tech for All – Sustainability, inclusion and long-term industry legitimacy

What to Watch

• AI monetisation accelerating across the telecom sector
• Architecture decisions (cloud, NTN, open) becoming strategic differentiators
• Satellite shifting from trials to commercial reality
• Sovereign AI moving from marketing term to policy priority

Planning your MWC agenda? Start here.