Regulators, telecom operators, and technology leaders gathered in Barcelona for the 2026 edition of the Mobile World Congress, where discussions centred on the future of artificial intelligence, the expansion of 5G networks, and the growing need for coordinated action against cybercrime and digital fraud.

The event, organised by the GSMA, marked 20 years of hosting the global connectivity conference in Barcelona and drew nearly 105,000 attendees from 207 countries and territories, underscoring the continued importance of telecommunications infrastructure in shaping the digital economy.

Discussions focused on balancing innovation with safeguards as AI becomes increasingly embedded in telecom networks, customer services, and cybersecurity systems. Industry stakeholders warned that while AI is accelerating network efficiency and enabling new digital services, it is also being exploited by fraudsters and cybercriminals, creating new risks for operators and consumers.

Participants stressed the need for closer cooperation between regulators and telecom operators to develop consistent rules for AI deployment, data protection, and digital trust across markets.

Speaking at the event, GSMA Director General Vivek Badrinath said the global connectivity industry is entering a new phase defined by collaboration around complex technological challenges. “One week, hundreds of stages and thousands of conversations have shown how energised and purposeful the connectivity industry has become,” he said, noting that discussions ranged from open and inclusive AI to unlocking the full potential of 5G while keeping users safe from fraud and cybercrime.

According to organisers, MWC26 featured approximately 2,900 exhibitors, sponsors, and partners, alongside more than 1,700 speakers and industry thought leaders. Nearly 40 per cent of speakers were C-level executives, while women accounted for 35 per cent of speakers and 27 per cent of total attendees.

A key highlight of this year’s gathering was the GSMA Ministerial Programme, which convened 188 government delegations, including 54 ministers, representatives from 45 intergovernmental organisations, and 118 heads of regulatory authorities. The strong government presence reflected growing regulatory interest in managing the rapid evolution of AI and next-generation connectivity technologies.

MWC26 also reflected the widening scope of the connectivity ecosystem. Organisers said 58 per cent of attendees came from industries adjacent to the traditional mobile sector, including finance, manufacturing, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence. The event attracted nearly 2,600 journalists and analysts worldwide, while keynote sessions and live broadcasts generated more than 1.3 million online views across digital platforms.

The startup platform 4YFN, co-located with the main conference, hosted over 1,000 exhibitors, more than 300 speakers, and investors managing a combined $70 bn in funds, highlighting continued venture interest in digital innovation. Separately, the Talent Arena organised by Mobile World Capital Barcelona drew more than 25,000 participants, focusing on digital skills and workforce development.

The Chief Executive Officer of GSMA Ltd, John Hoffman, said the 20-year partnership between MWC and Barcelona demonstrates how collaboration between industry and host cities can create lasting economic and technological impact. “From the very beginning, the GSMA and host city parties shared a common vision to build something that would matter to the world,” Hoffman said, thanking partners and participants for sustaining the event’s growth.

MWC26 Barcelona also marked the start of GSMA’s global event calendar for the year. Upcoming gatherings include MWC Kigali in June, MWC Shanghai later the same month, and MWC Doha scheduled for November, alongside regional M360 events across Latin America, Eurasia, and Southeast Asia. Organisers said all keynote sessions from MWC26 will be made available on demand through the event’s digital platforms as industry stakeholders continue discussions sparked during the week-long conference.