MWC26: Barcelona opens with calls to accelerate 5G, address AI challenges and strengthen digital safety

By:  Nana Appiah Acquaye

MWC26 Barcelona opened today, March 2, 2026, bringing together exhibitors, policymakers, startups and industry leaders for what is billed as the world’s largest connectivity event. The gathering comes at a pivotal moment for the global technology sector, as advanced 5G networks, artificial intelligence and escalating digital threats reshape economies and societies.

In his opening keynote, GSMA Director General Vivek Badrinath outlined three urgent priorities for the industry: accelerating investment in standalone 5G networks, expanding access to open and inclusive AI, and fostering coordinated action between governments and businesses to strengthen digital safety.

Badrinath noted that mobile technology connected 5.8 billion people last year and contributed $7.6 trillion to the global economy. He emphasized that unlocking the full potential of 5G and AI, while protecting users from rising cyber risks, will require cross-border collaboration to secure networks, bridge digital divides and build trust in the digital economy.

The event also marked the launch of the GSMA Mobile Economy 2026 report, which highlights the industry’s transition from a connectivity-focused model to one driven by advanced digital platforms, 5G standalone, AI and open APIs. According to the report, mobile technologies and services generated $7.6 trillion in economic value in 2025, representing 6.4 percent of global GDP, and are projected to reach $11.3 trillion, or 8.4 percent of GDP, by 2030.

Despite 96 percent of the global population living within mobile broadband coverage, more than three billion people remain unconnected. The report indicates that the usage gap is nearly ten times larger than the coverage gap. The mobile ecosystem supported 50 million jobs worldwide in 2025 and contributed more than $800 billion in public revenues through taxation.

By 2030, 57 percent of all mobile connections are expected to run on 5G, while legacy 2G and 3G networks will account for just 1 percent and 5 percent of connections respectively. Operator revenues are projected to grow from $1.19 trillion in 2025 to $1.36 trillion by 2030, supported by $1.2 trillion in capital expenditure over the period.

The report also warns of rising cybersecurity risks, projecting that the global cost of cybercrime, including fraud, will increase from $9.22 trillion in 2024 to $15.63 trillion by 2029. As networks become increasingly software-defined and AI-enabled, more than 90 percent of operators rate the threat environment as high or very high.

MWC26 Barcelona runs through March 5, 2026, featuring keynotes, summits and conference sessions. Proceedings are being live streamed via the official event website, app and Mobile World Live platform.