I went to Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2024, the world’s biggest mobile industry event, last week in Barcelona, Spain, and I had a great time. I met fascinating people, attended presentations that made me think about technology and services in new ways, and, perhaps equally as important, ate some great food.
Here are a few of my non-culinary takeaways from this year’s event.
AI Takes Center Stage
Artificial Intelligence (AI) was a central theme at MWC 2024, with numerous companies showcasing their AI-powered solutions and applications. Qualcomm unveiled its AI-enabled 5G modems, promising improved network efficiency and enhanced user experiences. Google is bringing Gemini AI to their Messages app and Maps, and Spanish telecommunications giant Telefónica announced a partnership with Microsoft to bring the capabilities of generative artificial intelligence (AI) to its Kernel 2.0 innovation platform. The Global Mobile Awards (GLOMO), presented at MWC for outstanding achievements in the mobile industry, featured several AI-related categories and winners this year. Hyodol’s AI Elderly Care Platform, which offers AI-powered companionship dolls for older adults, won the Best Mobile Innovation for Connected Health and Wellbeing category. In the newly introduced Best AI Innovation category, Qualcomm Technologies emerged victorious with its Qualcomm AI Engine.
Additionally, ZTE unveiled the world’s first AI 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) solution, leveraging AI to optimize 5G network performance and deliver high-speed wireless broadband services. One of the most significant announcements at MWC 2024, particularly in the realm of generative AI, was the formation of the Global Telco AI Alliance (GTAA). This groundbreaking collaboration brings together major telecommunications companies, including Deutsche Telekom, e& Group, Singtel, SoftBank, and SK Telecom. The alliance aims to develop large language models (LLMs) specifically tailored to the unique needs and nuances of the telecommunications sector. These will be designed and trained to cater to the specialized requirements of telco operations, enabling more efficient and effective deployment of AI capabilities within the industry. The GTAA represents a concerted effort by leading telcos to harness the power of generative AI and drive innovation in areas such as network optimization, customer service, and data analysis.
Private Networks Continue to Make Noise
One of the major highlights for me was the launch of CloudRAN.AI, a new platform that promises to transform private 5G deployments for industrial use cases. Leveraging the power of AI and cloud technologies, CloudRAN.AI offers a cloud-native, AI-powered solution tailored for specific industrial environments.
Another significant development in the field was the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Tech Mahindra and Pegatron. This collaboration aims to develop cutting-edge, AI-enabled private 5G network solutions for enterprises across various industries. Tech Mahindra brings its extensive expertise in 5G and artificial intelligence technologies, while Pegatron contributes its manufacturing prowess and experience in networking equipment.
I was fortunate enough to host a panel discussion on the topic of private networks and CBRS, with guests from JMA Wireless, Multi-Tech, and Federated Wireless. The US-only shared spectrum technology has flourished since licenses were awarded in 2020, with regulatory changes and technological updates spurring additional deployments. There was also a fascinating panel discussion “5G vs. Wi-Fi: What Do We Actually Need for Scalable, Real Private Wireless?”, with speakers from Boingo Wireless, Cellnex, Celona, and Extreme Networks. It was led by Pablo Ernesto Tomasi from Omdia.
Satellite Communications: Expanding Horizons
Satellite communications emerged as a prominent area of discussion at MWC 2024. Companies like AT&T and AST SpaceMobile highlighted the potential of space-based technologies in providing global connectivity solutions. AT&T announced its plans to integrate its terrestrial network with AST SpaceMobile’s planned low-Earth orbit satellite constellation, enabling seamless connectivity for mobile users worldwide.
Neutral Host Ecosystem for Southeast Asia
A notable collaboration was announced between Edotco, TIP (Telecom Infra Project), and Telkom University, aimed at creating a neutral host ecosystem for Southeast Asia. This initiative aims to promote infrastructure sharing and facilitate the deployment of advanced regional technologies, such as 5G and IoT. The partnership will leverage TIP’s open and disaggregated solutions to build a cost-effective and efficient network infrastructure.
Industry Collaboration and Innovation
MWC 2024 wasn’t just about broad themes and large-scale collaborations. The event also served as a launchpad for specific innovations addressing diverse industry pain points.
One such example is the partnership between Cisco and Canadian telecom giant Telus. Together, they announced the launch of new 5G capabilities in North America specifically designed for the Internet of Things (IoT) in connected cars. This collaboration aims to pave the way for the widespread adoption of autonomous vehicles and other advanced automotive applications.
Furthermore, Huawei, a major player in the telecom industry, unveiled its “Net5.5G Intelligent Cloud-Network Solutions” at the event. These solutions, designed for the “intelligent era,” target various industries, including healthcare, transportation, and manufacturing, aiming to improve efficiency and productivity by integrating advanced cloud and network technologies.
Conclusion
MWC 2024 highlighted how different players across various sectors are working together to leverage the power of emerging technologies to address specific challenges and create a more connected and efficient future. The event attracted over 100,000 people, and I was delighted to be one of them. I hope to see you there next year.
