SK Telecom models pose at the SK Telecom exhibition booth set up in Barcelona, Spain, for the MWC26. Provided by SK Telecom.
The world’s largest telecommunications exhibition, the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026, will open on March 2 in Barcelona, Spain. Artificial Intelligence (AI), which has become a focal point in the telecom industry, is taking center stage at this year’s event.
According to the organizing body, the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA), MWC26, which runs from March 2-5, is themed “The IQ Era.” Over the past decade, the theme of MWC has shifted from telecommunications and mobile towards AI, emphasizing connection and convergence. About 2,900 companies from 205 countries, including telecom carriers, big tech companies, and equipment manufacturers, are participating.
Deloitte highlighted several key areas to watch, including the integration of agency AI with telecommunications companies, the innovation of 5G-Advanced and 6G communication products and services, the expansion of business areas in the mobile and telecom industries, AI computational infrastructure competition, and new opportunities in satellite communications.
Korean telecom companies also focus on AI in their exhibition booths. SK Telecom emphasizes “full-stack AI,” KT promotes “AI transformation (AX),” and LG Uplus stresses “human-centric AI.” As growth in their core telecom business slows, these companies are expanding into AI enterprises, such as AI data centers and AI agents.
SK Telecom showcases full-stack AI capabilities covering AI infrastructure, AI models, and AI services, including AI data centers and network AI. KT introduces the “Agentic Fabric,” an enterprise AX implementation OS, and the “K RaaS,” a robot platform for physical AI services. LG Uplus presents the futuristic AI call agent “Exio Pro,” which comprehensively understands everyday data like calls, texts, and schedules and proactively suggests relevant information.
Samsung Electronics display its recently unveiled Galaxy S26 series smartphones and new devices alongside AI-based network technology. LG Electronics sets up a private booth for B2B customers, presenting next-generation smart telematics solutions that integrate telematics control units (TCU) and antennas into a single module.
LG Uplus representatives introduce the AI call agent “Exio” at their exhibit. Provided by LG Uplus.
Chinese companies continue their aggressive presence at MWC. Huawei showcases AI-based intelligent and automated power grid solutions and its latest flagship devices. Xiaomi drew attention by launching the Xiaomi 17 series smartphones in Spain on February 28, two days before MWC26 began. Honor introduces a “robot phone,” capable of 360-degree rotating shots with a built-in camera and humanoid service robots.
Emerging technologies such as satellite communications, quantum computing, and physical AI are also expected to make a significant impact at the event. Gwen Shotwell, President of SpaceX, and Michael Nichols, Vice President of Starlink, will deliver keynote speeches on the “future of satellite-mobile.” Other speakers include John Stankey, CEO of AT&T, Cristiano Amon, CEO of Qualcomm, and Bum-sik Hong, CEO of LG Uplus.