BREAKING: MWC26 has officially opened in Barcelona, Spain, with a powerful call to action for the global connectivity industry. As leaders from across business and government gather today, the urgency to accelerate 5G deployment and address AI challenges has never been more pressing.
In his opening keynote, Vivek Badrinath, Director General of the GSMA, outlined three critical priorities: investing in standalone networks, expanding access to inclusive AI, and fostering coordinated efforts to enhance digital safety. He emphasized, “If we want to unlock the full promise of 5G and harness AI responsibly, we must act with urgency.”
The event comes at a crucial time for the connectivity sector, as new data shows mobile technologies generated an astonishing $7.6 trillion in economic value in 2025, representing 6.4% of global GDP. This figure is set to skyrocket to $11.3 trillion, or 8.4% of GDP, by 2030. Despite 96% of the global population having access to mobile broadband, over 3 billion people remain unconnected, highlighting a staggering digital divide.
The latest Mobile Economy 2026 Report unveiled at MWC26 reveals that while the mobile ecosystem supported 50 million jobs in 2025 and contributed over $800 billion in public revenues, the threats from cybercrime are escalating. The report predicts the global cost of cybercrime will surge from $9.22 trillion in 2024 to $15.63 trillion by 2029, compelling the industry to act decisively.
With more than 90% of operators rating the threat environment as high or very high, a unified response is essential. Badrinath’s call for open collaboration across borders aims to secure networks, close digital gaps, and build trust within the digital economy.
MWC26, running until March 5, 2026, will feature live-streamed keynotes and select sessions available on demand through the MWC website, offering insights into the future of connectivity and digital safety.
For those seeking live updates, the MWC26 Press Zone is the go-to source for the latest news and insights from this pivotal event. The GSMA continues to champion connectivity as a force for good, emphasizing the need for innovation and collaboration to navigate the industry’s challenges.
Stay tuned for more urgent updates from MWC26 as leaders confront the future of digital growth and safety.
