As this year’s attendees are heading off, packing their bags or enjoying their final Spanish evening; it is time to look at the highlights from Mobile World Congress 2024.
I’m not sure if anyone wants to hear more about AI at this point, but AI was the absolute buzzword of the show, and this didn’t surprise anyone! We’ve seen many concepts leading heavily on AI, and AI found its way into many devices, such as Qualcomm leadership products in 5G and Wi-Fi.
In true MWC nature, everything was about the future with companies introducing their latest products, including new flagship handsets from Xiaomi, a transparent display from Lenovo, and the world’s most flexible phone yet with a bendable adaptive display from Motorola.
However, we also witnessed essential collaborations within the telecoms sector. Big four operators, including Deutsche Telekom (DT), Orange, Telefonica, and Vodafone Group, have taken the keynote stage to push for regulation changes.
MWC 2024 also marked two different alliances; one being the official proclamation of the creation of the AI-RAN Alliance, a new initiative designed to integrate AI into cellular technology to advance RAN technology and mobile networks; and the launch of global telco AI alliance to develop Large Language Models specifically tailored to the needs of telecommunications companies.
As we mentioned in our MWC predictions, sustainability also took the stage this year. Nokia publicly committed to reaching net zero by 2040, and the GSMA confirmed that mobile networks have seen a 6% cut in carbon emissions globally.
Announcements of The Global Mobile (GLOMO) Awards winners were another hit on the last day of MWC 2024. Considered to be the industry’s most prestigious accolade, judged by the sector’s most prominent subject matter experts, companies have been awarded 28 prizes across six categories.
Now, the question is how long it will take us to start talking about MWC 2025!