Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026, the world's largest mobile trade show opening on the 2nd next month (local time) in Barcelona, Spain, is expected to focus on how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming industry beyond the fusion of AI and telecommunications. In particular, this year is expected to address space-based connectivity beyond terrestrial networks.
According to the GSM Association (GSMA), which organizes MWC, the theme of MWC 2026 is the "IQ era." It is expected to highlight how human insight and technological forecasting in the AI era combine to generate industrial and social outcomes.
The sub-themes of MWC 2026 are sixfold: "AI solutions for corporations (AI 4 Enterprise)," "AI nexus and connectivity (AI Nexus)," "next-generation connected technologies infused with AI (ConnectAI)," "game-changing innovations (Game Changers)," "intelligent infrastructure (Intelligent Infrastructure)," and "universal welfare and technology for all (Tech4All)." While last year's MWC ran under the slogan "fusion, connectivity, creation" with six sub-themes—"5G inside," "connect X," "AI+," "enterprise re-invented," "game changers," and "digital DNA"—and AI was one of the major pillars, this year AI will permeate the overall discussion.
Keynote speakers include Gwynne Shotwell, president and chief operating officer (COO) of SpaceX, Michael Nicolls, vice president of Starlink Engineering at SpaceX, and Tim Peake, an astronaut with the European Space Agency (ESA). A major agenda item is space-based communication networks that seek to expand the scope of communications to space, beyond mobile AI connectivity on the ground. Led by Elon Musk, SpaceX is a private space company that encompasses launch vehicles and satellite communications, and is the world's largest satellite operator based on its Starlink satellite internet service. Notably, Musk this month announced the merger of SpaceX and his AI startup xAI and set a goal of building a space data center. Space-based communication networks are also included in "game changers," a sub-theme of MWC 2026 that surveys technologies and business models capable of upending the existing industrial order.
The session featuring Shotwell, the SpaceX COO, and Nicolls, the SpaceX vice president, will also include Rakuten Chairman and CEO Hiroshi Mikitani and Hong Bum-Shik, president of LG Uplus, as speakers. Rakuten is working with U.S. satellite startup AST SpaceMobile to enter Japan's satellite communications market. Rakuten Mobile, the mobile affiliate of Rakuten Group, plans to launch its commercial "Rakuten Saikyo Satellite Service" in the second half of the year. The service aims to eliminate coverage gaps using low Earth orbit satellites and maintain communication links during disasters. They are expected to redefine the integration of satellites and terrestrial networks and the consolidation of carriers.
Tim Peake, an astronaut with the European Space Agency (ESA), along with AT&T CEO John Stankey, Vodafone CEO Margherita Della Valle, and Orange CEO Christel Heydemann, will present a roadmap toward a hyperconnected world to be realized through AI-based networks and next-generation infrastructure. A key point to watch is how major global carriers will redefine how they create value.
Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon, Huawei wireless products institutional sector president Yang Chaobin, and Nokia CEO Justin Hotard are also expected to attend and discuss network-AI integration. Character.AI CEO Karandeep Anand, Oura CEO Tom Hale, Blizzard Entertainment President Johanna Faries, and actor-producer Aaron Paul are expected to explore AI through digital services and popular culture.
CEOs of Korea's telecom carriers will also head to MWC 2026. Jung Jai-hun, president of SK Telecom, will make MWC 2026 his official debut stage. SK Telecom plans to showcase its "full stack AI" competitiveness spanning AI infrastructure, models, and services at MWC 2026. Together with partners, the company plans to present AI technologies advanced through telecommunications and telecom technologies evolving through AI.
LG Uplus will again center its booth on AI this year, following last year. Having unveiled collaborations with Google and Amazon Web Services (AWS) at last year's MWC, the company plans to actively pursue partnerships with big tech firms this year as well. As KT will change its CEO next month, there is a high likelihood that President Kim Young-shub will not attend MWC 2026. The KT exhibition hall will unveil a range of AX proof-of-concept cases, major AI solutions, and agents.