The Mobile World Congress 2025 (MWC 2025) in Barcelona is shaping up to be one of the most pivotal events for the telecom industry in recent years. With 5G investments weighing heavily on operators, operational costs soaring, and 6G on the horizon, telcos are at a critical juncture. The big question? How can they turn emerging technologies like AI and Large Language Models (LLMs) into real business advantages?
AI is no longer just an efficiency tool—it’s becoming the backbone of network automation, customer engagement, and workflow optimization. And let’s not forget monetization. Telcos are under immense pressure to unlock new revenue streams, whether through network slicing, AI-driven services, or API-based ecosystems.
But what makes MWC 2025 truly exciting is the emerging rivalry between Silicon Valley’s tech giants and China’s rapidly evolving AI landscape. The year started with NVIDIA’s CEO making headlines by declaring Agentic AI as the next phase of AI evolution, and DeepSeek R1’s groundbreaking advancements have already sent shockwaves across the industry. These developments are bound to influence keynotes, panel discussions, and even some major announcements at MWC 2025.
To help set the stage, Omdia has released an in-depth eBook outlining what we can expect at MWC this year, covering insights from leading analysts. While there’s a lot to watch, I believe these five key themes will dominate the event:
AI Dominance
- Agentic AI: AI will play a bigger role in BSS (Business Support Systems) and OSS (Operations Support Systems), customer interactions, and service automation. NVIDIA will be a major proponent, pushing the idea of the “Agentic AI era.” Cloud providers like AWS, Google, IBM, Microsoft, and Salesforce will showcase how telcos can integrate AI agents into their operations.
- AI-powered RAN (AI-RAN): AI-driven enhancements in the Radio Access Network (RAN) are transitioning from concept to pilot implementations, with companies like NVIDIA, Ericsson, and Intel leading the charge. The AI-RAN Alliance will showcase advancements in integrating AI into RAN, focusing on improving spectral efficiency, reducing energy consumption, and unlocking new monetization opportunities.
6G and Non-Terrestrial Networks
Industry leaders will outline the roadmap for 6G, focusing on standardization progress, AI-native air interfaces, and demonstrations of emerging technologies. Discussions will also highlight advancements in satellite connectivity, including direct-to-device (D2D) communication and low-earth orbit (LEO) deployments from players like Starlink and AST SpaceMobile. Additionally, integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) use cases, such as drone delivery and eVTOL commuting, will showcase the potential of next-generation networks.
Open Gateway & Network APIs
Telco API monetization will be a key theme, with hyperscalers and telecom operators demonstrating real-world implementations focused on service differentiation, developer onboarding, and strategic partnerships. Discussions will highlight network API commercialization, emphasizing consent management, identity verification, and transactional APIs. Key initiatives such as GSMA Open Gateway and Aduna, Ericsson’s API platform, will take center stage in driving industry-wide adoption.
Telecom B2B and Private 5G
The enterprise market will take center stage, with discussions on private 5G, AI-driven services, and innovative monetization strategies. Industry leaders will highlight collaborations between private 5G, AI, and edge computing to deliver advanced enterprise solutions. Key topics will include network slicing and quality APIs, catering to sectors such as healthcare, logistics, and manufacturing.
5G-Advanced & 5G Standalone (SA) Monetization
Telcos will highlight how 5G Standalone (SA) and 5G-Advanced (5G-A) are driving new revenue streams through differentiated services and consumer applications. Key focus areas include premium offerings such as network slicing and guaranteed QoS, alongside AI-driven personalized tariffs, speed boosts, and VIP uplink/downlink options. Additionally, the evolution of Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) will be explored, moving beyond basic connectivity to unlock new monetization opportunities.
Other topics to be discussed in MWC 2025.
- TechCo vs Utility Model
- Critical Communications
- AI in IP Networking
- Sustainability and Ethics
MWC 2025 is set to be a battle of innovation, strategy, and disruption. Will telcos finally unlock the true potential of AI? And how will the global AI race impact the telecom ecosystem?
What do you think will be the biggest takeaway from MWC 2025? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Featured image source: https://www.indiatvnews.com/technology/news/mobile-world-congress-2024-set-to-start-from-february-26-here-s-what-you-can-expect-2024-02-23-918326
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