At the 2026 Mobile World Congress, GSMA leaders highlighted mobile tech's global impact, with 9 billion connections and expanding 5G and AI use across industries.

At the 2026 Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, GSMA leaders highlighted the mobile industry’s central role in the global economy, with nearly 9 billion connections linking 5.8 billion people. They emphasized ongoing 5G expansion enabling advances in manufacturing, logistics, and smart cities. Smartphones are now vital for news, entertainment, and daily tasks, while AI, especially large language models, is increasingly integrated into work. The event has evolved into a broad platform spanning aviation, healthcare, and manufacturing, reflecting the industry’s growing influence.