MWC 2025 — all the biggest B2B news and announcements from Mobile World Congress
We were live at Mobile World Congress 2025 - here's what we saw
We're here at La Fira, and while the traffic was expectedly awful, getting in was a breeze!
We'll be bringing you live updates on all the news direct from Barcelona, so stay tuned...
MWC is one of the biggest tech shows on the planet, so there's plenty of news and announcements which may fly under the radar, especially in the B2B world.
“To fully harness the transformative power of AI-RAN, Nokia is working hand-in-hand with an ecosystem of leading industry partners," noted Tommi Uitto, President of Mobile Networks at Nokia.
"We enable the evolution of 5G networks toward a multi-purpose cloud platform that unlocks new revenue models and infrastructure synergies for AI and RAN while already today enhancing RAN performance and efficiency with AI-powered products and services.”
“The telecoms industry must re-imagine how it creates, delivers and captures value in the face of rising costs and competition," said Dr. Florian GröneGlobal Telecoms Leader, PwC US. "The industry faces enormous potential, particularly as consumers and societal actors increasingly operate across digital platforms and AI drives significant investments in digital connectivity infrastructure, but the industry remains sensitive to macroeconomic forces and is highly cost-intensive, with almost all the cash it generates absorbed by CapEx, dividends and servicing debt. As new and emerging technologies transform sectors, the telecoms industry must harness the power of AI, while working with investors and regulators to optimise market structure and deploy deals to build scale.”
“We want our customers to enjoy the internet without worry, now and in the future," noted Luke Ibbetson, Head of Research & Development, Vodafone. "On the one hand quantum computing could have many societal benefits such as modelling new medicines and optimising advanced digital networks. But on the other hand, it could be used to undermine the cryptographic principles that the Internet relies on today. That is why Vodafone and IBM are working together with other partners to get ahead of the curve.”
“In today’s hyperconnected world, telcos are the backbone of the digital economy. Businesses expect telecom providers to move beyond connectivity services, and offer tailored, end-to-end and flexible solutions that power digitalization, operational efficiency, and sustainable growth,” said Praveen Shankar, Global Telecom Leader at Capgemini. “By forging strong partnerships with customers and industry peers, orchestrating an innovation ecosystem and prioritizing seamless customer experience, telecom organizations can enhance trust, simplify offerings, and differentiate themselves in a fast-moving landscape.”
"For modern cloud-native 5G Core networks, our customers demand a cloud architecture that meets high throughput processing requirements while ensuring simplified operations, enhanced security, and full automation,” said Raghav Sahgal, President of Cloud and Network Services at Nokia. “This drove our collaboration with AWS, leveraging the breadth of AWS services and Nokia’s industry leading telco expertise and commitment to automation to build the right solution. The new AWS Outposts racks enable porting and deploying Nokia’s 5G Core workloads on AWS services in customers’ data centers.”
“The partnerships we’re announcing today, through GSMA Fusion, provide strong direction from these industries to ours, helping the mobile ecosystem truly meet the needs of the automotive and aviation sectors and harness the power of mobile connectivity to create innovative solutions that enhance safety, efficiency, and customer experience,” said Mats Granrys, Director General at GSMA.
Red Hat is the world’s leading provider of open source solutions, and will work with SoftBank to further optimise network performance with AI-driven energy efficiency and sustainability solutions.
Amdocs research claims CSPs are losing $24B to inefficiency
According to the research, digital marketplaces have an over 50% abandon rate, suggesting big gaps in “converting leads into revenue”. As many as one in five requests for proposals (RFPs) aren’t answered in time thanks to inefficiencies within the firms.
A collaboration between Ericsson and Keysight Technologies has been established to develop a pre-6G test setup, using an Ericsson base station and Keysight’s test user equipment (UE) operating in the centimetre Wave (cmWave) frequency band.
The companies say cmWave frequency is a “strong candidate” for future 6G networks, and has promising potential for low latency, high data rates, and improved coverage.
“Evaluating the performance potential of new spectrum and exploring new and evolved technology concepts pre-6G standardisation is a top priority for Ericsson. Our collaboration with Keysight enables us to take valuable steps forward on the journey towards realising 6G by 2030,” said Freddie Södergren, Head of Technology & Strategy, Business Area Networks, at Ericsson.
ServiceNow introduces AI agents
“The launch of new AI agents developed specifically for the telecom industry demonstrates our continued commitment to building solutions that help solve the biggest challenges facing business leaders,” said Rohit Batra, GM and VP for manufacturing, telecommunications, media, and technology at ServiceNow.
“ServiceNow has been at the forefront of AI innovation for years, and this collaboration with NVIDIA marks the next step in delivering agentic AI‑powered automation that transforms how CSPs operate and serve their customers.”
- Nokia announced a swathe of new partnerships for AI-RAN development, teaming up with the likes of Nvidia, Softbank and T-Mobile.
- PwC research has indicated that the telecoms industry is likely to bloom after recent years of growth and increasing demand for 5G services.
- Microsoft released a Microsoft Fabric telecoms-focused data model to unify data sources and steamline telco workloads.
- Vodafone and IBM have joined forces to enhance mobile phone quantum-safe cryptography, using IBM Quantum Safe technology to boost the resilience of Vodafone Secure Net
- Capgemini research outlined the priorities of B2B telecoms - simplified buying process, customization over cost, and and creating and orchestrating an ecosystem.
- AWS unveiled its AWS Outpost racks offering a solution for low latency, high throughput workloads - with a dedicated rack for Cloud RAN.
- GSMA has announced new partnerships with 5G Automotive Association (5GAA), Japan Automotive Software Platform and Architecture (JASPAR), Outsight, Safran Passenger Innovations, and Seamless Air Alliance.
- RedHat has partnered with Orange, SoftBank, KDDI, and Rakuten Mobile to enhance efficiency and sustainability, boost RAN operations, and enhance cloud-native infrastructure.
- Amdocs research indicates that inefficiency in company processes are costing communication service providers $24 billion per year.
- Ericsson and Keysight Technologies are collaborating on "realising 6G by 2030" by establishing "pre-6G standardisation."
- ServiceNow has introduced telecom AI agents to its new business transformation AI platform, built with Nvidia AI Enterprise software.
Don't forget to stay tuned for day two, as we will once again be on the ground hearing all the latest news and updates from MWC 2025!
"This new Connectivity Co-Funding Initiative, supported by Meta, is a prime example of collective action that will help provide meaningful access to more than 2 billion people across the world with insufficient or no Internet," noted Sally Wentworth, President and CEO, Internet Society. "It is our hope that this fund plays a pivotal role in reducing this gap and creating a more equitable digital society.”
“VeloSky represents a dramatic leap forward in network convergence,” said Sanjay Uppal, vice president and general manager, VeloCloud Division, Broadcom. “By unifying diverse network underlays into a single, AI-optimized platform, service providers can deliver premium, differentiated services to enterprise customers while simplifying operations and accelerating time-to-revenue.”
Telecom giants team up to launch new Open Telecom AI Platform
"By harnessing agentic AI across all telco layers, we are building a multimodal, multidomain orchestrated workflow platform that redefines efficiency, intelligence, and security for the telecom industry," said Mathew Oommen, Group CEO, Reliance Jio. "In collaboration with AMD, Cisco, and Nokia, Jio is advancing the Open Telecom AI Platform to transform networks into self-optimizing, customer-aware ecosystems. This initiative goes beyond automation—it’s about enabling AI-driven, autonomous networks that adapt in real time, enhance user experiences, and create new service and revenue opportunities across the digital ecosystem."
The rise of super apps, a sense of Deja vu?
"The pace of innovation in AI is astounding. Technical breakthroughs are just beginning to translate into new experiences for consumers and applications for businesses that will reshape how the world works and connects,” said Jeetu Patel, Executive Vice President and Chief Product Officer, Cisco. “This shift presents massive opportunities for service providers to grow their businesses and reduce costs by modernizing their infrastructure for AI. Cisco is perfectly positioned to help service providers monetize these new revenue streams, and our Agile Services Networking delivers the silicon, systems, and software innovation they need to thrive."
Harman has revealed its cutting edge ‘sight beyond sight’ vehicle-to-cloud software service, Ready Aware.
The unique ‘confidence engine’ will provide real-time in-vehicle contextual alerts, helping drivers make safer decisions and updating on a variety of road hazards. The alerts will require no additional hardware, and hopes to provide drivers with precise, relevant, and timely information to help make informed decisions.
“Ready Aware is an innovative and highly scalable solution that is helping OEMs transform their in-vehicle experiences by bringing contextual awareness into the cabin with an accelerated time to market,” says Suman Sehra, Global Vice President, Connectivity Portfolio Management, HARMAN International. “HARMAN is harnessing the power of connectivity and data analytics to make mobility safer, more intelligent and contextually aware to support drivers and occupants.”
Telefónica opens Centre of Excellence for quantum technologies
Telefónica has announced a new initiative to boost awareness and opportunities emerging in the security world, as well as meeting the challenges posed by quantum computing.
The company's Centre of Excellence will coordinate the innovation lines from different areas of the company, as well as promoting new solutions, activating technological agreements with third parties, and participating in forums ‘to share the group's quantum proposal with the industry’.
"In this future that begins today, we will continue maturing open architectures in all segments of the network, shutting down the legacy, integrating the cloud, actively using artificial intelligence and data, and hyper-automating our infrastructures and processes until we reach the autonomous network,” said Andrea Folgueiras, who will be Telefónica’s new Global Chief Technology and Information Officer, starting April 2025.
HPE launches industry-first precision switch
The HPE Aruba Networking CX 8325P switch features the industry’s first “solution to embed precision timing into the network fabric for AI workloads and private 5G experiences”. This comes alongside a collaboration with T-Mobile to deliver network excellence for small businesses.
“With service providers facing unprecedented network and service demands, HPE is leading the way in redefining the network's role in delivering business value with the next wave of innovation for the telco industry,” says Phil Mottram, EVP and general manager, HPE Aruba Networking.
Here is a little look at some of the stuff I've seen on the ground at MWC:
Etisalat and showcased this humanoid robot, which told me "I am not human, I am a robot. I just imitate them," before pulling this face. I feel I can relate...
Intel are showing off the power of their new Xeon 6 processors, with this demo unit housing a Xeon 6 8670E offering a 3.2x boost in performance when compared with Intel's 3rd Gen Xeon 6330N.
This boost in performance means that where a customer once had three racks - now they may only need one - improving efficiency and lowering costs while also offering greater scalability.
No, Lenovo aren't rebooting Robot Wars, but they are creating and analyzing digital twins of race tracks using this bot that can map up to 2.7 million points per second in LiDAR.
By running simulations using track data collected by this robot, Ducati can apparently cut two to three seconds off their time per race.
And now for something completely different...
T-Mobile are using a Primoco One 150 as a flying base station capable of downloading 200 megabits per second, and uploading 75 Megabits per second. The unit can connect to terrestrial or satellite sources, and supply up to 1200 users with connectivity at once.
The system is ideal for providing temporary connectivity in remote regions, and was recently used at the Jizerská 50 ski race to provide coverage to areas that were previously connectivity deadspots.
The move is part of an ongoing effort to advance the Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS). This pioneering device test is a ‘crucial step’ in the development of FRMCS device radio modules and the planning of FRMCS trials - marking a huge leap forward in the journey towards FRMCS using 5G in the EU.
“This milestone not only highlights our unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of mission-critical communication technologies but also sets the stage for the MORANE2 trials,” said Magnus Packendorff, Head of Mission Critical Networks at Ericsson. “We look forward to demonstrating how these advancements will revolutionize the railway industry and pave the way for a new era of connectivity."
Samsung showcases CognitiV NOS Copilot
Samsung CognitiV Network Operations Suite (NOS) Copilot, an “evolved AI assistant” is using an Amazon Bedrock - which AWS says offers “the easiest way to build and scale generative AI applications”.
This hopes to outline how AI can optimize and simplify the “management of large-scale and complex radio access networks (RAN)”. The CognitiV NOS provides AI-powered network automation tools, like lifecycle management of its network from planning, deployment and operation, to optimization.
That's a wrap on day two of MWC 2025, but don't worry - I'll still be bringing you live coverage from La Fira tomorrow morning for all the news and updates as they happen.
- Meta and Internet Society have teamed up to help expand affordable internet connections as part of their commitment to founding the Connectivity Co-Funding Initiative.
- Broadcom is helping to boost network convergence for cloud service providers at the fiber, cellular, and satellite level through its newly unveiled tool, VeloSky.
- NTT, DOCOMO and Nokia gave a peek at their hardware for 6G networks, with future plans for the standardization of 6G architecture.
- Several of the biggest telecommunications companies have teamed up to found the Open Telecom AI Platform, with AMD, Cisco, and Nokia, and Jio Platforms acting as founding members.
- Tencent proposed a "Super App as a service," offering 'unlimited mini apps and games' to help platforms unlock revenue streams and boost engagements.
- Cisco has made some new additions to Agile Service Networking, including additional network connectivity metrics and the inclusion of ThousandEyes Connected Devices.
- Harman has been showing off its Ready Aware software that helps drivers stay alert and make informed decisions on road hazards while driving.
- The Centre of Excellence was launched by Telefónica, offering insights into cutting edge security challenges and the threats posed by quantum computing.
- HPE has introduced an industry-first precision switch that offers a "solution to embed precision timing into the network fabric for AI workloads and private 5G experiences."
- Qualcomm and Ericsson achieved a milestone interoperability device test on a frequency band to be used in 5G railway communications.
- Samsung and AWS have demonstrated how RAN can utilize AI to plan, deploy, operate and optimize networks using Amazon Bedrock.
Be sure to tune in as we continue to bring you all the news and updates from day three of MWC 2025!
I’m listening in to this morning’s keynote on Disinformation, Trust & Security. I’ll be hearing from several industry and thought leaders listening to their thoughts on how the threat landscape is changing as the world becomes more divisive and polarized.
After a short delay, the keynote is finally underway!
He asks if anyone in the crowd has visited Finland, and a brave audience member says yes. "Liar!" he responds, stating that "Finland does not exist," referencing a bizarre conspiracy theory that has gained popularity over the years.
Frenett displays a number of threatening messages on the screen behind him, which he says were directed towards him and his team the week before MWC. Among the messages are "run rats, run!" and "We don't fire traitors, we hang them."
He notes how Moonshot has been able to repurpose advertising technology to target terrorists planning attacks, and help de-escalate their radicalization, as well as reducing the impact of manipulative disinformation.
Nina Dos Santos is back again, welcoming Frenett and Sachin Duggal, Founder and Chief Wizard of Builder.ai, on to the stage for a fireside chat.
Dos Santos asks the pair about their thoughts on the recent turnout at elections in Germany. Duggal explains how social media has given everyone "the power of the pen" and if you have enough money you can make any opinion a trending belief.
"We need to make sure our populations are inoculated against disinformation, rather than trying to out run it," Frennet says as he voices his viewpoint, adding that it isn't something that can be done in a single dose and, much like yearly flu shots, need to be administered regularly to keep a population inoculated against disinformation.
Dos Santos turns again to Duggal, questioning that as someone who's company creates software that can be used to make AI voices, what ethical responsibility does he have to protect against the misuse of AI technology.
Frenett says there are opportunities for AI, and that he is optimistic about the technology. If someone is going to ask ChatGPT for a manual on making an explosive device, AI shouldn't just say no, but also recognize that an individual is in need of help.
That ends the fireside chat.
Marieke Snoep, Chief Consumer Market & Member of the Board of Management of KPN Royal Dutch Telecom, and Boris Nihom, CEO Benelux at Dentsu are welcomed on to the stage to discuss the making of the campaign.
Dewar now turns back to Snoep, asking about what's next in trying to make the internet safer.
The keynote is now being closed out with the full Piece of Me campaign.
Brendan Gaffey, Global Co-leader Tech Media, Telecom Practice, McKinsey & Company, is on stage to introduce us to this afternoon's session.
Gaffey asks Blair about the founding of Multiverse, and how it has evolved since its birth in 2016.
Blair also references Multiverse's work with the UK's NHS, and how businesses that are spending billions on technology want to see a return on investment, noting that many company heads view AI as a hammer without nails.
Moving on from augmentation, Gaffey turns to automation, asking Blair how governments and business leaders should address the war on talent.
That's the end of the fireside chat.
- Yoram Wijngaarde, CEO, Dealroom.co
- Renate Nikolay, DG CONNECT, Deputy Director-General, European Commission
- Jordi Romero, Founder & CEO, Factorial
- Robert Lacher, Founding Partner, Visionaries Club
Wijngaarde is next to speak, stating that part of the problem with productivity in Europe can be attributed to the tech sector, with Europe focusing since the 90s on conserving its tech industry rather than choosing to be bold and pursue growth.
Nikolay is asked her opinions on regulation vs innovation - "We have a huge asset with the single market," she says, adding that organizations are starting to address outdated regulations and are doing a "health check" on European regulations that are hampering growth.
Lacher gives his experience from talking to entrepreneurs and business founders, saying that in Europe there is a lot of capital at the early stages of business growth, but Europe's decentralization is restricting businesses from growing outside of Europe.
Romero suggests that Europe's rich tapestry of deep interlocking cultures allows European workers to potentially think more originally than others in the world, but these workers are leaving Europe for higher wages and other benefits.
Lacher says that digital companies are often global from day one, especially for companies that work on remote models, which are able to hire not just the best marketer or sales person in their country, but in the world.
"Who really deserves the credit is those who never quit," Romero says, referencing how small European companies will often take a €10 or €100 million buyout. He instead suggests that these companies should instead follow in the steps of Spotify to become global European companies.
"Europe needs a north star, and it should be growth," Wijngaarde adds, saying that Europe should avoid designating verticals and instead use growth as a way to close the productivity gap between Europe and the US.
"Europeans should be taking more risks than anybody else," says Romero. He argues that as Europeans have an unrivalled safety net, people should be incentivized to take risks and pursue business growth, adding that Europe can "protect them in case they miss."
Dewar asks Nakazawa how education needs to be changed to remove the barriers for women and girls to pursue careers in STEM field.
Nakazawa and Aoki are now talking about their involvement in the Women in Tech Global Summit, due to be held in Osaka, Japan, 23-25 April.
Huawei unveils new Cloud Services solutions
This includes a new collection solution for carriers, with the company’s “Cloud on Cloud” solution will enable carriers to develop their cloud, helping them connect applications and drive consumer enterprise and business.
Telefónica collaborates with Nokia and AWS for cloud projects
Europe’s first 5G SA call utilizing on-site and public cloud architecture has been completed by Telefónica, in partnership with Nokia’s Cloud RAN solution on Amazon Web Service’s (AWS) cloud infrastructure.
“RAN represents the final frontier for cloudification and the most critical workload for our mobile networks,” said José Luis Esplá, Director of Access & Devices at Telefónica.
“Exploring the AWS cloud provides an opportunity to evolve 5G networks to achieve more flexibility and programmability by simplifying our network assets. By collaborating with thought leaders like AWS and Nokia in this domain, our goal is to validate the hybrid cloud infrastructure.”
Huawei launches the first AI Core Network
This will come in two phases, firstly an 5G-A Intelligent core - this will integrate AI agents in order to “enhance intelligent network capabilities”, as well as introduce computing-network convergence - enabling the network to boost intelligent computing capabilities.
Phase two will leverage AI-based architecture (AIBA) to enable the network to become an “autonomous generative network capable of self-optimization and self-O&M, dynamically adapting to diverse real-time service needs.”
“The AI core network will become a critical telecom infrastructure in the mobile AI era” said George Gao, President of Huawei Cloud Core Network Product Line.” Huawei will work with telecom operators and industry partners to seize the opportunities of digital and intelligent development.”
Intel unveils new processors at MWC
