The Mobile World Congress #MWC23 has again taken over the spotlight as the epicenter of telephony, networks, and communications. I was really happy to see the event thrive in Barcelona this year, after heavily covid-impacted events.
I had the opportunity to witness the latest trends and strategic priorities discussed by industry experts, while meeting some cool startups and a good flock of international investors. Here are some takeaways that caught my attention:
- The most important news of the week was the Open Gateway project announced by various Telcos: where Infrastructure is being "apified," meaning that networks can be treated like a service, allowing for greater customization and scalability.
- AI-powered solutions are dominating the mobile industry. With AI integration, mobile devices will be able to learn and adapt to their user's preferences, making it easier to anticipate their needs.
- Software is taking greater control of networks, making them more efficient and flexible.
- Cybersecurity remains a top concern, as cyber-attacks are becoming more sophisticated. This has led to a growing need for more robust security solutions, including the use of blockchain technology to enhance data security.
- 5G (or 6G) has the potential to revolutionize the mobile industry by providing faster and more reliable internet speeds, which will enable new applications and services. At MWC23, it was evident that 5G is finally gaining momentum as more VCs start to invest in this technology and more startups create various use cases.
- Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are making their way into the mainstream market.
- The rise of IoT is enabling more businesses to embrace digital transformation.
- The deployment of autonomous vehicles is becoming a reality. With V2X communications, cars can connect with other vehicles, traffic lights, and infrastructure, making it easier to navigate the roads safely and efficiently.
- Foldable phones and rollable screens are becoming more common, providing new possibilities for user experience.
- Private networks in industrial environments are on the rise, allowing for greater security and control over critical systems.
- Sustainability is a top priority for the mobile industry.
MWC23 was an incredible event and it is evident that AI, cybersecurity, 5G, AR/VR, IoT, autonomous vehicles, and sustainability are going to shape the future of the industry.
