Highlights from THE connectivity event of the year
GSMA MWC Barcelona 2024 has again delivered four days of vibrant discussion and networking, convening industry leaders and attendees from across the mobile ecosystem. MWC24 brought together connectivity leaders from 205 countries and territories, exploring industry topics including AI, the usage gap, GSMA Open Gateway and the investment gap.
The GSMA Ministerial Programme convened over 180 delegations from 140 countries, including 2 heads of state, over 70 ministers, nearly 120 heads of regulatory authorities and over 40 intergovernmental organisations.
Over 2,600 journalists and industry analysts from around the world joined the event.
GSMA Europe is pleased to share with you some of the key highlights from this exceptional event.
GSMA Open Gateway took the center stage with global industry leaders outlining the progress made in unlocking the full potential of 5G and commercialising network APIs during the opening keynote.
Europe needs a new deal
The CEOs of Vodafone Group, Telefónica, Orange and Deutsche Telekom took the main stage to urgently call for rapid and radical regulatory changes in areas such as spectrum allocation and in-market consolidation to ensure that the industry is able to continue to serve customers, invest in networks and innovate. Industry leaders voiced concerns that Europe is in growing danger of falling too far behind other regions of the world in terms of technological innovation and investments in digital infrastructure.
Changing the DNA of our connectivity infrastructure
EU Commissioner Thierry Breton joined MWC24 for the main stage keynote, which focused on the White Paper on the Digital Networks Act. The Commissioner highlighted that digital infrastructure means EU resilience and competitiveness, and that this Act will make Europe the place to invest in technological leadership through a level playing field for telcos and cloud and secure digital network infrastructure.
Exchange of views with DG Connect
The GSMA held an exchange of views between the members of Policy Group Europe, and the European Commission delegation, reflecting on the publication of the white paper on the Digital Networks Act, Europe’s digital infrastructure needs and the future of connectivity.
Highlights from the GSMA Ministerial Stage
“Five Years of 5G: Insights for Policymakers”, “Towards a New Infrastructure Investment Framework”, “Steering the Digital Economy”, “Responsible AI” were among the most watched sessions of the GSMA Ministerial Programme.
Speakers including EU Commissioner Adina Valean, Germany’s Minister Dr. Volker Wissing, Spain’s Minister José Luis Escrivá Belmonte, DG Connect Deputy Director General Renate Nikolay, MEP Axel Voss focused on key areas facing the mobile industry today.
All sessions are now available on demand for Ministerial Programme pass holders.
European regulators at MWC24
The GSMA welcomed European regulators at MWC24 and the Minisiterial Programme. At the annual GSMA-BEREC Regulatory Roundtable BEREC delegates, led by Tonko Obuljen, BEREC Chair 2024, met with representatives of the European mobile operators to discuss the key issues facing connectivity in Europe. Participants shared views on competition, deployment of next-generation networks, investment climate. An MWC24 exhibition tour was also organised for the BEREC delegation as part of their visit.
Meetings with region’s governments and authorities
GSMA Europe held successful and valuable bilateral meetings with a number of delegations, including: Finnish Minister of Transport and Communications, Lulu Ranne; MEP Axel Voss, Luxembourgish Minister of Justice, Elisabeth Margue; Greek Minister of Digital Governance, Dimitris Papastergiou; the Cabinet of Belgian Deputy Prime Minister, Petra de Sutter; the Cabinet of Irish Minister of Transport and Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan; representatives from Georgia, Moldova and Uzbekistan.
Latest GSMA reports launched at MWC24
Visit GSMA stand at MWC24
Take an exclusive look at the GSMA stand at MWC, dedicated to showcase how our members can transform business and societies.
See you soon!
The GSMA is honoured to host this special event which once again has delivered an exceptional four days of debate, thought leadership, inspiration and deal making. Our thanks to all who came to this year’s show; and special thanks to the Host City.
MWC Barcelona kicks off the GSMA’s annual calendar of events. Join us as we continue our journey to bring industries, technologies and communities together to realise the future’s potential at MWC Shanghai between 26-28 June 2024; followed by MWC Las Vegas from 8-10 October 2024; and MWC Kigali from 29-31 October 2024. MWC Barcelona 2025 returns to the Fira between 3-6 March 2025.
The M360 series begins with M360 Eurasia, which returns to Baku between 15-16 May 2024; followed by M360 LATAM in Mexico City from 5-6 June 2024; M360 APAC in Seoul between 1-2 October 2024; and M360 MENA in Doha from 18-19 November 2024.