The future of connectivity is increasingly being shaped by decisions made today on spectrum, infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and digital policy. Against this backdrop, the 2026 Policy Leaders Forum (PLF) at MWC Shanghai 2026 returns with a timely theme “The Future in Motion: Unleashing 5G’s Potential and Paving the Way to 6G.”
Building on the success of last year’s inaugural edition in Shanghai, the Forum will once again bring together policymakers, regulators, and industry leaders to discuss the policies shaping the next phase of digital transformation. As the mobile ecosystem accelerates toward 5G Advanced and begins laying the foundations for 6G, this year’s discussions will explore the growing intersection of advanced networks, AI, digital infrastructure, and industrial innovation.
Making 5G deliver
A central theme of the PLF will be ensuring 5G delivers meaningful commercial and economic outcomes. While 5G deployment continues to expand globally, the industry is entering a more mature phase in which success will increasingly depend on the ability to translate advanced network capabilities into sustainable growth, new services, and broader digital transformation.
The opening session will explore how 5G can evolve beyond traditional connectivity into a genuine platform for innovation. Industry leaders and policymakers will discuss what is needed to accelerate returns on investment, support differentiated 5G services, and encourage wider adoption of enterprise and industrial use cases. The conversation will also examine the role of regulatory frameworks and infrastructure policies in creating the right conditions for long-term investment and innovation.
As industries increasingly integrate AI, automation, and connected technologies into their operations, the discussion is expected to highlight the importance of cross-sector collaboration. From manufacturing and logistics to smart cities and digital services, the ability of 5G to enable wider economic transformation will depend not only on technological advancement, but also on supportive policy environments and stronger partnerships between governments and industry.
Spectrum for the 6G era
Another major focus of the Forum will be the spectrum decisions required to support the next generation of mobile networks. The session will examine how policymakers and regulators can prepare for future connectivity demands as the industry moves toward 6G.
With demand growing for immersive applications, enterprise connectivity, and data-intensive services, spectrum planning is becoming increasingly strategic. Discussions will focus particularly on the importance of mid-band spectrum, including the 6 GHz band, which is expected to play a critical role in future mobile capacity alongside low-band frequencies. Industry stakeholders, government representatives, and technology providers will explore how spectrum policy can support innovation, investment, and long-term network sustainability.
The conversation reflects a broader reality facing the sector: the decisions made today on spectrum and infrastructure will shape the affordability, performance, and competitiveness of future digital economies.
How to get involved
Open to all MWC Shanghai 2026 pass holders, the stage sessions will offer insights into some of the most important policy and technology debates shaping Asia’s digital future.
Beyond the stage sessions, the PLF is designed to encourage deeper dialogue between policymakers and industry leaders. Invitation-only roundtables and networking experiences will create opportunities for candid exchanges on emerging policy challenges and areas for collaboration.