MWC Shanghai 2026 - Highlights from the ICV Automotive Roundtable - Open Gateway
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MWC Shanghai 2026 – Highlights from the ICV Automotive Roundtable
Thursday July 23, 2026

MWC Shanghai 2026 – Highlights from the ICV Automotive Roundtable

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The GSMA Fusion ICV Automotive Roundtable at MWC Shanghai convened senior representatives from automotive manufacturers, mobile operators, technology companies, cloud providers and industry organisations to explore how collaboration across industries can accelerate the next generation of intelligent connected vehicles.

The discussion centred on the opportunities and challenges facing automotive manufacturers as they expand into global markets, with connectivity, AI, software-defined vehicles and regulatory compliance identified as critical enablers of future success.

Three people sit at a conference table with microphones, speaking and listening. Others sit behind them, some using phones. Nameplates, drinks, and notepads are on the table. Blinds cover windows in the background. The atmosphere appears formal and focused.
Four people sit at a conference table with laptops and microphones, listening intently. Three face forward, one looks down. Red nameplates are on the table. A speaker stands in the background near a door. The room appears modern and professional.

Roundtable attendees included:

5G Automotive Association (5GAA)CICTCIHuawei
AccuverCiscoJinqiao ICV
Aeris Communications G.K.FAWNeusoft Cooperation
Amazon Web Services (AWS)FordSBD Automotive
AudiFormula EShanghai International Automobile City
BMWGASOOSMVIC
CAICTGreat Wall MotorTelenor
China EV100GSMAVolcengine
China TelecomHarmanZTE

*The roundtable also included additional representatives from the broader automotive, mobility, cloud and telecommunications ecosystem.

Participants agreed that no single industry can deliver the connected mobility experience alone. Stronger collaboration between the automotive and mobile ecosystems will be essential to unlock new services, improve customer experiences and support the global deployment of connected vehicles.

“Going global is not just about exporting vehicles; it’s about building an ecosystem that can operate across different markets, regulations and customer expectations.”

A group of people sit at a long table in a modern conference room, facing forward at the MWC Shanghai 2026 - ICV Automotive Roundtable. Each person has a laptop and a red nameplate. Some participants listen attentively, while others take notes or photos. The background reveals glass walls and additional office space, emphasizing the event’s professional atmosphere.
A diverse group of people sit at two long black tables with red nameplates, facing forward in a modern conference room with white walls, large windows, and ceiling lights. Some participants use laptops; others listen or watch attentively during the MWC Shanghai 2026 - ICV Automotive Roundtable.

Key Discussion Points

  • Global expansion requires global partnerships. As Chinese automotive brands continue to expand internationally, success will depend on navigating diverse connectivity, regulatory and data governance requirements across markets.
  • Connectivity is a strategic differentiator. Reliable, secure and seamless connectivity is becoming a core component of the modern vehicle, supporting everything from over-the-air updates to AI-powered services.
  • AI is reshaping the in-vehicle experience. Participants explored how AI-enabled assistants, smart cockpits and cloud-based intelligence are driving demand for resilient, high-performance mobile networks.
  • Standardisation will accelerate innovation. Industry-wide collaboration on standards and interoperable network capabilities, including GSMA Open Gateway, will help simplify deployment and enable new connected vehicle use cases.

Interviews – SBD Automotive / Great Wall Motor.

Hear from two of our featured speakers Andrew Hart, CEO of SBD Automotive and Yang Yongzhe, Director of Technical Branding and Strategy at Great Wall Motor as they share their insights from the ICV Automotive Roundtable.

“Connectivity is no longer an optional feature it is becoming fundamental infrastructure for the next generation of intelligent vehicles”

Key Takeaways

The roundtable highlighted that the future of connected mobility will be driven by closer collaboration between the automotive, telecommunications and technology sectors. As vehicles become increasingly software-defined and AI-enabled, connectivity is evolving from a supporting feature to a critical component of the driving experience.

Participants agreed that international expansion will require manufacturers to navigate diverse regulatory, connectivity and data governance requirements, making interoperability and standardisation more important than ever. Initiatives such as GSMA Open Gateway are key enablers for accelerating innovation through standardised network APIs, while continued cross-industry collaboration will be essential to deliver secure, scalable and globally connected mobility services.

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Looking Ahead

The roundtable reinforced GSMA Fusion’s role in bringing together industries to address shared challenges and accelerate innovation. Continued collaboration through initiatives such as GSMA Open Gateway will help create a more connected, secure and interoperable future for the automotive ecosystem.

GSMA Fusion is actively exploring new ways to support collaboration, showcase innovation, and scale impactful solutions. Contact us to:

  • Learn how to apply network APIs to real-world use cases
  • Share your priorities and challenges with the Fusion team so we can bring them to industry partners and help move your goals forward
  • Explore partnership opportunities or find out how your team can get involved in GSMA Fusion initiatives.