Discover how eSIM is powering the next era of intelligent connectivity
The eSIM Summit at MWC26 Shanghai brought together mobile operators, device manufacturers, technology providers and industry leaders to explore one of the most significant shifts in digital connectivity. As eSIM adoption accelerates across smartphones, IoT devices, AI-powered terminals and connected vehicles, the summit examined the technologies, partnerships and standards shaping the future of the global ecosystem.
Across the sessions, speakers explored the rapid commercialisation of eSIM, China’s growing influence on the global market, the convergence of AI and secure digital identity, and the opportunities for operators, OEMs and enterprises to scale intelligent connectivity worldwide.
Whether you’re involved in mobile connectivity, IoT, semiconductor innovation or digital transformation, these on-demand sessions provide valuable insights into the future of connected devices.
Session Overviews
Opening session: Building the future of China’s eSIM ecosystem
The summit opened with an overview of the strategic importance of MWC26 Shanghai as a platform for collaboration across the global connectivity ecosystem. Speakers highlighted the importance of early planning, cross-functional alignment and international cooperation in supporting the continued growth of the eSIM industry.
China Mobile: More than a decade of eSIM Leadership
Shiwei Sun, Deputy General Manager of Market Operations Department at China Mobile, reflected on China’s eSIM journey from early standards development in 2015 through nationwide commercial trials and today’s large-scale smartphone deployments. The presentation demonstrated how China Mobile has helped establish industry standards, strengthen security, simplify customer activation and build an ecosystem capable of supporting nationwide eSIM adoption. Looking ahead, 2026 was identified as a pivotal year as smartphone adoption, ecosystem partnerships and commercial services continue to accelerate.
China Unicom: AI, eSIM and the next generation of connected devices
China Unicom explored how China’s eSIM market has entered a new phase of growth following the launch of eSIM smartphones. With rapid consumer adoption, increasing IoT deployments and AI becoming embedded into connected devices, eSIM is evolving into the trusted foundation for intelligent connectivity.
The session also showcased AI-powered customer services, security innovations and ecosystem partnerships designed to accelerate global adoption.
GSMA: Global eSIM trends and ecosystem development
Chris Li, Product Director at the GSMA, provided an overview of global eSIM adoption across smartphones, travel services and IoT.
The session explored how eSIM is becoming the preferred connectivity solution worldwide while highlighting the GSMA’s work on security accreditation, interoperability, certification and seamless eSIM migration. It also examined the rapid expansion of travel eSIM services and predicted continued global growth through to 2030.
This session, John Zou, EVP, Tongxin Microelectronics, examined the evolution from eSIM 1.0 to eSIM 2.0, exploring how AI is transforming embedded connectivity into a secure digital identity platform.
He discussed improvements in cryptography, post-quantum security, satellite communications and Multiple Enabled Profiles (MEP), alongside the importance of industry-wide standards and improved customer activation.
Steven Bai, Head of eSIM Business at Eastcompeace Technology, explored the rapid expansion of consumer eSIM alongside growing opportunities in IoT, automotive and travel connectivity.
The presentation examined the industry’s biggest challenges – including security, performance and interoperability – and demonstrated how scalable platforms, AI integration and trusted digital identities can support millions of connected devices worldwide.
Industry panel: Scaling commercial eSIM deployments
Senior executives from across the connectivity ecosystem shared practical experience of deploying eSIM at scale.
The discussion covered operator readiness, MVNO opportunities, lifecycle management, commercial challenges and the importance of ecosystem collaboration as global eSIM adoption accelerates.
Unlocking China’s global eSIM opportunity
As Chinese manufacturers expand internationally, operators have a significant opportunity to support the next generation of connected devices.
Dr. Hui Jin, CEO & Co-Founder, Redtea Mobile explored how scalable connectivity platforms, digital capabilities and ecosystem partnerships can help operators onboard devices faster, manage large-scale deployments and create new commercial revenue streams.
Managing millions of connected devices across multiple countries and operators requires more than simply enabling connectivity.
Nina Fan, VP of IoEM Sales and GM of China, Validexamined how lifecycle management, secure embedded technologies and connectivity orchestration can help Chinese OEMs reduce operational complexity while delivering secure, scalable global deployments.
Driven by advances in China’s semiconductor industry, domestically developed eSIM solutions are enabling smartphones, AI devices and IoT products to scale internationally.
Nadeel Lee, General Manager Assistant & Marketing Director, HED shared practical implementation experiences covering software and hardware integration, ecosystem collaboration and strategies for accelerating commercial deployments.
The summit concluded with a forward-looking discussion on the future of smart manufacturing, AI and global digital infrastructure.
Jean-Louis Carrara, SVP, Head of Global Sales, Kigen, Evelyn Minhui Wang, Product Manager, China Mobile International explored how cyber resilience, trusted interoperability and secure lifecycle management are becoming competitive advantages for exporters. The conversation also examined post-quantum security, self-healing networks and the partnerships needed to support long-term international growth.
The eSIM Summit at MWC26 Shanghai demonstrated that eSIM has moved beyond emerging technology to become a strategic foundation for global digital transformation. From smartphones and IoT to AI, automotive, smart manufacturing and digital identity, eSIM is enabling a new generation of secure, intelligent and scalable connectivity.
Watch the on-demand sessions to hear directly from the industry leaders driving innovation across the global eSIM ecosystem and discover the technologies shaping the future of conn
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