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This newsletter gives you access to the most impactful insights from MWC Barcelona 2026.
The industry is no longer advancing technologies in isolation. At MWC Barcelona, we explored how 5G Standalone, 5G-Advanced, AI-driven networks, open APIs, non-terrestrial networks, tower infrastructure, and private networks are collectively extending both reach and value creation for mobile operators and their customers. In parallel, early 6G research is already shaping long-term strategic direction.
These are interdependent shifts, collectively redefining how networks are built, operated and monetised.
The GSMA Future Networks Forum sits at the centre of this transformation, with its communities driving progress across each domain, aligning industry priorities and translating innovation into scalable commercial opportunity.
Watch the highlights from MWC below and become a Community member today to play an active role in shaping the future of connectivity.
We’ll be continuing the conversation at MWC Shanghai during the Future Networks Summit and M360 LATAM during the Executive Tower Roundtable. We hope to see you there! | | |
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Henry Calvert
Head of Networks
GSMA
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Monetising Standalone Networks with Open APIs |
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How are standalone networks providing the architectural foundation for programmable networks? We explore this and Open APIs, including GSMA Open Gateway during session 1 with experts from Vonage, KDDI, Rakuten Mobile, Nokia and Tech Mahindra. |
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From 5G-Advanced to 5G Commercialisation |
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How does 5G-Advanced enable commercially viable services? Experts discuss network slicing, automation and intent-based orchestration, focusing on scaling deployment, investment returns and differentiated experiences across markets, with insights from AT&T, Telefonica, Motive and Google. |
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Mobile AI and Intelligent Networks |
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This session explores practical use cases and collaborative frameworks for embedding AI into network operations and architecture, unlocking new revenue streams and enterprise value. Hear from GSMA, China Mobile Research Institute and Turkcell as they share the latest insights and real-world initiatives in Mobile AI. |
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Intelligence in the Network: A Foundation for 6G |
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This session explores how 5G Standalone and 5G-Advanced architectural choices are shaping future networks. As operators adopt cloud-native cores, open interfaces and AI-driven automation to monetise 5G, these also underpin readiness for intelligent, interoperable 6G networks. Hear from Qualcomm, NGMN Alliance, Huawei, Tech Mahindra and the University of Surrey. |
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Accelerating Network API Adoption |
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On Wed 4 Mar 2026 the GSMA held the annual Open Gateway Summit at MWC Barcelona. The summit brought together speakers and panelists from across the globe and provided real insights into how the adoption of network APIs has been accelerating in the past year. Access the summit content below. |
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The Partnership Imperative: We Need Joint Solutions |
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Hear what works for Helios Towers, SBA Communications and Phoenix Tower International: leaseback structures priced to deliver operator savings from day one, blend-and-extend models that resolve disputes at renewal without conflict, and data-sharing initiatives that help operators improve network performance. |
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Power & Performance: Creating A Shared Benchmark |
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Energy investment will increasingly be where towerco commercial advantage is won or lost. This panel moved beyond the sustainability framing to examine what is actually working, and what is preventing rapid scaling of power-as-a-service. Featuring Caban Energy, PowerX and Telenor Nordic Towers. |
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In-Building & Future Networks: Matching Capability to Opportunity |
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The in-building opportunity is real and the demand is growing. The models pursued by Edgepoint Infrastructure, Vantage Towers and TAWAL are different, but the lessons are the same: when commercial terms are clear, incentives are aligned and relationships work, capital follows. |
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Closing Panel: Unlocking Partnerships Together |
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For the first time, the leaders of the GSMA, EWIA and WIA appears on stage together. GSMA Director General Vivek Badrinath shared his commitment for the GSMA's new Tower Forum: that through its working groups, policy engagement, and events, it will bring real value to this joint conversation. |
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Whitepapers launched at MWCB | | |
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6G COMMUNITY
AI Agents and Agentic Protocols for Telecom Networks |
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This whitepaper investigates the current state of AI agents in telecom, identifies key gaps in existing agentic frameworks and protocols, and outlines the requirements for telecom-ready agentic systems. |
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MOBILE AI COMMUNITY
Gigauplink, Deterministic Latency, and Network Evolution for the Mobile AI Era |
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This paper highlights the importance of enhanced uplink capability (“GigaUplink”), improved latency consistency, and broader coverage as core enablers for AI-oriented service delivery. |
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MOBILE AI COMMUNITY
The Mobile AI whitepaper |
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Drawing on a global industry perspective, this white paper systematically outlines the value, definition, architecture, implementation pathways, and key challenges of Mobile AI. |
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PRIVATE NETWORKS COMMUNITY
Private 5G Network Components and Deployment Architectures |
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Private 5G Network Components and Deployment Architectures handbook, unveiled at MWC Barcelona 2026, provide a clear, practical overview of deployment models, architecture choices, and key considerations for private 5G. |
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New GSMA Working Group Specifications | | |
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RCS Specifications |
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The Rich Communication Services (RCS) Universal Profile 4.0 has been published, defining the service and user experience for RCS features, supported by updated technical enablers across related specifications. |
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OPG Specifications |
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The GSMA Operator Platform Group (OPG) has released updated specifications outlining requirements and architecture for operational interfaces between aggregators, channel partners, and operators, including defined journeys within the GSMA Open Gateway context. |
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Keep up to date with industry advancements | | |
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