Mobile World Congress 2025 takeaways

« Mobile World Congress #MWC2025 is wrapped up, and between the conferences, the demonstrations on the stands and the discussions in the aisles, it’s always a great opportunity to see the trends in our industry and the hot topics! Some of my takeaways:

• AI-powered MWC: unsurprisingly, AI was on every stand – from personal computers and devices to AI agent services, new dedicated data centers and, of course, wireless networks management and optimization. (I’ll skip the booths that just follow the marketing hype 😉). AI-RAN developments can be translated into self-optimizing and adaptative networks, with the aim of improving network performances and energy efficiency. AI can predict and distribute traffic efficiently across base stations (it can put underutilized network elements into low-power or sleep modes). It can optimize antenna beamforming, optimize signal processing to reduce latency or prioritize critical applications with adaptative bandwidth allocation and fine-tune spectrum allocation.

• Non-Terrestrial Networks (#NTN): Definitely another topic highlighted at MWC, with several innovative configurations on show. LEO satellites can enabe direct-to-cell communications (and direct integration with 5G terrestrial networks) or in a different approach high-data rate links to gateways and dedicated user equipment. Connectivity for IoT devices, GEO satellites still in the game, or HAPS and drones (the flying base station) are all part of the industry’s commitment to leveraging NTNs for ubiquitous and reliable global connectivity. The most comprehensive communication system was proposed by NTT Docomo integrating HAPS, LEO satellites and GEO satellites in a multi-layer approach aiming to provide seamless connectivity, accommodating varying coverage needs and data speeds.

• O-RAN and 5G private networks: O-RAN is of course in the spotlight again this year, with an increasing coopetition between the different suppliers, providing the different parts of the RAN, trying to differentiate themselves while ensuring better integration between the different parts. Most RU vendors no longer seem to want to compete head-on with the big boys but rather to find segments or verticals in which to position themselves. Private 5G networks are therefore certainly the most dynamic segment, with new opportunities to be explored. This segment must respond to specific use cases, which can be very different in very different sectors, and not simply impose solutions that already exist in public networks without any adaptation.

• AR/VR, foldable devices, quantum technology, connected and autonomous vehicles and drones, humanoid robots, there are so many technologies, new products and services at this show that will have an impact on our lives.

Finally, I did see something interesting – what appears to be the first commercial macro radio to have a GaN envelope tracking amplifier in it! Certainly not the revolution the RAN market was hoping for, but it’s good to see this achievement for those of us who worked so hard on ET. »