Reflecting on MWC 2025

From the latest devices to the networks and technologies that underpin them, the latest trends to the geopolitical undercurrents that will impact how they evolve. Here are our highlights from this year’s events (with links to articles for a deeper dive). 

AI Everywhere  
The common theme in every hall was AI, in one form or another. Following the formation of the AI-RAN Alliance at last year’s conference, progress was marked by the 10 different demos by members and partners. One of the big announcements was the launch of an Open Telecom AI Platform to provide an AI framework for streamlining telecom operations, giving a real feel for how AI is going to transform operator businesses. 

6G is moving forward slowly
Although there were definitely booths at the show with 6G demos and plenty of discussion on how the standard will develop ahead of the 3GPP’s 6G Workshop taking place this week, there was possibly less 6G fanfare than you would expect. Discussions around the next ‘G’ of mobile standards seem to be more cautious and considered, with more of an emphasis on AI as a tool to advance network capabilities and performance. 

But, as one attendee put it to our General Manager, 6G equals 5G plus AI, so perhaps 2025 is the year to get AI capabilities in order before a big push for 6G in 2026?

A Boost for NTNs 
Another headline grabber at the show was talk of satellite and non-terrestrial networks (NTN) and their potential. Looking to fill the connectivity gap in remote and underserved regions, this year saw the market become more competitive. Companies like OneWeb, Lynk, and Sateliot demonstrated how they are upping their game to contend with Space X and drive competition and innovation in the space. 

Serving Vertical Markets 
As we reflected on post-MWC last year, it is hard to argue that this is an event solely for the telecoms industry. Serving enterprise and vertical markets was again another key topic for the show, with plenty of demonstrations across the Fira. 

Again, AI, particularly Agentic AI (AI that acts autonomously), was prominent with plenty of discussion on how it is affecting a range of industries, from finance to football clubs. 

Connected manufacturing was also a key feature, with companies like Alat demonstrating how they are working to innovate smarter factories. Perhaps the fact the show lanyards are now sponsored by a smart manufacturing player says more than we can about the direction and focus of the show and the telecoms industry. 

Politics on the Agenda
It goes without saying that in the current global climate, politics was always going to be an undercurrent theme running through this year’s show. From how to deal with tariffs impacting global trade to policy on how to accelerate innovation across European operators, the influence of current geopolitics on business was prominently felt. 

From RFS, Partners, and Friends 
So, we’ve taken care of (some of) the big-picture trends and discussions at MWC (of course, with such a big show, there are plenty more), but what were the takeaways from RFS at the event? 

RFS at MWC
This year, MWC was less about new products and more about how we are using our portfolio of solutions to serve customers in new and existing verticals. From how our waveguides can solve smart road roll-out issues to delivering mission-critical coverage for data centers, the conversations at the show were among the most wide-ranging we have seen.

Beyond new use cases, connectivity for the transport sector was a big topic for discussion at the show. Metro deployments are part of our bread and butter, with RFS equipment installed across more than 50% of metros worldwide. Our on-booth demonstration highlighted how we can continue to support metro operators with future-ready technologies that evolve with their changing needs and are built to last. 

The Wider RFS Family
We were delighted at the chance to meet face-to-face with key integrators and partners to discuss possible collaboration opportunities and hear their news. A standout of these connections was to be at the launch of YOFC’s AI-ready optical fiber, with its hollow fiber technology a particularly exciting innovation. 

This year’s show was a great opportunity to catch up with old colleagues who dropped by the booth. Hearing about the success that ex-RFS employees have gone on to, possibilities for collaboration, and fond reflections on RFS as ‘the best school’ for learning about business and the industry was a real highlight of the event. 

Looking ahead 

MWC 2025 delivered on its usual value of bringing the best and brightest from across the telecom and neighboring industries together. It has played its part in setting the agenda for the coming year, and we look forward to building on the conversations from this year’s show in the months ahead.