Mobile World Congress Insights 2023

Telecommunications & connectivity: what’s next

Reaction or prediction? The big question behind the usage of data we all possess is. The key question revolves around the usage of cognitive data for reaction or prediction. Industrial and manufacturing industries are already using predictive analytics and predictive maintenance approaches to prevent disasters and misfunction; marketers are using data to analyze and improve the customer journey. It seems like we are ready to create prophecies based on information we collected throughout the year.

Sustainability in technologies becomes crucial, with companies like Google committing to a zero-carbon footprint by 2030. The focus on ESG reporting and sustainable software reflects a growing economic efficiency in adopting environmentally friendly practices. 

Across the eight halls of exhibitors, signs of ESG reporting and efficient and more sustainable usage of supplies could be seen. I remember the discussion with my board two years ago about the extension of our services with sustainable software as an offer. No one believed it could become such a sything, but it seems it did. The reason why sustainable means more economically efficient very often.

Connectivity's role in various industries is evolving. The emphasis has shifted from exploring technologies to a universal need for connectivity, whether stepping out of a plane or a train. This shift creates opportunities for solution providers tailored to the unique connectivity needs of different sectors, be it retail or healthcare. Private network services and business models are emerging, driven by leaders like Microsoft, offering solutions to optimise connectivity speed for businesses. The market is witnessing a surge in value-added services with solutions like XME.digital it become faster and easier to implement.

Оperators side. Every major telco is looking for fresh ideas through startup accelerators, showcasing a shift in corporate culture. All operators like Orange and Etisalat UAE claim their startup relations and ecosystem of services and applications creation.

Technology use cases. Everyone is looking for them. Telefonica shows #agrotech #IoT solutions based on sim cards, and Vodafone tells the story of a fire prevention initiative with the help of communication. Engineers have created new standards and possibilities; businesses are looking for a use case and a way to monetise network rollout.

Business activation. Making the usage of technology easy for the business is crucial to delivering new B2B products and services so solutions occur. Private networks as a service, API management, network deployment, you name it; it seems like operators care a lot about making the technology using business-friendly.

At #MWC2023 , countries embraced the concept of a "country-as-a-service," showcasing their appeal for investment, living, work, and collaboration. Represented by diverse companies, nations like Ukraine, Great Britain, Japan, and more highlighted their offerings in engineering, manufacturing, and trendy services. Joining a country stall proved more impactful than standalone booths, enhancing visibility. Beyond products, countries promoted their investment climate, business-opening procedures, and staffing. Emerging markets exhibited greater innovation, while mature economies leaned towards more generic solutions.

The event inside of the event. MWC, just like any other crucial industry event, is an ecosystem and networking booster. So, companies create their own events and networking opportunities. My favorite example of a win-win collaboration is WSJ. They run Journal house on all major events: Cannes festival, World Economic Forum, The future of Everything.

Life-work balance is trendy. Twenty years ago, when I started my career, everyone, including me, was obsessed with workaholics. Most of us got burnout as a result. Today everyone wants to reschedule their life to get something personal, not work-related, from it. I loved the idea of Beverly Rider, CEO of TONOMUS, "Technologies can give us more time." So we just need to find out how to use this extra time wisely.

People do not wanna die. So health tech includes rejuvenation and elderly care to its agenda. Countries like Saudi Arabia invest a lot in technologies that can make humans live longer. And it's not about curing some kind of disease like cancer (which can give only an extra three years). "The age is a problem," states Jose Luis Cordeiro, and he is right; we need to treat our bodies and minds differently for long and active well-being.

Women empowerment. This year MWC celebrates its 36th anniversary. It took Almost four decades to achieve a 40% share for women speakers - C-level world-class community.

In summary, #MWC 2023 emerged as a dynamic platform, not only commemorating the progress of mobile technology but also reflecting the industry's response to societal shifts, technological advancements, and the imperative for inclusivity.

#strategy #digitaltransformation #innovations #mwc