We’ve reached the midpoint of MWC Barcelona 2026, and even as AI has taken center stage, the industry conversation is becoming more layered. Operators and vendors are no longer simply showcasing AI experiments; they’re outlining how intelligence will reshape infrastructure, operations, and business models.
SK Telecom used the event to expand global partnerships around its Sovereign AI Package, positioning telecom operators as key players in AI data centers, models, and next-generation infrastructure. Meanwhile, the GSMA launched Open Telco AI, an industry initiative aimed at developing open models, datasets and benchmarks tailored specifically for telecom workloads.
At the network level, the push toward AI-ready infrastructure is equally clear. Singtel and Ericsson are advancing 5G-Advanced deployments in Singapore, while Nokia and TIM Brasil are expanding AI-ready 5G networks. Rakuten Symphony’s validation of Samsung’s vRAN on its cloud-native platform also points to growing momentum behind multi-vendor, software-driven architectures.
But beneath the AI buzz, some other discussions are emerging. As Spectrum Effect’s Shaun McCarthy noted this week, the real conversations shaping MWC center on economics, spectrum coexistence, and the timing of the next major investment cycle for 6G.
Catherine Sbeglia Nin
Managing Editor
RCR Wireless News
RCR Top Stories
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Beyond the Headlines
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Sponsored Huawei exceeds pledge target: Huawei has exceeded its ITU Partner2Connect pledge, expanding connectivity to 170 million people worldwide through network deployments, partnerships, and digital inclusion efforts.
What We're Reading
SKT expands AI alliances: SK Telecom used MWC 2026 to deepen global AI partnerships, promote its Sovereign AI Package strategy and position telecom operators as central players in AI data centers, models, and next-gen infrastructure.
Open models for telcos: GSMA has launched Open Telco AI at MWC 2026, bringing operators, vendors, and researchers together to develop open models, datasets, and benchmarks aimed at closing the gap in telco-specific AI applications.
1.6Tbps optical first: Türk Telekom and ZTE completed a live C+L full-band 1.6Tbps optical trial in Istanbul, enabling higher capacity, unified spectrum management, and AI-driven network control without replacing existing fiber.
Singtel, Ericsson advance 5G-A: Singtel and Ericsson announced a strategic collaboration to advance 5G-Advanced deployment in Singapore, focusing on programmable networks, AI-driven automation, and network slicing.
Orange eyes global scale: Orange Business has entered exclusive negotiations with Tech Mahindra for a proposed five-year global partnership aimed at accelerating enterprise digital transformation through AI and automation.
Rakuten, Samsung validate vRAN: Rakuten Symphony has validated Samsung’s vRAN and vCore on its cloud-native platform, claiming near-perfect interoperability without code changes.
ESA backs hybrid networks: GSMA Foundry and the European Space Agency have announced up to €100 million in funding to accelerate AI for NTN, direct-to-device services, and early 6G innovation through convergence projects.
Ericsson, Viettel AI push: Ericsson and Viettel have signed an MoU to advance autonomous networks, piloting AI-driven automation, RAN optimization, and Ericsson’s Intelligent Automation Platform to support programmable 5G SA services.
Nokia, TIM expand 5G: Nokia expanded its partnership with TIM Brasil to modernize 5G across 14 states, deploying AI-ready AirScale solutions and MantaRay SON while exploring AI-RAN use cases with Nvidia platforms.
DT taps Starlink: Deutsche Telekom has partnered with Starlink to introduce satellite-to-mobile services across Europe by 2028, extending coverage beyond terrestrial networks and strengthening resilience in remote areas.
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