As we get ready for Mobile World Congress 2026 in Barcelona, I’m looking forward to the big reveal of some innovations that are real and meaningful for mobile networks. Yes, there will be too much hype related to Gen-AI. Don’t get lost in that. The important innovations will be a little more subtle.
I’ve seen several of the upcoming announcements under embargo already. I can’t reveal the details here, but I can say that MWC will end some of the debates that have been going on for years, with demos that show the practicality of key changes.
The RAN
In radio access network (RAN) infrastructure, for the first time we will be able to compare AI-RAN solutions that are designed from scratch, not ‘Velcro’ solutions. There will be demos that highlight solid capacity improvement from lightweight AI algorithms —without GPUs. Others will show competing demos to show similar improvements — with small, low-power GPUs. We will also see how AI algorithms require some differences in radio hardware to make it all work better.
In Open RAN, one announcement will make you stop and think, as one major barrier to rApp adoption will come crashing down.
I’ve heard that ZTE will show picosecond-level accuracy in synchronization, leading to better results in AI-driven optimization. Yes…that kind of innovation will be helpful, driving higher capacity in the network with very little cost.
Quiet on the chips front
I expect most chip companies to be pretty quiet. Some of the companies that I met with last year won’t be attending this year. That’s a sign of the times; the RAN market is shifting from hardware to software, and some companies are simply dropping out to focus on other things.
Private 5G
In private cellular, we will see some ideas that begin to tailor the private 5G network for specific verticals.This will make it easier for the system integrators to scale up multiple customers more quickly. We’re also going to see some convergence of neutral-host coverage and Private 5G, giving enterprises everything that they want instead of only a partial solution.
Residential broadband
In residential broadband, we have a market that is quickly headed for its endgame. Fiber, FWA and satellite broadband are collecting subscribers quickly, and in some markets the unserved population is disappearing altogether.
Space
In space, the level of investment is astronomical (if you’re going to use puns, don’t be a wimp. Intend them). You’ll hear a lot about orbital data centers, edge computing from space, direct-to-cellular services and other services that touch on the mobile network. Why are billionaires throwing money into this? I have been a skeptic, but after a deep dive, my team has come to some surprising conclusions that you probably won’t hear in the echo chamber of MWC. Come and find me to see the math on how some services could actually work better from space.
What about the applications?
What applications will pay for all of this fun technology? That’s the trillion-dollar question.
AR/VR?
The glasses are getting better, but I’m afraid that they don’t change ARPU for the telcos.
AI agents?
An interesting area that might begin to create significant data loads. But if agents are serving the same old smartphone customers, how do they create new revenue?
ISAC?
Integrated Sensing and Communications can now detect drones — like a radar system — with an accuracy of a few meters. It can offer weather monitoring and possibly a high-resolution weather forecast. We could see some incremental government revenue from that.
Physical AI?
My money is on physical AI. We’ve already seen solid traction in mining trucks, AMRs and forklift automation, and a significant number of warehouses already use wireless automation. My partner Kyung will tell you that three of the 13 vertical markets we track in private cellular have crossed the chasm and are scaling up. Automation of drones, cars and all kinds of robots could boost five other vertical markets across the chasm.
I’m not an early adopter myself, but I’m considering buying an automated LTE lawn mower (yes, it’s like a Roomba for the yard) that uses video analysis for steering. That’s what this show should be about: connecting good business ideas to the technology that can make it happen.
See you there.
Joe Madden is principal analyst at Mobile Experts, a network of market and technology experts that analyzes wireless markets. Disclaimer: Nokia is a client of Mobile Experts.
Opinions from industry experts, analysts or our editorial staff do not represent the opinions of Fierce Network.
Read next: What Fierce Network is watching for at MWC 2026: AI, 5G and network transformation