Mobile World Congress is the mobile industry’s flagship event, gathering industry leaders and experts from across the globe to discuss upcoming changes and the latest developments.
In this blog post, we explore the key themes of the 2024 edition of Mobile World Congress, taking place at Fira Gran Via, Barcelona.
For more than two decades, Openmind Networks has been at the forefront of the messaging industry, consistently leading the conversation about, and innovating the future of messaging, most recently in RBM. We are delighted to once again be participating in the Mobile World Congress event in Barcelona this month. If you are attending the event, make sure to visit the Openmind Networks team in Hall 5 /Meeting Room 5L34MR
See below as we explore some of the key themes that will be covered at MWC 2024, and their implications for the messaging industry.
5G and Beyond
As the limitations of legacy systems such as 2G, 3G and 4G become apparent, the mobile industry is looking to the transformative power of 5G, with 57% of enterprises planning to invest in 5G over the next three years.
At MWC Barcelona, industry and thought leaders will discuss the benefits of 5G, including the integration of AI-powered solutions, IoT advancements, smart city enablement and improved network infrastructure, as well the coming potential of 6G.
With 5G connections worldwide expected to reach almost 6 billion by 2027, this next generation technology is poised to dramatically alter the way we do business. This will mean there is a compelling business case for mobile operators to invest in 5G network and messaging solutions, and plan for a seamless transition from older generation technologies.
Humanising AI
According to a new study from Juniper Research, enterprise spend on GenAI over mobile messaging channels is expected to grow by a whopping 1,250% over the next four years.
Following on from Apple’s announcement of support for RCS messaging in 2023, this adds more weight to the increased interest in rich messaging solutions from enterprises and the increased importance of omni-channel messaging strategies for mobile operators.
Generative AI, at its most basic,is speeding up the way content can be produced. It is also providing a far more satisfying way for machine and human to interact in the initial stages of a B2C conversation before that point at which it becomes human to human. Chat bot interactions on mobile devices are set to be transformed and it is critical that this experience is well handled by the telecoms industry to produce good quality experiences for end users.
Manufacturing DX
The shift towards digital engineering and manufacturing, encapsulated in Industry 4.0, is well underway. MWC Barcelona will explore the growth, impact, and potential of digital transformation, from robotic manufacturing to sustainable technology and connected vehicles.
For telecom operators, the transition to 5G will mean embracing digital transformation in the form of cloud technologies. Cloud infrastructure will provide the scalability and agility required to support the diverse services and applications enabled by 5G. By moving to the cloud, operators can enhance network efficiency, reduce operational costs, and expedite the deployment of new services, ultimately staying ahead of the curve in an increasingly competitive landscape.
Game Changers
A key theme of MWC Barcelona will be exploring the game-changing technologies that will define the future of the industry.
Renewables are expected to become the largest source of electricity through 2027, and telecom operators will also need to become more conscious of their environmental impact by driving more sustainable initiatives.
Technology is also expected to have a significant impact on consumer behavior, with 24% of all retail purchases expected to take place online by 2026, contributing to an e-commerce market of more than $8.1 trillion worldwide.
Combined with continued growth of other markets (such as wearable technology like smartwatches) changing the way that consumers interact with brands, mobile operators and the mobile industry will need to adapt and innovate solutions for their enterprise customers.
Our Digital DNA
Telecom operators face a significant challenge when it comes to cybersecurity and protecting both their networks and their subscribers’ data. More often than not, end user subscribers will associate fraud events with the brand or enterprise associated with the message (rather than the network that the message was delivered on). With 73% of consumers willing to cease transactions with a brand that does not adequately protect their data, operators have a significant responsibility to protect the reputation of their enterprise customers.
Bad actors have access to the same technology advancements in technology that the operators do, so it is imperative that telcos stay ahead of the curve when it comes to combatting smishing and other types of messaging fraud such as AIT and grey routing.
As technology evolves, so too does the responsibility to ensure diversity, inclusion and safe & sustainable practices, which are all expected to be key takeaways from the MWC Barcelona event.
The Openmind Networks team looks forward to connecting with our fellow industry leaders to discuss the latest developments, share insights and discuss opportunities for collaboration. Click here to book your meeting slot today.
