BARCELONA — Global telecommunications firms are discussing significant advances at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025, with many companies emphasizing their transition from being seen as mere 'dumb pipes' to becoming technology-driven entities.
During the conference held on March 17, 2025, executives from key telecom companies like KDDI and MTN shared their ambitious plans for technological innovations, including artificial intelligence (AI), next-generation 5G and 6G networks, and even initiatives for smart cities.
Makoto Takahashi, the president and CEO of KDDI, highlighted his company's plans to establish Takanawa Gateway City, a smart city project located in Tokyo. This new venture includes efforts to introduce satellite internet connectivity through partnerships with Elon Musk's Starlink venture. Takahashi's comments underline the telecom industry’s commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology within urban development.
Ralph Mupita, CEO of Africa's largest mobile network operator MTN, also spoke at the event, detailing how MTN is pivoting to offer not only traditional wireless connectivity but also fintech services encompassing payments, e-commerce, and insurance. "The telco business has served us well... But the future is really about the future of platforms," Mupita expressed during his keynote address. This sentiment captures the growing trend among telecom companies to expand their services beyond connectivity.
Hatem Dowidar, CEO of UAE-based telecom company e&, lamented the significant disruption faced by traditional telecom revenue streams. "All this over the years got disrupted by over-the-top players... to the point today... reduced to being a pipe of packets just getting data across the networks," Dowidar noted. His remarks reflect the challenges posed by tech giants like Meta and Google, which have largely dominated customer engagement and media consumption.
Ryu Young-sang, CEO of South Korea's SK Telecom, pointed to the potential of AI as both a tool for operational efficiency and as a new business opportunity for telecoms. "For telcos, there are two aspects of AI. One is as a user, the other is as a supplier," he said, emphasizing how AI can drive improved network services and customer engagement. Young-sang also announced SK Telecom's intentions to expand AI-ready data centers globally, indicating their commitment to becoming competitive players in the growing field of cloud computing.
Looking to the future, Nik Willetts, CEO of TM Forum, remarked on the emergence of 'autonomous networks', which theoretically require less human intervention and are rapidly becoming more feasible due to AI advancements. "Autonomous Networks is a movement we see moving from theory to reality... thanks to advancements in AI combined with a new level of ambition and industry-wide action," Willetts explained. Such innovations are anticipated to yield considerable operational efficiencies and revenue opportunities.
Jeetu Patel, Chief Product Officer of Cisco, underscored the increasing demand for network bandwidth spurred by AI. "The network bandwidth appetite is going to increase exponentially with AI," Patel warned, indicating the need for telecom operators to adapt to keep pace with growing data consumption driven by AI technologies.
This year's MWC served as more than just another tech showcase. It underscored the urgency for telecom companies to redefine their roles amid the rapidly changing digital ecosystem. The choices firms make today about technology investments are expected to shape the future of communications, allowing them to leverage their historical infrastructure to provide innovative services.
Clearly, the concept of 'techcos'—a blend of telecom and tech companies—has gained traction among industry players as they explore new business models. While the traditional legs of the telecom business have faced pressures from external players, executives now seek to transform their companies. The insights shared at MWC suggest this transformation, powered by AI and digital innovation, is not just necessary; it's inevitable.