 |
From robot football players and industry-leading keynote speakers to Formula E racing and immersive experience zones, MWC26 Shanghai will grandly open tomorrow, showcasing the innovations and cutting-edge ideas shaping the future of global connectivity
ShanghaiJune 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As the global mobile communications industry prepares to gather at MWC26 Shanghai, the GSMA has released new research showing that China accounts for over 40% of global 5G connections.
On the eve of the conference, the GSMA published the 2026 China Mobile Economy Report, offering a sneak peek at the innovations and on-site experiences attendees can expect. Highlights include a humanoid robot football penalty challenge and the launch of GLOMOs Asia.
Sihan Bo Chen, Head of GSMA Greater China, stated: “China currently accounts for over 40% of global 5G connections, with mobile technology generating $1.5 trillion in economic value in 2025. These figures paint a picture of an industry where mobile has far surpassed mere ‘connectivity,’ evolving into a ubiquitous digital platform driving productivity gains, AI-powered services, and sustainable economic growth. Witnessing this come to life in reality and engaging face-to-face with those deeply embedded in the industry and driving technological evolution is what makes MWC Shanghai most compelling. Tomorrow, it’s worth looking forward to.”
Tech leaders including AgiBot, Honor, Huawei, Siemens China, Vodafone Asia, and ZTE will join a host of speakers to explore the future of AI, robotics, and the connectivity industry.
Additionally, CircuitX, a program under the GSMA Foundry, will bring Formula E to the MWC venue. Attendees can experience the thrill of racing through 10 Formula E simulators.
MWC26 Shanghai will focus on the vision of the mobile ecosystem and exciting technological advancements. These include the Mobile AI Innovation Pioneers zone, a debut 6G zone, and the Future Constellation zone, highlighting the growing importance of satellite-terrestrial integration.
Key Findings from the 2026 China Mobile Economy Report
- China currently accounts for over 40% of global 5G connections, with 5G-Advanced commercially deployed in over 330 cities across mainland China, surpassing 10 million users
- Mobile technology and services generated $1.5 trillion in economic value in 2025 (7.2% of GDP), projected to reach $2.1 trillion by 2030
- Despite an internet connectivity rate of 91%, there remains an 8% usage gap, meaning tens of millions have yet to fully benefit from China’s digital economy
- The mobile ecosystem supported 7.9 million jobs in 2025
- Operator revenue is expected to grow from $191 billion in 2025 to $222.8 billion by 2030, with capital expenditure plans of $194.1 billion over the period
MWC26 Shanghai Registration