Due to the impact of COVID-19... MWC to be held in summer next year

[Asia Economy Reporter Seolgina Jo] The world's largest mobile telecommunications exhibition, the 'Mobile World Congress (MWC),' which attracts more than 100,000 participants, will be held in the summer next year. Following the cancellation of MWC 2020, originally scheduled for late February this year due to the impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the 2021 event has also been postponed to June.

The Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA), which organizes MWC, announced this plan on the 23rd (local time). Accordingly, MWC 2021 will take place in Barcelona, Spain, from June 28 to July 1 next year. This is about four months later than the originally scheduled dates (March 1?4). This decision is interpreted as a response to the ongoing global spread of COVID-19.

GSMA explained, "We adjusted the schedule to protect the health and safety of participants and the citizens of Barcelona amid the COVID-19 situation."

However, concerns have also been raised. Earlier this year, MWC 2020 was canceled just before its opening despite the spread of COVID-19, as GSMA and the Spanish government initially intended to proceed. This was possible only after major companies consecutively announced their withdrawal, accepting penalties. The industry also faced controversies regarding penalties and refund policies.

Given that the spread of COVID-19 shows no signs of stopping, there are concerns that similar issues could arise next year. CES 2021, considered one of the world's top three ICT exhibitions alongside MWC, has already confirmed it will be held online.