At the world's largest mobile telecommunications exhibition, 'MWC 2025,' telecommunications companies (Telcos) showed a notable trend of transforming into big tech companies (Techcos, large information technology companies) with advanced technologies.
On the 7th, Samjong KPMG released a report titled 'The Future of the ICT Industry Seen Through MWC 2025,' selecting five major trends for this MWC 2025: ▲AI (Artificial Intelligence) ▲Techco (technology-centered telecommunications companies) ▲China ▲Form Factor ▲6G. The event held in Barcelona, Spain, was attended by 2,780 companies from over 200 countries and more than 100,000 visitors, making it a great success.
This year, global big tech companies such as Samsung Electronics, Microsoft, Amazon, and Meta showcased innovative solutions utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) and next-generation network technologies, presenting a future vision for the telecommunications and mobile industries. Domestic telecom operators are also focusing on expanding business models using AI. AI agent functions such as SK Telecom's generative AI 'Ester' and LG Uplus's AI assistant 'ixi-O' attracted attention.
Global telecommunications companies are pursuing a transformation into innovation technology-centered telecom companies through a 'post-telecom' strategy. At this MWC, 'service-centered Techco' and 'network-centered Techco' models appeared, highlighting differentiated strategies for each company.
The presence of Chinese companies was also remarkable. China accounted for 12.4% of all participating companies, ranking third after Spain and the United States. Huawei, Xiaomi, Oppo, ZTE, and others announced innovative technologies in AI, networks, and smart devices, demonstrating their competitiveness in the global market.
Devices with innovative form factors also attracted attention. Notably, Samsung Electronics' 'Project Infinite' and other extended reality (XR) devices, Huawei's triple foldable phone 'Mate XT,' and various wearable devices stood out.
In the 6G field, new technologies unveiled by major telecommunications industry companies such as KT, Taiwan's MediaTek, and the United States' Qualcomm were a hot topic. These companies are competing to showcase 6G technologies and secure leadership in the global market.
Park Seong-bae, Vice President of Samjong KPMG, stated, "For telecommunications companies to successfully leap into big tech, it is important to clearly define strategic directions considering their core competencies and key values and to innovate their business models." The report is available on the Samjong KPMG website.
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