Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona 2025 was, once again this year, the place to be for tech companies and every actor from the telecom ecosystem. The event showcased significant advancements across various domains, reflecting the dynamic evolution of the mobile and technology sectors. To wrap things up, we’ve listed some of the main highlights around the telecom ecosystem, the Open Gateway project, mobile payments, digital content distribution, and audience monetization.
The Raise of AI and 5G, Gamechangers of the Telecom Ecosystem
MWC 2025 underscored the pivotal role of 5G and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in driving digital transformation. The GSMA’s Mobile Economy Report 2025 highlighted that mobile technologies and services generated 5.8% of global GDP in 2024, equating to $6.5 trillion, with projections to reach nearly $11 trillion by 2030. The report also noted that 5G connections surpassed two billion by the end of 2024 and are expected to account for 57% of total mobile connections by 2030.
AI played a central role at the event, with discussions focusing on its application in optimizing network operations, improving customer experience, and preventing fraud. Leading telecom providers showcased AI-driven solutions to enhance network automation, predictive maintenance, and real-time traffic optimization. AI-powered chatbots, voice assistants, and personalized content recommendations are also redefining user interactions with digital services.
A dedicated session titled “RCS: the future of conversational messaging”, led by Google and Infobip, highlighted how Rich Communication Services (RCS) combined with conversational AI are significantly transforming customer engagement. Discussions explored innovative RCS use-cases in sectors such as telecom, finance, and retail, demonstrating AI’s capability to enhance personalized, secure, and interactive messaging experiences.
In addition to the ongoing 5G revolution, there were also notable announcements about the future of 6G. Discussions highlighted that 6G technology is expected to enable ultra-low latency and speeds up to 100 times faster than 5G, with a major focus on enhancing connectivity in rural and underserved regions. Key players like Nokia and Ericsson shared their vision for 6G networks, which will likely incorporate AI, spatial computing, and holographic communication. These innovations are setting the stage for a new era of mobile experiences, with applications ranging from smart cities to immersive virtual environments.
“This year, the MWC 2025 has clearly shown that the future belongs to those who harness technology not just to innovate, but to create more seamless, secure, and truly engaging digital experiences. Initiatives like Open Gateway, advancements in AI and 5G/6G, and the emergence of immersive environments all point toward a world where digital services are simpler, faster, and more accessible. For Digital Virgo, being part of these conversations helps us anticipate tomorrow’s needs, identify new opportunities, and deliver tangible value to customers globally. Beyond technology itself, it’s about creating meaningful connections with our industry and driving sustainable growth.”
Eric Tiberghien – COO Digital Virgo Group
Telco Collaboration, the Key to Boost Open Gateway
A central focus of Mobile World Congress was the GSMA’s Open Gateway initiative, an industry-wide framework designed to provide universal access to network capabilities through standardized APIs. This initiative aims to transform telecommunications networks into programmable platforms, simplifying complexity and fostering collaboration between telcos and developers. By making network capabilities accessible, Open Gateway empowers the creation and rapid deployment of innovative services on a global scale.
A major milestone announced was the launch of the Open Gateway Multi-Telco Innovation Lab, a joint effort by MasOrange, Telefónica, Vodafone Group, and the i2CAT research center. This initiative aims to accelerate API standardization and drive cross-industry innovation, demonstrating how telcos can collectively unlock new business models and use cases in connectivity, security, and monetization.
Telefónica and TikTok announced an expansion of their partnership under the Open Gateway initiative, introducing APIs designed to enhance user experiences by simplifying registration and improving security. Their collaboration includes the launch of a Number Verification API, enabling seamless user sign-ups without relying on SMS or third-party verification, and an Age Verification API, ensuring age-appropriate access and stronger user protection.
Building further on this approach of leveraging Open Gateway APIs for smoother, more secure digital experiences, Digital Virgo and Telefónica also shared their joint efforts to develop an Open Gateway Carrier Billing API. This API focuses specifically on streamlining payment processes, providing users with secure, frictionless transactions while simplifying merchants’ operations.
What’s Next for Mobile Payments and Carrier Billing?
The integration of AI and 5G technologies discussed at MWC 2025 is expected to enhance mobile payment systems, leading to more secure and efficient transactions. The focus on network APIs and Open Gateways also suggests future innovations in payment solutions, enabling seamless and secure financial transactions across platforms.
This also enhances the possibilities for Carrier Billing, which will find in Open Gateway a new ecosystem to expand, reach new customers, boost revenue for telcos, and connect merchants worldwide through channel partners (service aggregators) such as Digital Virgo.
Regulatory discussions also took center stage, particularly around financial compliance and cross-border payments. As mobile payments continue to expand globally, ensuring consumer protection, transaction transparency, and interoperability between mobile money platforms remains a top priority.
Improved Content Distribution for Improved User Experience
The convergence of AI and advanced connectivity was a focal point, with discussions on how these technologies can revolutionize digital content distribution. Enhanced network capabilities are set to improve content delivery networks, offering faster and more reliable access to digital content. This evolution is anticipated to benefit sectors such as entertainment, education, and media by providing richer user experiences.
The event also underscored the emergence of immersive technologies like AR/VR and the metaverse, with companies like Meta and Xiaomi unveiling products that will enhance user interactions and experiences in virtual environments. These technologies are not just about better connectivity but about transforming the way people work, learn, and socialize, paving the way for new virtual worlds that will soon be seamlessly integrated into our daily lives.
“Great to be part of MWC 2025! A fantastic opportunity to collaborate, exchange ideas, and innovate. Thanks to our teams, the MEF, and all ecosystem players for working together to build a more connected future and a sustainably thriving DCB industry. Looking forward to what’s next!”
Émilie Roussel – Corporate Marketing & Communications Director
Overall, Mobile World Congress Barcelona 2025 highlighted the industry’s commitment to leveraging advanced technologies to transform various aspects of the mobile and digital ecosystems, paving the way for innovative solutions and enhanced user experiences. These gatherings reinforce Digital Virgo’s drive to push the boundaries in technology, mobile payments and content distribution with a glocal approach.
You were not able to attend Mobile World Congress but want to talk with our team about any of these topics? Feel free to contact us HERE.
