Mobile World Congress 2026 in Barcelona: AI, 6G, and Satellite at the Heart of Spectrum Challenges

AI: a turning point for mobile networks

 

Will AI reshape mobile traffic patterns?

MWC 2026 confirmed a trend that had already been gaining momentum: artificial intelligence (AI), omnipresent across exhibition stands, is no longer a peripheral topic for mobile networks.

It is becoming a structural element, both as a tool for network management and as a factor that could reshape traffic patterns.

Generative AI and agentic AI applications, deployed in the cloud or at the network edge, are expected to generate significant volumes of uplink data, from users to the network.

Today, mobile traffic remains highly asymmetric: around 10% uplink versus 90% downlink, mainly due to dominant uses such as internet browsing, video streaming, and social media.

However, industry players believe that a rebalancing could occur rapidly, as connected devices and AI applications—such as autonomous vehicles or smart glasses—generate large amounts of data to be transmitted to the network.

 

Potential implications for spectrum planning

This evolution could have significant consequences for spectrum planning.

It may notably lead to a renewed interest in FDD (Frequency Division Duplex), where spectrum is allocated symmetrically between uplink and downlink.

By contrast, TDD (Time Division Duplex) relies on time-sharing: the same frequency is alternately used for uplink and downlink depending on traffic.

In recent years, TDD has often been favored because it is more efficient when traffic is highly asymmetric, as is currently the case.

But if AI leads to a rebalancing of traffic, FDD could once again become more relevant.

Real-time AI applications will also require very low latency, which could encourage the use of wider channels—around 200 MHz for mobile networks and up to 360 MHz for Wi-Fi.

 

6G: preparing future frequencies today

MWC also provided an opportunity to review progress on 6G development. The first equipment prototypes are expected between 2028 and 2029, followed shortly by real-world testing. Commercial deployment is anticipated from 2030.

To meet this timeline, industry stakeholders need early visibility on the frequency bands that will be allocated to 6G.

In November 2025, the Radio Spectrum Policy Group (RSPG) identified the so-called “upper 6 GHz band” as the core band for 6G in Europe.

Industry players also showcased several innovative technologies, such as ISAC (Integrated Sensing and Communications) systems, capable of detecting and tracking moving objects—such as vehicles or drones—while simultaneously providing communication services.

Another development is the advancement of “massive MIMO” smart antennas, composed of several hundred or even thousands of active elements, which improve the spectral efficiency of mobile networks.

 

Satellite: a new player in mobile connectivity

MWC 2026 confirmed a major shift: over the next decade, satellite will no longer be a niche market or merely a complement to terrestrial networks.

The development of constellations comprising hundreds or even thousands of satellites is already enabling the provision of very high-speed fixed connectivity on a global scale.

The new trend observed in Barcelona is the growing number of projects aiming to deliver mobile services via satellite directly to the general public.

These services are made possible by several technological advances: terminals integrating a version of the 5G standard compatible with both terrestrial and satellite networks, and satellites equipped with very large active antennas capable of receiving signals from standard smartphones outdoors, and even indoors near windows—thus improving coverage across the entire globe.

 

A growing need for spectrum

The development of these new services raises a central issue: access to radio spectrum.

Currently, the spectrum allocated to mobile satellite services (MSS) remains limited to a few tens of MHz, mainly in the L and S bands, which does not allow for high data rates.

Some satellite operators are therefore exploring the use of frequency bands currently assigned to terrestrial mobile networks to provide D2D-IMT services (Direct-to-Device within IMT mobile bands).

These options are currently under discussion at both European and international levels, particularly in the context of the Digital Network Act proposed by the European Commission, the revision of the 2 GHz MSS decision, the CEPT mandate on D2D-IMT, and preparations for the 2027 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-27).

 

A French candidacy for the ITU

MWC 2026 was also an opportunity to promote the candidacy of Éric Fournier for the position of Director of the Radiocommunication Bureau of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

This candidacy was presented to administrations present in Barcelona as well as to industry stakeholders, who are well aware of the importance of effective global spectrum management.

Such management, ensured by the ITU, is essential to foster innovation while guaranteeing the protection of all spectrum users.