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MWC 2025: a telecoms industry in front of a strategic turning point
The 2025 edition of the Mobile World Congress has devoted the evolution of an accelerated changing telecom sector. Behind the technological demonstrations and the announcements of major players in the industry, a reality is essential: the transformation of the economic model of operators has become a necessity. The rise of artificial intelligence, market consolidation and the pressure exerted by digital giants impose a redefinition of strategies. Simple supply of connectivity is no longer enough. Faced with the erosion of margins and the explosion of uses, innovation is no longer limited to infrastructure, but now extends to the services and models of monetization.
Artificial intelligence stands out as the structuring element of current developments. Its integration into the networks, whether optimization of performance, automation of operations or improving customer service, becomes an operational reality. The generative AI allows operators to refine data flow management and strengthen infrastructure resilience. However, its application exceeds the only technical dimension. It feeds differentiation strategies, facilitating the development of value -added offers in cloud services, cybersecurity or tailor -made connectivity solutions.
The question of the monetization of networks remains at the heart of concerns. The continuous increase in data consumption, stimulated by streaming, immersive applications and industrial uses, causes increased pressure to infrastructure. The operators are struggling to capture the value generated by these flows. The stake exceeds the simple price adjustment. This involves rethinking the relationship between service providers and infrastructure owners. The debate on the “Fair Share”, which aims to force the large digital platforms to contribute to the financing of the networks, remains lively. Its outcome will have major consequences on the balance of forces between telecom operators and technological companies.
The maturity of 5G matures a new phase in the development of infrastructure. If the coverage extends gradually, the return on investment remains uncertain for many actors. The question of the 6G, still in the state of prospective, is already invited into the discussions. It poses considerable technical and economic challenges, especially in terms of spectrum and network architecture. The emergence of cloud and EDGE Computing is a processing lever to optimize processing capacities and reduce latency of critical applications. Digital sovereignty becomes a structuring axis of investment policies, with an increased desire to limit dependence on American and Chinese hyperscalers.
Environmental imperatives are an essential variable for corporate strategies. The reduction in the carbon footprint of telecoms infrastructure constitutes a priority, under the combination of regulatory pressure and investor expectations. Improving the energy efficiency of networks, the development of new consumption optimization practices and the adoption of more virtuous models in terms of equipment management are at the heart of initiatives. However, these efforts must deal with profitability imperatives and increasing needs for treatment capacity.
The consolidation of the telecom market is accelerating, with movement of rapprochement between operators, especially in Europe and Asia. The pooling of infrastructure becomes an essential optimization lever, in a context where networks densification requires ever heavier investments. Alliances with cloud giants and providers of artificial intelligence solutions take on a strategic dimension, reflecting a desire to integrate differentiating services and to capture new growth relays.
The evolution of regulations add additional complexity. Data governance, cybersecurity and net neutrality are among the priority files of regulators. The decisions made in the coming years will have a direct impact on the ability of operators to innovate and position themselves in the face of large digital platforms. The management of critical infrastructure, in a context of increasing geopolitical tensions, constitutes an issue of sovereignty for many states.
An industry in search of differentiation and innovation
The 2025 edition of the Mobile World Congress has also highlighted the emergence of new trends on the market for smartphones and connected objects. The manufacturers have competed in ingenuity to capture the attention of the 109,000 visitors present, thus confirming that innovation in terms of design and user experience remains an essential engine of the competitiveness of the sector.
The flagship products of this edition have focused on miniaturization and performance. Samsung has unveiled the Galaxy S25 Edge, the finest model ever designed by the brand, while Tecno presented the Spark Slim, already functional and accessible to demonstrations.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3i1ob6wkyms
Xiaomi struck hard with the launch of 15 Ultra, a model developed in partnership with Leica, integrating interchangeable optical modules and a focal opening at F/1.4. Realme followed with a prototype allowing the addition of real photographic objectives via a magnetic fixation. These advances bear witness to the manufacturers’ desire to compete with professional cameras, placing mobile photography at the heart of premium uses.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SQBX7ONCBS
Technological offers have also multiplied, especially in the field of connected objects. Samsung has introduced an innovation of rupture with its Galaxy Ring, a connected ring with advanced functionalities in health monitoring and notifications. Lenovo presented a hybrid PC with an 18.1 inch folding screen, designed for use between laptop and mobile workstation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=teo9HD34qug
The trend of folding screens is also confirmed with the presentation by Samsung Display of a portable game console inspired by the Nintendo Switch, incorporating a flexible screen for an immersive and modular experience.
