Every year, global telecom leaders gather at Mobile World Congress (MWC) not just to explore new technologies—but to rethink their operating models. This year, the stakes are backed by staggering numbers: the "Generative AI in Telecom" market is projected to leap from $730 million in 2025 to over $1.1 billion in 2026. That 53% CAGR proves that MWC 2026 is no longer just a technology showcase.
It is a vital strategic checkpoint for operators facing rising operational costs, increasing digital expectations, and intensifying competition. The real opportunity isn't simply discovering innovation; it’s identifying which of these billion-dollar investments can be operationalized at scale. So, how can telecom operators truly benefit from MWC 2026?
Telecom operators today are under pressure from multiple directions:
MWC 2026 is expected to spotlight:
For telecom executives, this is the moment to evaluate how these trends translate into measurable operational improvements.
One of the most significant shifts in telecom is the evolution of AI assistants from simple chatbots to intelligent, context-aware engagement platforms.
Modern AI assistants can:
At MWC 2026, telecom operators will see how AI can reduce repetitive inquiries, improve first-contact resolution, and provide 24/7 multilingual support without proportionally increasing staffing costs.
This shift enables operators to:
The key takeaway? AI is no longer a support tool—it is a foundational engagement layer.
Despite strong digital apps, many telecom customers still visit physical branches for reassurance, complex transactions, or identity verification. Virtual Visit Management bridges this gap. Instead of requiring in-person visits, customers can:
This model allows telecom operators to: Reduce branch footfall, maintain personalized human interaction, distribute workload across centralized teams, and lower cost per interaction.
At MWC 2026, telecom operators exploring hybrid service models will discover how virtual branches complement—not replace—physical stores. The result is a controlled, appointment-based service structure that reduces unpredictability and enhances planning efficiency.
Telecom branches remain expensive assets. Rent, utilities, staffing, and infrastructure contribute to high operational costs. The self-service-first model shifts high-volume transactions to automated kiosks, enabling customers to independently complete services around the clock such as:
By automating routine services, telecom operators can: Reduce queues significantly, improve service speed, lower cost per transaction, and free staff to focus on complex cases and enterprise clients.
At MWC 2026, telecom leaders will evaluate how self-service kiosks can transform branch economics without compromising customer experience.
Queue management is often underestimated—but it directly impacts customer perception. Modern Queue Management Systems (QMS) do more than issue tickets. They:
By implementing intelligent queue orchestration, telecom operators gain: Predictable service capacity, reduced waiting times, Data-driven workforce planning, and improved branch efficiency.
The true benefit of attending MWC 2026 lies in understanding that transformation is not about isolated tools. AI assistants, virtual visits, self-service kiosks, and queue management systems must operate as one connected system. When integrated:
This integrated approach creates operational consistency, lower service delivery costs, scalable growth, unified customer journeys.
Telecom operators that attend MWC with a strategic lens can:
At Mobile World Congress 2026, leading telecom customer experience innovators will demonstrate how operators can move from fragmented service channels to fully connected digital ecosystems. Among them, SEDCO will present an integrated telecom CX platform designed to modernize service delivery across every touchpoint, featuring:
Rather than offering standalone tools, these solutions are designed to operate as a unified ecosystem—ensuring seamless integration with telecom CRM, billing, and core service platforms.
SEDCO brings a strong track record of supporting leading telecom operators with advanced self-service solution, including Orange, Zain, and Mobily. In addition to its long-standing presence at Mobile World Congress over the years, SEDCO continues to demonstrate its commitment to innovation by showcasing integrated telecom customer experience solutions that align with evolving industry demands.
Book a meeting with SEDCO at MWC 2026 to explore how to build a smarter, more efficient, and fully connected telecom customer experience.