The biggest worldwide mobile industry event opens in Barcelona

Barcelona (ACN).- Once again, Barcelona is the host city for the Mobile World Congress. The Catalan capital is expected to attract more than 60,000 delegates from the most influential mobile companies from across the globe. On the agenda are how to explore new developments in the mobile industry and, especially to meet and discuss potential business deals, some of which might be worth millions of euro to the economy.

Barcelona will host, at least until 2018, the biggest mobile industry event in the world. The Mobile World Congress has more than 14.000 exhibitors with the latest innovations in the sector. Moreover, it offers a conference programme to debate how the mobile industry is changing, with 30 conferences with leading executives from companies in the cell phone and the Internet sector as well as experts from other industries. Delegates can meet and negotiate on the spot business deals.

In this year’s edition, the organisation has urged participants to ‘Redefine Mobile’, considering the increasing opportunities offered by mobile devices going far beyond calls, text messages, email checking or Internet navigation. “Far more than a mere communication device, mobiles now serve as our books, health monitors, payment transfer devices, social connectors and tour guides”, says the programme of the MWC. “Mobile technology is embedded in our cars, homes, appliances, governments and utilities. Mobile is enhancing and expanding education and, thus, transforming the world”, it adds. The event, aims “to celebrate the current state of mobile and offer a glimpse into where mobile has the potential to go next”.

An opportunity for Barcelona

The Mobile World Congress is not only an opportunity for the business sector, but also for Barcelona. As the World Capital for the Mobile Industry, this week is a great moment for the city’s hotels, taxis and other services. Moreover, the congress and the capital status can help Barcelona, and the entire Catalonia, to go “one step further” in the development of its industrial sector, according to the Director General of the Telecommunication and Information Society of the Catalan Government, Carles Flamerich.

According to Flamerich, the event helps to attract new multinational companies to Barcelona. “They can base their headquarters, develop technology and information communication with the research centres, the companies and the universities of Catalonia”, he said. The Director General of the Telecommunication and Information Society thinks that Barcelona and Catalonia have the potential to become “a technological system, a world laboratory for the mobile industry” that would help to create “new companies and jobs”. In fact, Flamerich hopes the MWC will not only help to promote the mobile industry in Barcelona but also boost the idea of Barcelona as a ‘smart city’ in which technology and sustainability are the main drivers for urban development.