Underpinning the Big Trends of MWC 2026 with Robust, Reliable Connectivity
Emerging, converging, and transformational technologies – artificial intelligence, IoT, robotics, a huge upsurge in data generation, new standards – are set to be high on the agenda. And while the spotlight often falls on applications and services themselves, MWC is a forum to discuss the underlying connectivity infrastructure needed to ensure next-generation applications can reach their full potential.
With this in mind, RFS has picked 5 of the topics set to be big at this year’s show. We give our perspective on the overarching trend and its challenges and discuss how RFS is tackling the subject. We’ve also highlighted our speaker picks for each topic.
1. AI: Driving Demand for Intelligent, Resilient Networks
At this year’s show Artificial intelligence will be virtually everywhere and with good reason. AI is moving rapidly from innovation and pilot programs into everyday operations, supporting everything from predictive maintenance to real-time decision-making. As AI workloads become more distributed, spanning cloud, edge, and on-premise environments, the demands placed on connectivity infrastructure will increase significantly.
Where RFS fits in: Low latency, high capacity, and uninterrupted performance are now essential requirements. To support AI at scale, networks must be built on reliable fiber and wireless infrastructure that can consistently perform under heavy data loads. Integrators and end-users alike must recognize that not all infrastructure is created equal. Take cable, for example; if the backbone of the network is built with low-quality cable, it creates a ceiling for application performance. The result? Performance that does not meet expectations and a need for further CAPEX to reinforce infrastructure. It is crucial to invest at the outset in high-performance equipment to ensure that intelligence at the application layer is not undermined by a lack of resilience at the physical layer.
RFS Speaker Pick: Redesigning Telco Infra for the Next Phase of AI
2. The Data Boom and the Expansion of Data Centers
With the number of AI-powered propositions at MWC this year, it is no surprise the volume of data being generated continues to grow at an unprecedented rate. Driven by AI, video, IoT, and digital services across all sectors. In response, data center architectures are evolving beyond traditional hyperscale facilities to include regional and edge deployments closer to users and applications.
Where RFS fits in: This shift places renewed focus on the quality and performance of underlying connectivity infrastructure. High-performance, innovative cable, like Hollow-core Fiber (HCF), antennas, and RF solutions play a critical role in ensuring data can be transported efficiently, securely, and reliably, both within data centers and across wider networks. There is a session specifically on HCF and its role in addressing the data explosion, highlighting the critical role of upgraded infrastructure in future-proofing the continuously expanding data economy.
RFS Speaker Pick: YOFC Hollow-core Fiber Solution Launch Event
3. IoT and Industry 4.0: Building the Connectivity Backbone
IoT and broader Industry 4.0 initiatives are continuing to expand, enabling greater visibility, automation, and optimization across industrial environments. As part of this, networks must support large numbers of connected devices as well as a broad range of data flows that need to be communicated in real-time. This means the success of Industry 4.0 initiatives depends on a robust, industrial-grade connectivity infrastructure.
Where RFS fits in: Reliable and complete coverage, whether fiber or RF, forms the backbone of these deployments (we saw this in practice with our own connected warehouse project in 2025). It is critical that businesses exploring Industry 4.0 opportunities at this year’s show fully deploy the underlying infrastructure to support their programs and fully meet their project goals.
RFS Speaker Pick: Manufacturing and Production Summit: Speak CEO – Rethinking Operator GTM for Enterprise Impact
4. Transport Infrastructure Upgrades: Moving to New Standards
Transport networks are undergoing a significant transformation as digital technologies are integrated to improve safety, efficiency, and passenger experience. From rail and road to tunnels and stations, these environments demand connectivity solutions that perform reliably in challenging physical conditions and have a long lifespan.
Where RFS fits in: Those in the rail industry, for example, are anticipating new standards, such as FRMCS, and therefore need to ensure that infrastructure decisions made today support the infrastructure required for future applications, including real-time monitoring, digital signaling, and connected mobility. We’re expecting to see plenty of attendees from the sector looking at how they can achieve infrastructure that is carefully engineered, robustly deployed, and designed to evolve as standards and requirements change. The team will be on hand to discuss how we can support transport systems in being connected, resilient, and future-ready.
RFS Speaker Pick: Smart Mobility Summit: Built for Tomorrow - Infrastructure for Intelligent Mobility
5. Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs): Extending Connectivity Beyond the Ground
Clear from the speaker agenda at this year’s MWC, Non-Terrestrial Networks are becoming an increasingly important complement to terrestrial infrastructure, extending coverage and enhancing network resilience. Satellite and hybrid networks play an increasing role in remote connectivity, mobility, and disaster recovery, and in 2026, the build-out of NTNs will continue.
Where RFS fits in: Although every aspect of NTN infrastructure will need to ensure robust and resilient performance, at RFS, we are working to deliver this in the context of NTN ground stations. NTN ground stations serve as the essential interfaces between NTN assets and terrestrial communication networks. Responsible for controlling satellites, managing traffic, integration, and offloading with terrestrial core networks, assured, robust connectivity for ground stations is key. Getting in place the fiber and RF components to maximize the performance of NTN ground stations will be critical in 2026 as this particular form of connectivity continues to go from strength to strength.
RFS Speaker Pick: NTN at a Crossroads: Open Interoperability or Walled Gardens in Space
Infrastructure as the Heartbeat of Digital Innovation
The universal foundation across all of the trends we’ve highlighted at MWC this year is that they require strong underlying connectivity infrastructure to facilitate success. Connectivity enablers – infrastructure designers, manufacturers, and integrators are usually the unsung heroes of big technical advancements, but they are essential to their success. Fiber and RF solutions may not be the headline technologies, but they are fundamental to the success of the applications sitting in the spotlight at this year’s event.