Driving Innovation in Global Connectivity
The connectivity landscape is undergoing a rapid shift as customer expectations for seamless, intelligent and secure digital experiences continue to rise. Traditional service models are struggling to keep pace, particularly as the industry moves beyond incremental upgrades towards more dynamic and responsive forms of connectivity. Non-human traffic, driven by agentic AI and machine-to-machine communication, is rapidly reshaping connectivity requirements. At the same time, the emergence of new service demands is placing pressure on operators and technology providers to rethink how value is created and delivered.
This Financial Times event held in partnership with Bain & Company, on the sidelines of MWC Barcelona, will explore how organisations across the connectivity ecosystem are using platforms, APIs and data-led capabilities to accelerate service innovation. Senior leaders will discuss emerging collaboration models and the strategic choices needed to balance innovation with competitive differentiation, offering clarity on the opportunities shaping the next generation of connected services.
The event will take place during Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. Please note that registration for this event does not provide access to MWC.
Key Discussion Points
Innovation
How advances in software, data, cloud and AI are reshaping connectivity and enabling new services for customers.
Collaboration
What operators, hyperscalers, device makers and platform companies need from one another to deliver more open and scalable connectivity.
Leadership
How senior decision-makers are navigating competitive pressures, customer expectations and the next phase of industry growth.
Why Attend?
Understand
Hear senior leaders examine the technologies, services and partnerships shaping the next phase of connectivity.
Connect
Meet senior leaders from across operators, hyperscalers, device makers and platform companies, and continue the conversation at the networking drinks reception after the panel.
Discover
Meet senior decision-makers in a focused setting held alongside Mobile World Congress.
Connect with Peers
A drinks reception will follow the panel discussion, giving attendees time to continue the conversation and build relationships in an informal setting.
Venue
Driving Innovation in Global Connectivity will take place on the fringe of Mobile World Congress at Marina Port Vell in Barcelona, Spain.
Address:
Marina Port Vell, Moll de la Barceloneta, 1 , 08039, Barcelona.
About MWC 2026
Mobile World Congress is the world’s leading event for mobile and digital communications, bringing together senior figures from across the sector. The FT x Bain & Co event will take place during MWC 2026 in Barcelona.
Will you be attending MWC?
Apply to join Driving Innovation in Global Connectivity. Places are limited and attendance is subject to approval to ensure a high-quality networking environment.
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What delegates say about FT Live events
“The breadth of speakers and the diversity of their industry experience made for a strong and engaging program, covering a wide range of topics. It was good to see some of the more controversial themes being discussed openly, as these are important conversations to have. ”
Delegate, Future of AI 2025, an FT Live event
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Amrit Harrar
amrit.harrar@ft.com
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