- China continues its rapid uptake of 5G with 200m additional connections in 
the last year 


    GSMA is celebrating a return to in-person events with the launch of MWC 
Shanghai 2021, which opens today. This first-of-its-kind experience combines 
unique in-person and virtual elements, heralding a new era of connectivity and 
collaboration for the mobile industry. 

    Around 20,000 visitors are expected to gain first-hand insights into the 
mobile industry through unique content and debates hosted at the Shanghai New 
International Expo Centre. They will be joined by thousands more who will log 
onto My MWCS Online from over a hundred countries. There will be plenty of 
opportunities to gain new industry information and make important business 
contacts.

    "Today marks an important milestone for Asia's mobile industry and the 
wider region's economy. MWC Shanghai 2021 is the first hybrid event of its kind 
bringing innovations and ideas to attendees in-person and online," said John 
Hoffman, CEO GSMA Ltd. "Sadly, I cannot be there in person but will connect as 
a virtual attendee to join the debate and witness technology innovations that 
are already shaping our future. I'm looking forward to engaging with you during 
the proceedings and hearing your thoughts after its close."

    Exciting thought leadership and world-class exhibits

    MWC Shanghai 2021 was inaugurated by a keynote address from Mats Granryd, 
Director General GSMA. Presentations from organisations like China Mobile, 
China Telecom, China Unicom, Huawei, Lenovo, Nokia, Verizon and ZTE, combined 
with a host of other thought leaders and exhibits from over 200 companies, such 
as Nokia Shanghai Bell, Qualcomm, and Samsung make this a not-to-be-missed 
experience, in-person or online.

    The theme of MWC Shanghai 2021 is 'Connected Impact', and the agenda 
showcases how the digital ecosystem supports global recovery and transforms 
lives. Sessions on 5G Connectivity, Connected Industry, AI and Start-up 
Innovation with other exciting features like the 5G Innovation Zone and the 
Digital Leaders Programme are highly anticipated.

    China continues to be one of the world's leading markets for 5G technology, 
according to 'The Mobile Economy China 2021 Report' from GSMA Intelligence, 
which is being launched at the event. Key findings include the scale of 5G 
uptake in China: during 2020 there were more than 200 million new connections. 
By 2025 it is estimated that there will be more than 800 million 5G connections 
across the country, driving a range of products and services for both 
individual consumers and the wider economy.

    Supporting the post-pandemic recovery

    Investment in 5G is also helping the global economy overcome the effects of 
Covid-19 and transition to a post-pandemic economic recovery. By 2030, upgrades 
to 5G will add more than $600 billion annually to the global economy, according 
to GSMA research. That's approximately 2.1% of the income growth expected in 
the coming decade, across all industries and sectors.

    "It's been a tough 12 months but a path to a post-pandemic world is 
starting to emerge. Importantly, 5G and mobile communications sit at the heart 
of that recovery," said Mats Granryd. "We're already planning for the return of 
MWC Barcelona this summer. The momentum created in Shanghai will be carried on 
to the Barcelona event, which will mark the next step forward for our 
industry." 

    Industry professionals wanting to discover more about the latest 
developments in 5G should attend MWC Shanghai 2021. 

    To register for Shanghai 2021 and for information about how to attend and 
pass types, please visit: www.mwcshanghai.com/register/.

    A copy of 'The Mobile Economy China 2021 Report' can be downloaded 
www.gsma.com/mobileeconomy/china/.

    About GSMA

    The GSMA represents the interests of mobile operators worldwide, uniting 
more than 750 operators with almost 400 companies in the broader mobile 
ecosystem, including handset and device makers, software companies, equipment 
providers and internet companies, as well as organisations in adjacent industry 
sectors. The GSMA also produces the industry-leading MWC events held annually 
in Barcelona https://www.mwcbarcelona.com/ , Africa 
https://www.gsmathrive.com/africa/ , Los Angeles https://www.mwclosangeles.com/ 
and Shanghai https://www.mwcshanghai.com/ , as well as the Thrive Series 
https://www.gsmathrive.com/ of regional conferences.

    For more information, please visit the GSMA corporate website at 
www.gsma.com. Follow the GSMA on Twitter: @GSMA.

    Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1442723/GSMA_Photo.jpg 
    Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1385555/GSMA_Logo.jpg 

    Source: GSMA