The End of an Era? — Why Every Critical Communications Professional Needs to Be at MWC 2026

The world's mission-critical networks are going Broadband. These are the companies showing you how — live in Barcelona, March 2–5.

TETRA networks in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. P25 systems across North America and Australia. TETRAPOL in France and Latin America. GSM-R on railways worldwide. For decades, these purpose-built networks have been the backbone of mission-critical communications for police, fire, emergency medical services, utilities, railways, and defense forces.

But that era is slowly drawing to a close.

Around the globe, operators and governments are actively planning — or already executing — the migration from these legacy technologies to 5G broadband mission-critical networks based on the 3GPP MCX standard suite (MCX encompassing MCPTT, MCData, and MCVideo). 

The UK's Emergency Services Network (ESN) is replacing Airwave/TETRA. France is building the RRF (Réseau Radio du Futur) on 4G/5G MCX. Germany's BDBOS is evaluating broadband evolution. The US FirstNet network is expanding its LTE/5G MCX capabilities. South Korea's PS-LTE is operational. Railway operators across Europe and Asia are transitioning from GSM-R to FRMCS (Future Railway Mobile Communication System), the 5G-based successor. 

The question is no longer if this migration will happen — it is how fast, and who will be best positioned to lead it. 

Mobile World Congress 2026, taking place March 2–5 in Barcelona, is where the answers are being shown live. 

MWC Sets the Stage — CCW Delivers the Detail!

 Make no mistake: Critical Communications World (CCW) remains, without question, the world's leading annual event exclusively dedicated to critical communications. Held each year and bringing together public safety agencies, network operators, technology vendors, standards bodies, and government representatives from across the globe, CCW is the one event where every conversation, every demo, and every keynote is focused entirely on mission-critical communications. Nothing else comes close in terms of depth, relevance, and community. But MWC plays a different and increasingly important role in the critical communications calendar. 

With the entire mobile ecosystem—from chipset makers and device manufacturers to network vendors and cloud platforms — converging in Barcelona every spring, MWC has become the event where the broader 5G and 6G industry signals what it is building and where it is heading. 

For the critical communications sector, which is now deeply embedded in that same 5G ecosystem through MCX, MCPTT, and FRMCS, that signal matters enormously. What gets unveiled, demonstrated, and discussed at MWC in March will, in many cases, set the agenda for what the industry brings to CCW later in the year. The devices, platforms, and solutions that make their MWC debut today will be the ones showcased in full critical communications context at CCW tomorrow. 

Critical Communications at MWC 2026: The Exhibitors to Watch

Watching MWC closely is therefore not optional for critical communications professionals — it is essential preparation for understanding what the ecosystem will deliver when it arrives on CCW's floor.

So, for professionals working in the public safety and mission-critical communications environment, MWC 2026 is no longer just a "telecom industry event." It is now directly relevant to your world. The 5G ecosystem that is absorbing your sector will be on full display — and the companies building the tools, devices, platforms, and infrastructure for the next generation of critical communications are exhibiting right now. Below is a roundup of the companies that have explicitly and publicly communicated that they will be showcasing MCX, MCPTT, or critical communications related solutions at MWC 2026. 

There are undoubtedly more companies at the event with relevant solutions — this list reflects those who clearly announced their critical communications focus ahead of the show. 

Capgemini — Booth 2K21, Hall 2

Capgemini is one of the most prominent critical communications exhibitors at MWC 2026, dedicating an entire demo track at its booth (Hall 2, Booth 2K21) to advanced mission-critical communications. The company is showcasing a portable, all-in-one system delivering mission-critical connectivity and situational awareness — combining 5G, edge computing, and AI — alongside demos on AI-RAN, autonomous networks, and Physical AI. The mission-critical demo integrates broadband technologies with IoT sensors, connected wearables, CCTV, drones, autonomous robots, and rugged mobile cameras into a unified operational platform, enabling real-time analytics, automated alerts, object recognition, and AI-assisted decision support. 

The company also highlights how the same technology roadmap driving public safety transformation is being followed by railways (via FRMCS), energy, utilities, healthcare, and transport. 

Patrice Crutel, Senior Director 5G & Mission Critical Services Strategy at Capgemini Invent, posted:

"At #MWC2026, experience a compelling demo aligned to this topic. Visit the Capgemini booth (2K21) to explore it with us." 

Katarzyna Żołna-Boroń, Global Sr. Marketing Manager for the ER&D Telecommunications Sector, added:

"You'll also discover our Advanced Critical Communications solution, a portable, all‑in‑one system delivering mission‑critical connectivity and situational awareness anywhere." 

Praveen Shankar, Executive Vice President and Global Telecom Industry Leader, noted: 

"See how operators can unlock new revenue streams with ready-to-deploy industry use cases like our advanced Critical Communications demo, enabling mission-critical services for enterprises and the public sector."

VIAVI Solutions — Stand 5B18, Hall 5

VIAVI Solutions is showcasing its comprehensive portfolio for mission-critical communications and private networks at MWC 2026. Key solutions on display include EVOIA (its MCX test and assurance platform) and XEDGE (a cloud-based edge monitoring platform with new XEdge v2 and XEdge Lite sensors for private 4G/5G/Wi-Fi networks). The updated XEdge platform enables unattended, scalable monitoring across campuses, factories, transport hubs, and secure zones. 

Yann Rouveyre, General Manager, Mission Critical & Railway at VIAVI Solutions, posted: 

"Please welcome to VIAVI Solutions booth at #MWC2026 at #Barcelona to discuss our #EVOIA and #XEDGE solutions for Mission Critical Communications and Private Networks with our experts Pascal Bertrand and Ilya Samokhin." 

The company's broader MWC portfolio also includes assured Positioning, Navigation & Timing (APNT) and NTN (Non-Terrestrial Network) solutions, all designed to help the ecosystem validate the path from 5G toward 6G.

RugGear — Booth CS33, Congress Square

RugGear is exhibiting its latest generation of MCX-capable rugged devices and accessories at MWC 2026. Designed for demanding environments ranging from industrial sites to public safety operations, RugGear's portfolio includes next-generation MCX handsets, smart accessories, and integrated communication solutions. Live demos will be available at the stand. 

The company posted:

"We are excited to showcase our latest mission-critical innovations at #MWC. Visit us to explore RugGear next-generation #MCX devices, smart accessories, and integrated communication solutions designed for demanding environments — from industrial sites to public safety operations."

Mobile Tornado — Meeting by appointment

Although Mobile Tornado is not exhibiting with a booth, the team is attending MWC Barcelona 2026 to present its MCPTT push-to-talk over cellular (PoC) platform and a suite of complementary solutions. On show are TornadoCommander (a web-based dispatcher tool), TornadoPatrol (a guard patrol management solution), and TornadoDebrief (a post-operation intelligence review platform). 

The company is inviting attendees to arrange meetings directly at sales@mobiletornado.com. 

The company announced:

"Members of the team will be on site to discuss our push-to-talk over cellular (PoC) solution and how it can benefit your business, as well as our latest innovations — including TornadoCommander, our web-based dispatcher; TornadoPatrol, our guard patrol solution; and TornadoDebrief, the ultimate post-operation intelligence review platform."

Valid8 — Hall 5, Booth 5K36

Valid8 is exhibiting its Protocol Engine, a multifunctional, flexible, and scalable test platform supporting MCX, FRMCS, and 2G/3G/4G/5G technologies in a single solution. The platform enables conformance and functional testing, as well as simulation, emulation, and load testing — making it highly relevant for operators and vendors preparing for the railway industry's migration from GSM-R to FRMCS and for public safety MCX network deployments. 

Reinier Treur, Experienced Sales & Marketing Professional in Electronics & Telecom at Valid8, posted:

"I'll be there with Valid8 (Hall 5, booth 5K36), demonstrating our state-of-the-art Protocol Engine. This multifunctional, flexible, and scalable test platform is designed to support MCX, FRMCS, and 2G/3G/4G/5G technologies. It enables conformance and functional testing, while also offering powerful capabilities for simulation, emulation, and load testing, all within a single platform."

SmartViser — Hall 5, Stand 5B61-36, French Tech Pavilion

SmartViser is returning to MWC 2026 with a series of live demos showcasing its network performance testing and assurance platform across multiple use cases, including Mission-Critical Communications and private networks. The company uses smartphones as test probes to deliver active testing, active network monitoring, and passive network monitoring with actionable KPIs and real-time visibility. 

The company announced:

"SmartViser is back at MWC 2026! We're excited to return to MWC Barcelona 2026 with a new series of innovative, live demos showcasing how SmartViser helps operators, vendors, and enterprises test, monitor, and assure network performance end-to-end." 

Use cases explicitly highlighted include Public Mobile Networks, Private Networks, Mission-Critical Communications, and Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN).

TCCA – The Critical Communications Association — Hall 2, CC2 GSMA Insights Hub Stage

TCCA – The Critical Communications Association, the global industry body representing the critical communications ecosystem, is present at MWC 2026 through its senior leadership and standards representation. 

TCCA's Board Vice-Chair, Chair of the Critical Communications Broadband Group, and representative to 3GPP, Tero Pesonen, is chairing a dedicated panel session on "Intelligent Public Safety – Policy, Innovation, Resilience, Interoperability and Standards" as part of the Global 5G Alliances Summit – From Connectivity to Intelligent Industry and Ecosystem, taking place on Wednesday, March 4, from 14:30 to 16:30 at Hall 2, CC2 GSMA Insights Hub Stage.

The panel brings together expert voices from across the critical communications and public safety ecosystem, including representatives from FirstNet / Built with AT&T, Suomen Erillisverkot (the Finnish public safety network operator), and ETSI, reflecting the increasingly international and standards-driven nature of the broadband mission-critical transition. 

 TCCA posted:

"Heading to MWC Barcelona next month? Check out this session chaired by our Board vice-chair, chair of our Critical Communications Broadband Group and representative in 3GPP Tero Pesonen: 'Intelligent Public Safety – Policy, Innovation, Resilience, Interoperability and Standards' in the Global 5G Alliances Summit on 4th March." 

Tero Pesonen, Vice Chair & Board Director / CC Broadband Group Chair and TCCA representative to 3GPP, added:

"Thrilled to moderate a panel session on 'Intelligent Public Safety – Policy, Innovation, Resilience, Interoperability and Standards' in the Global 5G Alliances Summit – From Connectivity to Intelligent Industry and Ecosystem." 

TCCA's presence at MWC 2026 underscores the growing convergence between the mainstream mobile industry and the critical communications sector. As the body that represents TETRA operators, MCX solution providers, device manufacturers, and standards contributors globally, TCCA's engagement at MWC signals that the critical communications community is not merely watching the 5G revolution from the sidelines — it is actively shaping it.

Ericsson — Live Broadcast from MWC Barcelona, Thursday 5 March, 13:00 CET

Ericsson, one of the world's leading suppliers of mobile network infrastructure and mission-critical communications solutions, is using its MWC 2026 presence to address governments and public sector organizations directly. The company is hosting a live broadcast streamed from Mobile World Congress, focused on how 4G and 5G are shaping the next phase of mission-critical communications — from emergency services to broader public sector digital transformation. 

The broadcast, titled "Your Guide to Next-Generation Mission-Critical Networks", will be streamed live on Thursday, 5 March 2026 at 13:00 CET and will feature Phil Brimblecombe, Head of Solutions – Enterprise and Mission Critical, EMEA. The session will explore how governments can leverage 4G and 5G, what resilient and secure connectivity looks like in practice, and which technologies are enabling modern mission-critical operations today. 

Ericsson posted:

"Next-generation mission-critical networks are moving fast, and for governments and public sector organizations, the stakes couldn't be higher. At MWC Barcelona 2026, we're hosting a live broadcast focused on how 4G and 5G are shaping the next phase of mission-critical communications, from emergency services to wider public sector digital transformation."

The broadcast is open for remote registration, making it accessible to critical communications professionals who are not physically present at MWC 2026.

Global Certification Forum (GCF) — Executive Meeting Room 2.1B17Ex, Hall 2.1

The Global Certification Forum (GCF), the internationally recognized body responsible for device certification across mobile technologies, is present at MWC 2026 with a clear and explicit focus on Mission Critical (MCX) communications as one of its three core areas. GCF can be found at the Executive Meeting Room 2.1B17Ex in Hall 2.1 throughout the event, from 2–5 March 2026. 

Alongside its established work in Cellular Broadband and Cellular IoT (including automotive applications), GCF is actively expanding its scope into IoT security, Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN), and private networks from a device-centric perspective. On the connected vehicle side, GCF is assessing industry demand and readiness for sidelink-based V2X technologies. Copies of GCF's highly regarded Device Technology Trends Report will be available at the event. GCF's presence at MWC is significant for the critical communications sector: device certification is a foundational requirement for any MCX deployment, and GCF's expanding MCX certification work directly supports the ecosystem of manufacturers building the next generation of mission-critical handsets and modules. 

Global Certification Forum posted: "Meet Global Certification Forum (GCF) at MWC Barcelona. Find us at Executive Meeting Room 2.1B17Ex, Hall 2.1. Core focus areas at the event: Cellular Broadband, Cellular IoT (including automotive applications), Mission Critical (MCX) communications.”

AW2S — Booth 45, Hall 5, French Pavilion

AW2S is exhibiting at MWC 2026 with a focus on the telecom and connectivity ecosystem, covering areas including MCX, PPDR (Public Protection and Disaster Relief), Mission Critical communications, Network Security, and Broadcast. Experts Nicolas Bréant, Jeremy Tastet, and Benjamin Peron will be on hand for meetings. 

The company posted:

"AW2S will be exhibiting at Mobile World Congress 2026 in Barcelona, the global meeting point for the telecom and connectivity ecosystem... Let's connect in Barcelona and shape the future of connectivity together."

Ecrio Inc. — Hall 2, Booth 2D20 (Canonical Stand)

Ecrio Inc. is presenting a live demo of its Edge AI Communication Platform at the Canonical booth (Hall 2, 2D20). The platform runs on the Dell PowerEdge XR8000 server powered by Intel Xeon Granite Rapids processors, and demonstrates AI-Powered Critical Communication capabilities alongside real-time video analytics, AI-orchestrated workloads, and distributed edge inferencing. 

The solution is built on open infrastructure and optimized for private 5G and edge environments. 

Ecrio Inc. posted:

"Join Ecrio Inc. at #MWC2026 at the Canonical booth (Hall 2, 2D20) to experience our live demo showcasing the #Ecrio Edge AI Communication Platform... The demo highlights multiple Edge AI–orchestrated workloads... AI-Powered Critical Communication to enable rapid human oversight."

Tieto / Tieto Tech Consulting 

Both Tieto and its division Tieto Tech Consulting are attending MWC 2026, bringing expertise in Defense and Mission Critical Communication Services. As a NATO partner operating under a framework agreement, Tieto highlights its 3,000+ telecom engineers and 35+ years of solution development in areas including private radio networks, secure cloud, vRAN, and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Solutions on offer include AI-powered smart device management, Big Data decision support, integrated communication systems, and secure network management. 

 The company posted:

"Defense and Mission Critical Communication Services are at the core of national security. As a NATO partner under a framework agreement, we bring expertise in solutions for this sector to MWC Barcelona."

Capestone — Stand CS54, Netherlands Pavilion, Congress Square

Capestone is attending MWC 2026 to explore and present solutions in IoT, connectivity, and critical communications, connecting with partners and showcasing technologies that keep businesses and services always connected. The company's team includes Jos Ouwerkerk, Vanessa Claessen, Antonio Sanches, Nicky van den Berg, Patrick Eijsackers, and Rutger de Hoon. 

The company announced:

"At MWC 2026, we'll dive into IoT, connectivity and critical communications, connecting with partners and exploring technologies that keep businesses and services always connected."

aconnic — Hall Congress Square, Booth CS50

aconnic is exhibiting at MWC 2026 with a portfolio focused on cybersecurity and high-performance network infrastructure for critical communications environments. Solutions include ultra-secure encryption for cyber and quantum security requirements, next-generation fiber and high-speed data transport, scalable digital architectures, and the first quantum-safe industrial OT security gateway for critical infrastructure. The company emphasizes digital sovereignty and European technology manufacturing. 

The company posted:

"Are your network infrastructures truly sovereign or just compliant on paper? This is one of the key questions shaping discussions at MWC Barcelona and exactly what we will be addressing with our cybersecurity, digital sovereignty, and high-performance network infrastructure solutions."

Panorama Antennas — Stand D11, Hall 7

Panorama Antennas is exhibiting antenna solutions at MWC 2026 that support 5G, private networks, IoT, and mission-critical communications. The team attending — Sales Director Robert Jesman, Sales Manager Pia Korhonen, VP of Business Development George Girvan, and General Manager Neil Jones — will be available to discuss how Panorama's antenna technology underpins reliable, high-performance wireless connectivity across global markets. 

 The company announced:

"We are excited to announce Panorama Antennas will be exhibiting at MWC Barcelona... where we'll be showcasing antenna solutions supporting 5G, private networks, IoT, and mission-critical communications."

 

ACMOSS / Guillaume LAMBERT — Samsung Mobile Business Summit (SMBS 2026), March 2

While not an exhibitor in the traditional sense, Guillaume LAMBERT, CEO of ACMOSS (Agence des communications mobiles opérationnelles de sécurité et de secours — the French Agency for Public Safety Mobile Communications), is speaking at the Samsung Mobile Business Summit at MWC 2026.

His topic covers the critical role of the mobile device in building a broadband MCX / RRF (Réseau Radio du Futur) mission-critical communications service, including the role of AI.

Lambert posted:

"I will have the pleasure and honor of speaking at the Samsung Mobile Business Summit (#SMBS2026) to discuss the key role of the mobile device in building a broadband #missioncritical communications service like the #RRF. The mobile device is the platform where all services run and which guarantees the full benefit and performance of a network.”

Modirum Platforms — Hall 5, Stand 5J45, Finland Pavilion

Modirum Platforms, a Finnish technology company specializing in secure, AI-driven platforms for critical operations, is participating in MWC 2026 as part of the Finland Pavilion at Hall 5, Stand 5J45.

The company is showcasing its suite of future-ready platforms built for resilient operations, secure connectivity, and AI-driven decision support — with a direct focus on mission-critical industries.

Central to Modirum's MWC presence is M COREMOTE, its dedicated mission-critical communications platform, which empowers mission-critical industries with solutions ensuring unmatched reliability, security, and efficiency — encompassing NSC3, Positioning & Field Force Management, Role Oriented Communication, Subscriber Management & Billing, Network Service & Alarm Monitoring, and Network Testing & Coverage Monitoring. Alongside this, the company is presenting M TELECOM (an AI-powered telecom operations and customer experience platform) and M ORBIT (an intelligence and situational insight platform that unifies open, internal, and sensor data with AI for decision-makers in critical operations). All platforms are designed and developed in Europe, with a strong emphasis on data sovereignty and trust for sensitive domains.

Representing Modirum Platforms at MWC 2026 are Sami Honkaniemi (COO), Jarno Taskinen (Director of Product Management, M COREMOTE), Vladimir Burevski (Director, Business Development), and Filip Petkov (General Manager, Middle East).

The company stated on its website:

"Join us in Barcelona to explore our future-ready platforms built for resilient operations, secure connectivity and AI-driven decision support. We look forward to sharing insights, exploring collaboration opportunities, and demonstrating how Modirum Platforms supports organisations in building trusted, resilient, and future-ready systems. Protecting intelligent infrastructure. Safeguarding society." 

Other companies exhibiting critical communications solutions are:

• Druid Software
• Modirum
• Nokia
• Comba Telecom
• Eyecom 
• Sequans Communications

Is Your Organization Missing From This List?

This article reflects companies that explicitly and publicly announced they would be showcasing MCX, MCPTT, FRMCS, or critical communications solutions at MWC 2026 on LinkedIn. There are certainly more companies present at the event with relevant offerings—whether in network infrastructure, devices, testing, integration, or applications.

If your company is exhibiting critical communications solutions at MWC 2026 and would like to be included, please reach out. Additions to this list are very welcome.

Conclusion

MWC 2026 marks a pivotal moment for the critical communications industry. The 5G broadband ecosystem that is redefining how mining, police, fire, ambulance, railway operators, utilities, and defense forces communicate is no longer a future promise — it is being demonstrated live in Barcelona. For anyone working with business critical or mission-critical communications technology, this is the event where the next chapter of your industry is being written. 

Be there! MWC 2026 takes place March 2–5, 2026, at Fira Gran Via, Barcelona, Spain.

Image:created with AI