UK tech showcase targets 6G, IoT & security at MWC

The Great Britain and Northern Ireland Pavilion at Mobile World Congress 2026 will bring together 60 UK organisations in Hall 7, with exhibits spanning 5G and 6G research, non-terrestrial networks, satellite technology, cybersecurity, AI and IoT.

Tradefair is organising the group space on behalf of techUK. The Pavilion is positioned as a single showcase for UK companies selling network infrastructure, software and services, alongside research groups and public bodies involved in standards and innovation programmes.

UK partners

This year's Pavilion includes UK innovation partners across telecoms research, space and regional cluster activity. Federated Telecoms Hubs represents communications research across more than 25 UK universities and research institutions, and the UK Space Agency is also taking part. The Glasgow City Innovation District and Cambridge Wireless are listed as partners, alongside JOINER, described as the UK's first national 6G accelerator.

The organisers are also highlighting the scale of the Barcelona event as a commercial backdrop for exhibitors. Mobile World Congress 2025 attracted more than 109,000 attendees, according to information provided by the Pavilion organisers.

Private 5G

Private mobile networks and 5G infrastructure are again central themes for the UK group, reflecting continued operator and enterprise interest in local coverage, capacity management and fast deployment.

Neutral Wireless is among the exhibitors focusing on private 5G for temporary and mobile settings. It is presenting portable private 5G equipment for live event production and venues, as well as an airborne private 5G setup linked by the organisers to public protection and disaster relief scenarios.

Antevia Networks is also exhibiting in private 5G. The firm is presenting private 5G networks based on open architecture and O-RAN standards, and a programmable fronthaul approach for coverage and capacity control as part of its system design.

RF and IP convergence will also feature. ETL Systems is presenting a module designed for RF-to-IP digitisation, including the DIGITAL 1000, which it describes as aimed at deployment at the network edge.

Fixed wireless access over millimetre wave bands is also on the UK roster. Cambridge Broadband Networks Group is using the event to unveil VectaStar NR, described as a next-generation fixed wireless access platform.

IoT and eSIM

Several Pavilion exhibitors are focusing on IoT connectivity management and tooling around SIMs and eSIMs. The segment remains fast-moving as device numbers rise and connectivity becomes more embedded in industrial workflows.

The organisers cite an estimate that connected IoT devices will reach 39 billion in 2030, more than double the number in 2025. The Pavilion programme frames this growth as a driver for more automated and cost-efficient networks.

OV is attending as an IoT connectivity provider and plans to show live demonstrations of its OV ONE connectivity management platform. It is highlighting use cases including fleet operations, payments and asset tracking.

M2M Data Connect is using Mobile World Congress to introduce a new travel eSIM offer. It plans to unveil a Travel eSIM that does not require an app or account for activation. Customers can activate through channels such as Instagram and Facebook Messenger, pointing to a wider push in the sector to simplify onboarding and reduce friction for short-term connectivity.

Cybersecurity focus

Security, data protection and compliance remain a visible part of the UK Pavilion line-up, reflecting regulatory pressures and the rising cost of breaches for operators and service providers.

Arqit is taking part with a focus on quantum-safe encryption, positioning its products around securing data for mobile, 5G and IoT networks. It also points to a broader industry shift towards post-quantum security planning.

Focus Data Services is presenting technology linked to lawful and regulatory processes. According to Pavilion information, it is showcasing a location and positioning system designed to support responses to subpoenas and court requests during criminal investigations.

Broad exhibitor base

Beyond the companies named in the Pavilion programme, the Hall 7 list includes radio and test specialists, software suppliers, analytics firms, and policy or ecosystem organisations. They include Calnex Solutions, Cerillion, PureLiFi, PQShield, Weaver Labs and Ranplan Wireless, among others. The UK Space Agency is listed in Hall 7, while some UK-linked exhibitors are positioned elsewhere at the show, including Hall 5.

The exhibitor list also reflects a wider UK emphasis on 6G research and early commercialisation. JOINER appears alongside companies working in cryptography, spectrum-adjacent technologies and network automation, aligning with international efforts to define 6G requirements as operators continue to invest in 5G standalone and private 5G deployments.

Tradefair expects a mix of returning exhibitors and new participants.

“Companies and organisations from across Great Britain and Northern Ireland will once again be heading to MWC 2026 to show off the ingenuity and innovation that sets them apart. With some strong returning names, as well as some new additions to the Pavilion, we are delighted to once again demonstrate why the UK is a global force in connectivity,” said Mark Birchall, Managing Director, Tradefair.

Exhibitors in the Great Britain and Northern Ireland Pavilion will be located in Hall 7, with additional independent UK exhibitors listed in Hall 5.