A GSMA representative declined to verify to EURACTIV whether or not a doable cancellation could possibly be on the cards. GSMA has been making an attempt to appease issues related to the current coronavirus outbreak, placing in place further measures to improve the hygiene of the event. “The GSMA is building on its existing plans to protect the well being of our attendees, clients and employees at MWC Barcelona,” an announcement read final week. Meanwhile, EURACTIV’s media partner EFE reported on Tuesday that Barcelona’s metropolis council has mentioned that there will likely be no cancellations or delays of the congress.

Travellers from Hubei province in China, where the virus is believed to have originated, have additionally been banned from attending. Intel mentioned in a press release: “The safety and wellbeing of all our employees and companions is our top priority, and we’ve withdrawn from this year’s Mobile World Congress out of an abundance of warning. The South Korean firm LG was the first to withdrawal last week, adopted by Ericsson, Sony and Amazon, and Intel on Tuesday (eleven February). The event had been planned to happen on 24-27 February, nevertheless, fears over the potential unfold of the highly contagious coronavirus have led to a series of pullouts from high telecommunications companies.

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GSMA, the global mobile network trade group, is about to decide on Friday (14 February) as to whether this year’s Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona will go forward, amid considerations that the occasion might aggravate Europe’s management of the deadly coronavirus. GSMA is the principal organiser of the annual gathering in Europe. In accordance with Spanish media stories, an extraordinary meeting between GSMA board members has been scheduled for this Friday, the place representatives will make a remaining choice on whether or not this year’s MWC, which attracts over 100,000 contributors to Barcelona, will happen or not.

We’re grateful to the GSMA for their understanding and look ahead to attending and supporting future Mobile World Congress events”. ZTE has already pulled out from holding a press conference on the event, and Asian media are reporting that different Chinese companies, such as Oppo and Xiaomi, have shelved plans to organise tours for members of the Chinese language media. Furthermore, South Korea’s LG Electronics has cancelled its look at this year’s event altogether.