Barcelona is once again at the centre of the debate over Mobile World Congress, after GSMA chief John Hoffman defended the event’s economic impact on the city. He said the last edition generated €588 million, and described that as a fair trade for one week of disruption.

Hoffman, CEO of GSMA Ltd and the public face of MWC since 2011, said the congress has helped turn Barcelona into a global technology hub. He pointed to the long-running public-private partnership behind the event, which involves the Mobile World Capital and the Ajuntament de Barcelona, the Generalitat de Catalunya and the Spanish Government.

He also acknowledged that the event is not welcomed by everyone. Hoffman said some residents, including people living in Poble-sec, may see it as an inconvenience rather than a benefit. Even so, he argued that the wider gains for the city, from business links to international visibility, are clear.

Hoffman said the MWC has evolved from a standard organiser-venue relationship into a year-round collaboration with public institutions. He added that Barcelona was chosen after the GSMA weighed factors including price, logistics, airports, hotels, transport and security. He also said the partnership is unusual on a global scale.

Looking ahead, Hoffman said demand for future editions remains strong, with space sales for 2027 already more advanced than at any point in the event’s history. He also said the move from Montjuïc to Fira de Barcelona Gran Via was a major positive step, even if transport strikes and other disruption are part of the package.

The interview also touched on wider industry issues, including 5G, 6G and consolidation in the telecoms sector. Hoffman said the GSMA supports around three operators per market, and noted that European competition authorities now appear more open to mergers. He also addressed criticism over the presence of military companies, saying MWC is an open community and does not want to become a military fair.

For more on the event and its local impact, see our coverage of community and sport in Barcelona.