Harnessing Open RAN for AI-Driven Networks: O-RAN ALLIANCE Summit 2026

O-RAN ALLIANCE Summit at MWC Barcelona 2026

The digital landscape is rapidly evolving, and the O-RAN ALLIANCE Summit at MWC Barcelona in 2026 aims to lead the charge in harnessing the potential of open, AI-enabled Radio Access Networks (RAN). Scheduled for March 3, 2026, this event brings together a plethora of industry experts and visionary leaders eager to explore the contemporary and future possibilities of network innovation.

With significant contributions from members and stakeholders in the telecommunications ecosystem, the summit is set to cover a variety of critical topics. These discussions will focus on operators' strategies for introducing O-RAN and their experiences in implementing these systems in live environments, paving the way for a new era of intelligent networks.

This year’s summit will witness participation from leading telecom companies including 1Finity, AT&T, Deutsche Telekom, Ericsson, Nokia, NTT DOCOMO, NVIDIA, Qualcomm Technologies, Rakuten Mobile, Samsung Electronics, Vodafone, and Wind River. Industry leaders will share insights into AI-powered network automation and the path towards autonomously operated RAN systems, essential for future network service deliveries. The event will be moderated by Gabriel Brown, a Senior Principal Analyst at Omdia GTM Telecom Insights and Advisory, ensuring that discussions remain relevant and insightful.

Thomas Lips, Chair of the Board of O-RAN ALLIANCE and SVP RAN Disaggregation Enablement at Deutsche Telekom, emphasizes the importance of this summit: “The promises of an open and intelligent RAN are emerging as tangible realities. This summit features both innovators and established players, all focusing on how to advance network intelligence.”

As telecommunications move towards 6G, the summit aims to outline a cohesive vision for aligning standards and ensuring that technologies are both open and intelligent from inception. This aligns perfectly with the O-RAN ALLIANCE's mission to reshape the RAN industry into one that is more competitive, innovative, and efficient.

By releasing new RAN specifications and open software, the O-RAN ALLIANCE supports the creation of a vibrant ecosystem capable of quicker innovations that enhance user experiences. RAN deployments will become increasingly effective, addressing operational efficiency and reliability—key components in sustaining business models and user satisfaction in the telecommunications space.

Why Attend?
The O-RAN ALLIANCE Summit is not just for networking; it presents an unparalleled opportunity for active engagement with pivotal leaders in the industry. Attendees will gain exclusive insights into the solidification of open RAN principles, navigating complexities brought forth by AI technologies, and leveraging advancements for a rich user experience. Furthermore, virtual participants will also be able to join via a free online broadcast, ensuring that knowledge-sharing is accessible to a broader audience worldwide.

Ultimately, the O-RAN ALLIANCE aims to cultivate the next generation of mobile networks. If you are invested in the evolution of telecommunications and the practical implementation of innovative technologies in your operations, the summit is a must-attend event. Register now and be part of the discussion that shapes the future of mobile networking.

To learn more about the agenda, speaker lineup, and registration details, visit the O-RAN ALLIANCE website at www.o-ran.org/summit-mwc26. Join us to be part of this revolutionary journey in telecommunications.