At MWC Barcelona 2026, operator Vodafone is presenting strategic projects focused on the future of mobile connectivity and expanding infrastructure using unconventional technologies. A key element is the partnership with Amazon Leo's satellite network, which aims to solve the connection of base stations in locations where the construction of traditional optical infrastructure is logistically or economically unfeasible. This low-Earth orbit (LEO) constellation will serve as both backup and primary connectivity (backhaul) for 4G and 5G networks.
The collaboration will primarily focus on Europe and Africa. The first commercial deployment in Germany and other selected countries is expected during 2026, followed by expansion through the operator Vodacom to the African continent. The technical parameters of Amazon's solution promise data transfer speeds of up to 1 Gbps for downloading and 400 Mbps for uploading data, which is sufficient for the operation of modern mobile transmitters. The satellite solution is also expected to increase network resilience in crisis situations, such as natural disasters that can physically damage terrestrial cables.
The second innovation is the testing of Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) technology, on which Vodafone is collaborating with developers from Tiami Networks in laboratories in Malaga, Spain. The ISAC system adds so-called "mobile echolocation" capabilities to 5G networks. Thanks to this, base stations can emit signals that work on the radar principle, and detect unlinked objects in space without the need to install camera systems.
“Sensing can be rolled out as a pure software update on existing 5G spectrum and hardware, without affecting regular data transmissions or calls,”
states the report on the successful Proof-of-Concept test with the PolyRAN application. Its use is anticipated in areas where camera surveillance is problematic due to privacy concerns, such as anonymous people counting in stores or monitoring crowd density on train platforms. In the security sphere, ISAC is intended to protect airports from drones or to secure industrial areas.
Experts consider ISAC to be one of the pillars for the upcoming 6G standard. The technology is currently part of 3GPP Release 19 standardization processes and is moving towards transforming transmitters from passive signal broadcasters into intelligent computational units capable of mapping their surroundings in real-time.