The organisers of Mobile World Congress have announced that some Russian businesses would be barred from participating in the world’s largest mobile technology expo, which will take place from February 28th to March 3rd in Barcelona.
Despite the fact that the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSMA) strongly criticised the invasion in a statement on its website, its chief executive John Hoffman has declared that there are no plans to cancel or reschedule the event. However, he went on to say that “the situation is changing” and that they “will continue to monitor.”
While Hoffman also stated that a “handful, a couple” of Russian companies and their executives would be blocked from doing business in the United States, he did not name any specific companies or persons, stating that sanctions lists were still in the process of being finalised.
Companies with ties to Russia, such as the carrier VimpelCom, can still purchase a presence at the show by paying the association for specific exhibit flow space, which is available for a fee.
If the anticipated attendance of 40,000-60,000 people materialises, the meeting will rank among the largest in-person gatherings since the pandemic began.
