Intel on the outside: Chips giant, Google, Microsoft the latest to quit MWC

This year’s MWC show in Barcelona has taken another battering with news that Intel, Google and Microsoft will not be attending the physical show.

The US technology firms join a flotilla of other big exhibitors who had booked exhibition space but have subsequently decided they will not set sail for Catalonia in June because of lingering concern about the coronavirus pandemic.

They include Ericsson and Nokia, two of the mobile show’s biggest exhibitors, as well as Cisco, the US maker of Internet equipment, and Japanese electronics firm Sony.

In a statement sent directly to Light Reading, Intel said: “The health and wellbeing of our employees remains our top priority. In accordance with our policies related to the ongoing pandemic, our presence at this year’s MWC will be digital only, and we will not have a booth.

“We will miss seeing our partners and customers in person this year, but we look forward to joining them and the GSMA online, and at future events when we are again able to participate in person.”

Google subsequently said: “Following our current COVID-19 travel restrictions and protocols, Google has made the decision to not exhibit at Mobile World Congress this year.

“We will continue to collaborate closely with GSMA and support our partners through virtual opportunities. We look forward to this year’s activities and seeing you in Barcelona in 2022.”

Sources have confirmed that Microsoft will also not have a physical presence at this year’s show.

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