Latest communications techs shine at Mobile World Congress in Shanghai

The 2025 Mobile World Congress (MWC) opened on Wednesday in Shanghai, showcasing the latest breakthroughs in communication and connectivity technologies.

One eye-catching display at the event is a smart vehicle that uses a SIM card as a digital key, allowing the driver to unlock the car with a simple scan—no network, power, or Bluetooth required. The car also connects with the driver's smart home system, enabling remote activation of appliances like air conditioners, fans, and diffusers while still on the road.

Another innovation is a satellite-connected robotic dog capable of operating independently in disaster zones. Unlike traditional models that rely on manual controls, this robot can transmit real-time footage and navigate obstacles autonomously when power and communication networks are cut off.

A highlight of the exhibition is the emerging commercial use of 5G-Advanced (5G-A) network, a more powerful version of 5G. It offers significant improvements in capacity, speed, latency and positioning.

"Compared with 5G technology, 5G-A features improved traditional communications performance—its uplink and downlink data rates are ten times faster than current 5G. Integrated with other technologies, including AI-enabled sensing satellites, 5G-A expands 5G's capabilities and paves the way for 6G," said Cao Lei, an exhibitor.

By integrating communications, sensing, positioning, and supervision into one system, the revolutionary 5G-A network can be applied in the low-altitude economy to ensure the safety and efficiency of aircraft operating at low altitudes.

"We've adjusted some antenna elements at base stations to project signals skyward, ensuring full coverage below 600 meters for a low-altitude smart network integrating communication, sensing, and computing. Now, drones can be remotely controlled during flight with stable signals," said Jia Boran, an exhibitor.

5G-A's super high speeds, ultra-low latency and great data capacity can also ensure better performance for wearable AR devices and enhance customer experience, with products combining 5G-A technologies and AR enjoying growing popularity.

"The AR glasses industry is booming. Our orders this year have at least doubled compared to last year", said Ding Zhigang, another exhibitor.

Latest communications techs shine at Mobile World Congress in Shanghai

Thousands of demonstrators rallied in Italy and Greece on Saturday to protest against U.S. military intervention in Venezuela, with protesters in Rome, Milan and Athens condemning Washington's actions and calling for respect for Venezuelan sovereignty.

In Rome, more than 1,000 demonstrators marched toward the area near the U.S. Embassy, calling on Washington to immediately release Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife.

Police blocked roads around the embassy to prevent protesters from approaching the building, but demonstrators continued to denounce U.S. actions.

"First of all, we oppose U.S. imperialist aggression. This kind of behavior is shameful. The U.S. is attacking a sovereign country, and as [U.S. President Donald] Trump himself has said, this is for oil interests," said protester Giovanni Barbera.

Saturday's rally marked the second large-scale protest in Rome this month against U.S. military operations in Venezuela, following an earlier one on on Jan 3.

Participants included members of multiple political parties, labor unions and social organizations. The protesters held banners reading "Stop imperialist interference" and "Free Maduro," urging the international community to respect Venezuela's sovereignty and the will of its people, and condemning the U.S. for violating international law.

"We are protesting the way the U.S. handles international politics. Since the events of January 3, we have seen violations of international law, and we are very concerned about how the global situation is developing," said protester Stefano De Angelis.

Organizers said solidarity rallies in support of Venezuela were held in 30 Italian cities on the same day.

Meanwhile, similar protests were also staged in Greece. About 200 people gathered outside the U.S. Embassy in Athens, voicing support for Venezuela and opposition to U.S. military actions.

"We oppose U.S. imperialism and its attack on Venezuela. At the same time, the U.S. is also threatening Cuba, Mexico and Greenland. We must stand up against this behavior," said Greek protester Argiro Sirmakezi.

Protesters rally in Italy, Greece against U.S. military operation in Venezuela