2026 MWC Shanghai Observations: 6G Shifts from 'What to Do' to 'How to Do', Satellites Enter Large-Scale Networking Cost Reduction Phase

Blue Whale News June 27 (Reporter Zhai Zhichao) Recently, the 2026 MWC Shanghai opened as scheduled. Unlike the heated atmosphere of last year's intensive 5G-A commercial orders, this year's exhibition halls exuded a cautious pragmatism: the "6G Industry Ecosystem Zone" and "Future Constellation" satellite area, both exhibited independently for the first time, were bustling, but the industry was more keen on deducing "when technology can turn into real money."

Blue Whale Technology reporters found that for 6G, three major paths – integrated sensing & communication, AI native, and space-air-ground integration – are uncontroversial, with chip makers even starting early pre-research stocking. In the satellite Internet field, the "land grab" for orbital frequencies is basically over, with large-scale networking and cost reduction becoming the new themes. However, consensus ends at the technical level: terminal makers and investment institutions remain on hold, with the former waiting for killer apps and the latter unable to calculate ROI periods. Even international satellite players that have achieved profitability are struggling in the early cultivation of the civilian market.

When the financial ledger of 5G investment is not yet fully settled, 6G and satellite Internet are collectively entering a transition period of "clear vision, difficult delivery." Technology routes narrow, but commercial exit routes widen. Under realistic ROI constraints, the industry needs an answer more pragmatic than "grand narratives."

6G Technology Paths Converge, Commercial Closure Still Under Exploration

Entering the 6G Industry Ecosystem Zone at Hall N3 of MWC Shanghai, five major sections – Beijing 6G Lab Overview, Communication Enhancement, Integrated Sensing & Communication, Integrated Computing-Intelligence-Communication, and Space-Air-Ground Integration – clearly break down 6G's core technology vision. On-site staff told Blue Whale Technology reporters that this is the first time MWC Shanghai has set up a dedicated hall for 6G, sending a clear industry signal: 6G has moved from conceptual discussion to a key stage of system verification.

"If last year the debate was still about what 6G should do, this year the debate is about how to do it and what trade-offs to make," said a technician from the Beijing 6G Lab Overview area. Currently, the three enhancement paths of integrated sensing & communication, AI native, and space-air-ground integration have formed basic industry consensus, and key technologies like terahertz communication and intelligent reflecting surfaces have entered prototype verification phases.

The pace of upstream layout is clearly accelerating. At this exhibition, Qualcomm showcased an end-to-end 6G prototype system, GalaxySpace publicly displayed its self-developed second-generation direct-to-phone phased array antenna for the first time in the 6G industry ecosystem zone, and vivo exhibited its 6G pre-research prototype and technology roadmap. It is understood that unlike Xiaomi's focus on underlying transmission algorithms and OPPO's focus on communication paradigm innovation, vivo's display direction is more towards end-to-end systems and application deployment – its complete 6G test system includes MR terminals, 6G terminal prototype (UE), 6G base station (RAN), and core network, covering the entire link.

A domestic chip maker's on-site representative told reporters that the company's internal 6G pre-research team size has doubled compared to last year. The logic is clear: "If we wait until the standard is frozen to start, it's too late; technical reserves must be made in advance."

However, compared to the enthusiasm of the upstream, terminal makers are relatively cautious. Blue Whale Technology reporters asked multiple phone brands about their 6G terminal plans in the 6G area, mostly receiving responses like "closely monitoring," and few consumer-grade product demos for 6G were seen. A 6G pre-research director from one of the world's top five phone makers said informally that it's still difficult to produce a clear 6G phone commercial roadmap. The core reason is not a lack of technical capability, but the terminal side is still studying the transformation path from user needs to application scenarios. In his view, 5G's experience dividends have not been fully released, and the immersive holographic and multi-dimensional sensory scenarios envisioned for 6G are still some distance from the mass consumer market.

The investment community is equally cautious. Blue Whale Technology reporters met a TMT-focused early-stage investor during a break. After watching several demonstrations in the 6G area, he said that while the direction of technology evolution is impressive, from an investment perspective, 5G's capital returns are still in a digestion cycle, 6G's subsequent R&D and network deployment costs are huge, and exit cycles and return expectations currently lack sufficient data support. He frankly said that for now, he is keeping tracking and observation, and the timing to act still needs clearer commercial signals.

"Future Constellations": Landscape Taking Shape, Profit Path Yet to Verify

Unlike the 6G area's focus on key technology validation, the first-time "Future Constellations" satellite industry zone presents a different industry rhythm – the orbital landscape is already taking shape, and participants are entering a phase of fine resource and cost management.

Domestic low-orbit broadband and narrowband constellation operators like GeeSpace, Guodian Gaoke, and Yuanxin Satellite, along with international players like Iridium, all set up sizable booths. GeeSpace displayed real terminal equipment for satellite Internet targeting ocean-going ships, desert mining areas, etc. Guodian Gaoke focused on promoting Tianqi Constellation's IoT application cases. Yuanxin Satellite engineers even connected live, playing video call test footage via the "Qianfan Constellation."

"The competition for satellite Internet orbital and frequency resources has come to an end; the current key lies in large-scale deployment and cost control," said a Guodian Gaoke on-site representative to Blue Whale Technology reporters. He revealed that the batch production cost of the company's narrowband communication payloads is continuously declining, but also pointed out that the user scale of satellite Internet services has not yet reached the breakeven point. For at least the next few years, government and industry orders remain the basic base for revenue.

During the formation of the profit model, terminal cost is a notable link. Blue Whale Technology reporters discussed satellite communication terminal material costs with antenna and module manufacturers, who generally said costs are rapidly declining and have the ability to integrate into mainstream phone designs. However, most did not disclose specific figures.

An Iridium booth business manager told reporters that Iridium, relying on narrowband voice and low-speed data services, has achieved positive cash flow, but the traditional market space is approaching saturation. Next growth needs to expand into IoT and emergency communication fields. Meanwhile, domestic low-orbit broadband constellations are still in a catch-up phase prioritizing scale, and breakeven will take time and user accumulation.