Ericsson pulls out of world’s biggest mobile event amid coronavirus outbreak

The Swedish telecoms gear maker’s decision could have a knock-on effect on other MWC Barcelona 2020 participants

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Stockholm-based Ericsson said it could not guarantee the health and safety of employees and customers in MWC Barcelona this year because of the coronavirus crisis. Photo: Agence France-Presse

Published: 9:31pm, 7 Feb 2020Updated: 5:37pm, 14 Feb 2020

Telecommunications equipment maker Ericsson has withdrawn from the mobile industry’s biggest annual event to protect its staff and visitors from the coronavirus outbreak.

The Swedish company said on Friday it had pulled out of this year’s edition of MWC Barcelona, which will run from February 24 to February 27.

As one of the largest exhibitors, with thousands of visitors in its hall each day, Ericsson said it could not guarantee the health and safety of its employees and customers.

“It is very unfortunate, but we strongly believe the most responsible business decision is to withdraw our participation from this year’s event,” Ericsson chief executive Borje Ekholm said. “This is not a decision we have taken lightly.”

Ericsson chief executive Borje Ekholm said pulling out of this year’s MWC Barcelona trade show is the most responsible business decision to make in light of the coronavirus outbreak. Photo: Reuters

The decision could have a knock-on effect on other participants. Smartphone makers LG Electronics, also a major exhibitor, and ZTE Corp said earlier this week they were scaling back their presence.