The GSM Association (GSMA) has cancelled Mobile World Congress 2020 to be held in Barcelona this year.

The move has been undertaken citing several cancellations and withdrawal by the sponsors and exhibitors from the event due to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (nCov).

The Mobile World Congress 2020 was slated to be held from February 24-27, 2020 in Barcelona, Spain.

Commenting on the matter, John Hoffman, chief executive officer (CEO), GSMA Limited, said, “With due regard to the safe and healthy environment in Barcelona and the host country today, the GSMA has cancelled MWC Barcelona 2020 because the global concern regarding the coronavirus outbreak, travel concern and other circumstances, make it impossible for the GSMA to hold the event.”

However, the GSMA and the host city partners will continue to be working in unison and supporting each other for MWC Barcelona 2021 and future editions, GSMA stated.

Earlier, the GSMA had taken measures such as the adoption of a ‘no-handshake policy’ to address nCov concerns.