MWC 2026

Barcelona (ESP) / March 02, 2026 - March 05, 2026

MWC 2026 – Solutions for Smarter Communication – in Space and in Barcelona

Booth #CS64

Discover cutting-edge audio and communication technologies at Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona 2026. Fraunhofer IIS will showcase innovations that shape the future of mobile networks and immersive experiences. Discover solutions for seamless communication from terrestrial 5G to non-terrestrial networks. Visit us at booth CS64!

^{Technologies on Display}

Fraunhofer NESC Ultra-Efficient AI-Based Voice Codec for Reliable D2D Satellite Communication

At only 1 kbit/s or less, our NESC codec enables efficient and robust voice transmission in areas where reception is only possible via direct-to-device satellite connectivity, making universal coverage a reality. NESC helps to facilitate NTN voice services over GEO, MEO and LEO constellations ranging from emergency services, audio messaging applications to satellite voice services that are comparable in quality to terrestrial calls. Fraunhofer NESC with its market leading coding efficiency is ready for commercial deployment at scale by SNOs and MNOs today.

^{Efficient Audio Streaming and RCS Voice Messaging with xHE-AAC}

xHE-AAC is the latest generation of the trusted AAC codec line used by leading OTT platforms like Audible, Netflix, Facebook Stories, and Instagram Reels to deliver premium audio to billions of consumers. It delivers a better listening experience: smooth HLS/DASH streaming from ultra-low to high bitrates, consistent loudness across all content and devices, and clearer speech — even when network conditions fluctuate. The technology is natively supported in iOS, Android OS, Vega & Fire OS, as well as Windows 11.

xHE-AAC is now part of the GSMA’s RCS Universal Profile 3.1: Mobile operators can offer richer, higher-quality audio messages directly in their native messaging apps. A significant upgrade for users, delivered seamlessly in the background.

^{LC3plus: High-Quality Audio for Wireless Devices}

LC3plus addresses the drawbacks of today's wireless communication platforms. The low complexity of the codec meets the requirements of wireless communication platforms such as Bluetooth, DECT, and VoIP terminals. The extremely low delay of the technology makes it ideal for high-end gaming headsets and audio systems and the improved robustness ensures interruption-free phone calls. The Lossless mode of LC3plus ensures perfect audio delivery in high-end wireless HiFi systems which earned it the entry into the list of codecs that are qualified for the Japan Audio Society Hi-Res Audio logo. LC3plus powers many consumer and pro audio products from leading brands including Sony, Harman, Bang & Olufsen, TCL, Vizio and Creative.

LC3plus in gaming devices — © Fraunhofer IIS / Paul Pulkert

^{Immersive 3GPP Voice and Audio Communication with IVAS}

IVAS (Immersive Voice and Audio Services) is the cutting-edge 3GPP voice codec that redefines communication and telephony through immersive audio experiences. It improves call quality and provides more realistic ad-hoc and multi-party conferencing, which can improve focus and reduce fatigue during calls and virtual meetings. IVAS transports users to a new level of audio immersion by conveying the realistic acoustic images of various modern life scenes as they occur in outdoor as well as indoor spaces like offices, homes, and industrial environments. This is achieved through advanced rendering capabilities for a wide range of devices including headphones, car speakers, soundbars, and VR headsets. Designed specifically for mobile communication, IVAS is optimized for highly efficient compression with low complexity and minimal delay. Building on the EVS (Enhanced Voice Services) technology, IVAS is backwards compatible with this widely adopted codec used in 4G and 5G voice services (VoLTE and VoNR), making it the ideal choice for the future of mobile immersive audio.

Discover the IVAS experience on real smartphones that feature Fraunhofer upHear technologies to capture Ambisonics and extract speakers’ voices. Explore how the new 3GPP codec can enhance everyday calls in various situations and even enables immersive voice messaging.

^{upHear Microphone Processing: Clear Sound from the Start}

From AI-based noise reduction and echo cancellation to voice isolation and spatial audio capturing, upHear Microphone Processing ensures the cleanest possible audio signals. Combined with IVAS, upHear delivers pristine input for immersive calls and conferencing — making every conversation sound as real as being there.

^{6G from Space: Intelligent Satellites for Global Connectivity}

With 6G, a new era of limitless connectivity begins: reliable, powerful, and globally available. However, terrestrial networks alone are reaching their limits. Satellites, acting as flying base stations, fill coverage gaps in remote areas and enable seamless connections around the world.

To ensure Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) operate efficiently and stably under changing conditions, we are bringing AI directly on board the satellites. This is made possible by modern onboard processors that combine high computational power with energy and spectral efficiency. With our 6G space laboratory, we are creating a comprehensive testing platform for end-to-end NTN system solutions: Using a LEO satellite, we are testing a mobile base station (gNB), handover between terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks, and intelligent spectrum sensing. The real-world test environment is also open for the testing of your technologies.

To make powerful AI usable in space despite energy and resource limitations, we rely on Spiking Neural Networks in combination with Neuromorphic Hardware. These enable energy-efficient processing with minimal latency – ideal for Joint Communication and Sensing and integrated spectrum management.

Global Connectivity — © immimagery – stock.adobe.com

We are excited to meet you at MWC Barcelona! Just schedule a meeting or stop by our booth CS64 !

^{Book Your Meeting}

We look forward to welcoming you at booth CS64 at MWC Barcelona 2026!

Book your meeting now and experience the future of communication and audio technologies.

MWC Barcelona 2026