MWC 2020 | HMD Global drops out of the show

The Finland-based tech company HMD Global has released a statement alerting interested parties to its withdrawal from MWC this year. As with a number of other OEMs, it has made this move in response to the 2019 coronavirus outbreak. This development may come up in the GSMA's upcoming meeting on whether the whole event should be cancelled or not.

HMD Global has noted that "MWC Barcelona has always been a key event in our annual calendar and we were very excited to showcase our new products to our partners, customers, media and fans. However, the health and safety of our employees, customers, and stakeholders is our highest priority." Its decision means, of course, that there will be no Nokia products to launch at the conference.

The company was expected to unveil devices such as the 8.2 5G at MWC 2020. It may have also introduced a new line, distinct from its best-known brand, called "Original". However, HMD Global now needs to find replacement launch dates and venues for its new products.