Amid Coronavirus dread, Sony and Intel withdraw from Mobile World Congress

Japanese wireless carrier NTT Docomo, Sony Corp and California based chip giant Intel Corp withdrew from Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona on Monday due to coronavirus outbreak. dely virus has killed nearly 1,113 and infected over 44,653 in mainland China, international media reported.  telecom industry’s biggest annual garing, with companies investing millions in stands to increase ir sales, was scheduled to take place between February 24 to 27 this year.

Catalan government is doing its best

Gremi d’Hotels de Barcelona, largest hotel in city, reportedly said that coronavirus outbreak h resulted in multiple cancellations but it was too early to quantify overall loss.  region’s digital policy councillor Jordi Puignero while speaking at a local rio station said that Catalan government were doing utmost to contain epidemic. In case, participants cancel, all cost would be borne by exhibitors. GSMA which is event’s organiser would only be responsible if it calls off event.

Both Sony and NTT, in statements, said that y h withdrawn from event due to rising coronavirus concerns and keeping into consideration safety of ir customers and staff. Meanwhile, Sony revealed that its launch event would be held via video call. 

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Ar company to pull out from event was US-Israeli software provider Amdocs. Amdocs' CEO Shuky Sheffer said in a statement that while y appreciate precautionary measures put into place by GSMA, y believe safest option is t to attend MWC 2020 in Barcelona.  Chinese electronica company TCL  said that it was cancelling a press event but would still attend MWC and showcase new devices, while rway’s Teler said that it was planning to reduce its programming and to cut number of staff attending. 

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According to media reports, GSMA on Sunday said that one from China's Hubei province would be allowed to attend event. Also, all visitors from China must prove y have been outside country for at least two weeks prior to event.