Security, private networks and mission-critical applications: the 5G Forum 2026 drives real-world use cases for advanced connectivity

• The leading operators with a presence in Spain, technology companies, public bodies and research centres are coming together to discuss the role of 5G in critical environments, ranging from cybersecurity and private networks to its real-world application in industry, mobility and public services.
• Security, private 5G networks, mission-critical applications and real-world use cases form the focus of one of the forum’s key areas, where industry experts will analyse how advanced connectivity is becoming essential infrastructure for the digital economy and society.

The 5G Forum 2026 will bring together the leading operators with a presence in Spain —Vodafone, Telefónica, Orange and DIGI—, consolidating the telco ecosystem’s leadership in the development of advanced connectivity. In a context where 5G is evolving from infrastructure deployment towards real-world applications, these companies will share their vision on how next-generation networks are enabling critical services, industrial environments and new digital experiences, laying the foundations for more robust, efficient and results-oriented connectivity.

Security will be one of the key themes of the event, with the participation of the National Cryptology Centre (CCN), represented by Javier Candau, alongside IplusF with Miguel Ángel García-Fuentes. This session will address the current state of cyber threats, the role of the COS5G framework and progress in European certification, as well as the impact of regulatory frameworks such as NIS2 and the role of bodies such as ENISA in an environment where European funding drives the development of secure digital infrastructure.

Advanced security and network resilience

In the field of technological security, companies such as Huawei, with Fernando de la Cruz; Italtel, represented by Manuel García; and Netmetrix, with Pablo Álvarez and Joel Zaragoza, will analyse the role of technologies such as post-quantum cryptography, continuous system validation and network resilience – key elements for ensuring the protection of communications in increasingly complex and distributed environments.

Private 5G networks will also play a leading role, with the participation of Hewlett Packard Enterprise, represented by Sergio García. In this context, the discussion will address how these infrastructures enable organisations to gain autonomy, strengthen security and deploy connectivity environments tailored to their specific needs, particularly in industry, logistics and corporate settings.

Validation, testing and access to technology

Network validation and testing will be another key focus of the 5G Forum 2026, with the participation of Gsertel, represented by Manuel Ángel Álvarez; DIHBU (Digital Innovation Hub Industry 4.0), represented by Belén Lanuza; and the Technological Institute of Castile and León (ITCL), represented by Javier Sedano. In this area, the focus will be on the importance of testing in real-world environments, the validation of 5G networks and access for SMEs to experimental infrastructure, which is key to accelerating technological adoption.

In the field of mission-critical applications, where there is no margin for error, companies such as Teltronic, represented by Cecilia Jordán, will participate alongside Ethon Shield and SECMOTIC. In this context, the role of 5G in industrial safety, the management of critical operations and the integration of IoT solutions in highly demanding sectors such as mining, energy and transport will be addressed.

Real-world cases and operational deployment

Real-world cases and operational deployment will be highlighted with the participation of Boldyn Networks, represented by Javier Hernández; the Regional Government of Castile and León, with an exclusive presentation of the CIBERMOV project; Apave, with Juan María Fernández; and DEKRA, with Jorge Carrera. In this area, specific projects in connected mobility will be showcased, along with the validation, certification and monitoring processes required for their implementation in real-world environments.

The academic sector will also be represented by the University of Málaga, with Javier Rivas, and the Polytechnic University of Madrid, with José Ignacio Alonso Montes. In this context, the discussion will cover the development of applications such as smart agriculture, initiatives such as 6GMadLab, and the role of applied research in the evolution of the 5G and 6G ecosystem.

5G and its social impact: health and public services

Finally, the impact of 5G on health and public services will be analysed with the participation of IAVANTE, represented by Armando Romanos; the 6G SNS / SNS JU / CTTC consortium, with Carles Antón Haro; and the panel from the Regional Government of Extremadura, moderated by Jesús Coslado. In this area, the focus will be on the digitalisation of healthcare, advanced training, the improvement of public services and the strengthening of the social impact of connectivity, consolidating 5G as a key technology for a more connected, efficient and inclusive society.

The 5G Forum 2026 will combine two in-person sessions on 12 and 13 May at the Cartuja Auditorium —managed by Yventu— at Sevilla TechPark, with two virtual sessions on 14 and 15 May, bringing together the main players in the digital ecosystem to discuss the challenges and opportunities of 5G.

All conferences from the 5G Forum will be available to view on-demand via The Observatory, the digital platform of Medina Media Events, where each conference can be accessed free of charge throughout the year.

The ninth edition of the 5G Forum is organised by Medina Media Events and is supported by Orange Empresas, Telefónica, Vodafone, DIGI, Huawei, Netmetrix, the Regional Government of Castile and León, Ayscom, Wavecontrol/Viavi Solutions, Minsait by Indra Group, Teltronic, Axión, Gradiant, Mavenir, HPE, Manage Engine, Asteo Red Neutra, the University of Málaga, Nokia, Andrew, Italtel, Gsertel, Neutroon, Templus, IplusF, Hispasat, Rohde & Schwarz, Circet, Sapec, Digital Innovation Hub Industry 4.0 / ITCL, Boldyn, Ethon Shield, Anritsu, Evolvers, Grupo Ximenez and Secmotic.