Chinese smartphone maker and telecom giant ZTE just confirmed that it’s canceling its press conference at MWC 2020, citing secondary effects of the virus outbreak, The Verge reported on Tuesday.
A ZTE spokesperson said it’s partly due to practical issues like travel and visa delays, as some people weren’t going to make it to Barcelona in time. “[We] tend to be an overly courteous company, and simply don’t want to make people uncomfortable.”
At MWC 2019, ZTE announced its first 5G mobile phone the Axon 10 Pro 5G, which is also China's first 5G mobile phone for sale.
LG has also canceled its participation in the MWC 2020, the biggest world event of the telecom industry which is held this year from February 24 to 26.
Concerned with the safety of its employees and the general public, LG has decided to withdraw from the exhibition and participation in MWC 2020 to be held later this month in Barcelona, Spain, LG said in a statement.
This decision will allow avoid unnecessary exposure of hundreds of LG employees to international travel, which most health experts have advised, it added.
Regarding when 2020 mobile products will be released, LG stated that "LG will hold a separate event in the near future to release 2020 mobile products instead of participating in MWC."
Special Report: MWC 2020 threatened by coronavirus fears
