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AT&T pulls out of Mobile World Congress over coronavirus concerns

The list of companies withdrawing from the trade show adds yet another big name.

Eli Blumenthal Senior Editor
Eli Blumenthal is a senior editor at CNET with a particular focus on covering the latest in the ever-changing worlds of telecom, streaming and sports. He previously worked as a technology reporter at USA Today.
Expertise 5G, mobile networks, wireless carriers, phones, tablets, streaming devices, streaming platforms, mobile and console gaming,
Eli Blumenthal
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AT&T is the latest to withdraw from Mobile World Congress. 

Angela Lang/CNET

AT&T is joining the likes of Amazon , Facebook,  LG , Ericsson and Sony in withdrawing from the upcoming Mobile World Congress trade show in Barcelona over coronavirus concerns

In a statement shared with CNET on Tuesday, the wireless carrier said it'll no longer participate as planned.

"After careful discussions and planning, we have decided that we will not participate in GSMA Mobile World Congress Barcelona 2020," said a company representative.

"We value our participation in important industry groups like GSMA and deeply respect the steps they have already taken to protect attendees. Unfortunately, the most responsible decision is to withdraw our participation from the event to safeguard our employees and customers." 

The move is yet another blow for the GSMA, the international trade group behind Mobile World Congress. AT&T Business CEO Anne Chow was previously scheduled to deliver a keynote address at the event. 

As an ever-increasing number of companies pull out, questions continue to mount about whether the show will even go on. On Sunday, the group said it still planned to have the show go on as scheduled, however, Spanish newspaper La Vanguardia reported Tuesday that the GSMA would meet Friday to make a final decision.  

Traditionally a place where companies announce new phones and devices, Mobile World Congress 2020 is scheduled to run from Feb. 24 to 27.