International CTIA WIRELESS 2010 Opens with a Focus on 4G

New Devices and Services Debut, Demonstrating the Power of the Mobile Internet

March 23, 2010 -- LAS VEGAS -- The International CTIA WIRELESS 2010® tradeshow and conference opened today, with attendees from around the world viewing the latest mobile innovations for 4G networks and hearing from the industry leaders who are driving the future of mobility.

According to CTIA’s semi-annual survey, wireless data revenues in the U.S. topped $22 billion during the last half of 2009. Against this backdrop, show news continues to focus on smartphones and other mobile data devices that leverage the power of the mobile internet. International CTIA WIRELESS takes place March 23-25 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

“4G is the dominant theme this year, with exhibitors, speakers and attendees talking about the power of the mobile network – and the ways it is affecting every aspect of our lives”

Among the new product and service introductions announced at the show are: The HTC Supersonic 4G phone for Sprint; the Motorola i1 -- the first push-to-talk Android phone; the Samsung Galaxy S smartphone; LG’s Remarq eco-friendly phone; Clearwire’s WiMAX-enabled netbook; the availability of Skype Mobile for Verizon Wireless 3G handsets; and expanded markets for the Clearwire/Sprint WiMAX service.

“4G is the dominant theme this year, with exhibitors, speakers and attendees talking about the power of the mobile network – and the ways it is affecting every aspect of our lives,” said Robert Mesirow, vice president and show director for CTIA. “From mobile money applications to mobile television, we’ll see innovative uses of wireless technology for business and personal life, and a range of new devices.”

CTIA – The Wireless Assocation® and participating carrier companies, led by America Movil and Telefonica, also announced the launch of a new Latin America common short code (CSC) initiative. The Latin America CSC Web sites (www.latinshortcodes.com or www.codigoscortos.com) serve as a one-stop-shop for businesses that want to connect with the more than 400 million wireless subscribers in Latin America. A centralized CSC registry will be managed by CTIA, and will provide administrative responsibilities related to all facets of securing a short code including application, receipt, assignment and renewal or expiration.

Keynotes

Remarks from the keynote stage focused on mobile data, broadband and the ways that wireless technologies are impacting mobile life. FCC Chairman Julius Genachoswki delivered taped remarks on the national broadband plan and the plans to release an additional 500 MHz of spectrum to the wireless industry and the establishment of the 700 MHz national first responder broadband network.

2010 CTIA Chairman Ralph de la Vega, president and CEO of AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets and Randall Stephenson, chairman, CEO and president of AT&T Inc. each discussed the explosive growth of mobile data and the innovations – from enterprise technologies that bring the power of the desktop to the mobile device to mobile video services – that are fueling the growth in mobile data revenues.

Iñaki Urdangarín, chairman of Telefónica Internacional, USA Inc. discussed the power of the mobile internet to change societies, deliver connectivity to under-served markets and drive innovation.

J.K. Shin, president, Mobile Communications Business, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., discussed the explosion of smartphones, the need for a better mobile user experience and the opportunity for mobile content.

Source: CTIA