International CTIA WIRELESS 2011® Opens With A Focus on U.S. 4G Dominance and Spectrum Needs

New Device Launches, Keynote Addresses Focus on Mobile Data Consumption and Growth

ORLANDO, Fla., March 22, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- International CTIA WIRELESS 2011® opened its doors this morning, welcoming attendees from more than 125 countries who came to see the latest devices and learn about the coming 4G mobile data revolution.  International CTIA WIRELESS 2011 takes place March 22-24 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.

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While industry luminaries on the keynote stage discussed the need for more spectrum to support continued growth in the mobile data market, carriers and device manufacturers launched the latest devices to capitalize on the increasing availability of mobile broadband.  Among the new products launched are: AT&T's HTC HD7S and LG Thrill 4G; T-Mobile's G2x dual-core 4G smartphone, Nokia Astound smartphone and the 4G Sidekick; Sprint's EVO 3D and EVO View 4G tablet; the Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 and Samsung Galaxy Indulge; and Research in Motion's BlackBerry PlayBook.  

"The impact of 4G technology is already being felt across our industry and by consumers," said Robert Mesirow, CTIA vice president and show director.  "From hot new devices that leverage the technology to our industry's focus on deploying high-speed mobile broadband, the discussion and business being conducted here in Orlando point to the rapid growth in mobile broadband availability and usage."

Keynotes

At 9:00 a.m., the keynote stage featured opening remarks from 2011 CTIA Chairman Dan Hesse, CEO of Sprint Nextel Corporation, who discussed U.S. dominance in 4G technology and the rapidly increasing use of smartphones and other mobile devices that leverage the growing availability of high-speed wireless data networks.  FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski addressed the need for more spectrum so the wireless industry, which he noted was a "game changer", could continue to innovate.  

Following these remarks, CEOs Ralph de la Vega of AT&T, Dan Hesse of Sprint and Dan Mead of Verizon Wireless participated in a lively discussion moderated by CNBC personality Jim Cramer. The panel addressed a range of topics, including the recently announced news from AT&T and T-Mobile, U.S. market leadership in 4G, the growth in data usage, the looming spectrum crisis, device subsidies and the convergence of voice, video and data usage.  

On Wednesday, March 23 at 9:00 a.m., Yang Jie, executive vice president for China Telecom, will provide a global perspective on the mobile industry from the world's fastest-growing market. Sanjiv Ahuja, chairman and CEO of LightSquared, will share insights and predictions for the future of wireless data. Hans Vestberg, president and CEO of Ericsson, will discuss mobile's unique role in shaping the "Networked Society." Expanding on the transformative power of wireless, Vestberg will be joined by Patrick Soon-Shiong, M.D., chairman and CEO at the Institute for Advanced Health, who will demonstrate how wireless is reengineering the healthcare industry.

On Thursday, March 24 at 9:30 a.m., CNBC anchor Michelle Caruso-Cabrera will moderate a discussion with Kenneth Roth, executive director of Human Rights Watch; John Stanton, chairman of the board of Trilogy International Partners; and Biz Stone, co-founder of Twitter, on mobile technology's role in organizing communities, shaping political decisions and stimulating economic development worldwide.  

CTIA is live streaming all keynote sessions at: www.ctia.org.  

BIG Idea Contest

In a ceremony taking place on the Exhibit Innovations Stage, USA TODAY columnist Ed Baig announced that LOC-AID Technologies, Inc., XPOUS LLC, and ZoomSafer were the winners of The BIG Idea Contest, an inaugural competition that recognizes new and innovative concepts for wireless products, applications and services.

About CTIA Shows

CTIA shows bring together all industries advanced by wireless technology for intense business, learning and networking. International CTIA WIRELESS^® 2011 takes place March 22-24 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. CTIA ENTERPRISE & APPLICATIONS™ 2011 takes place October 11-13 at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, California. Visit www.ctiashow.com.

CTIA–The Wireless Association^® is an international organization representing the wireless communications industry. Membership in the association includes wireless carriers and their suppliers, as well as providers and manufacturers of wireless data services and products. CTIA advocates on behalf of its members at all levels of government. The association also coordinates the industry's voluntary best practices and initiatives, and produces the industry's leading tradeshows. CTIA was founded in 1984 and is based in Washington, D.C. Visit www.ctia.org.  

SOURCE International CTIA WIRELESS(R) 2011