Another CTIA has come and gone, and despite the low attendance (presumably due to the economy), below is some interesting news that we believe came out of the show. The tone of the show was set by keynote addresses from executives at T-Mobile, Clearwire and RIM who all stressed the importance of continued growth through innovation.
Some of the hot topics at this year’s show included:
1. Application development – Mobile applications and app stores were a major theme of the show. For example, AT&T announced the launch of AT&T Apps Beta, which gives developers the chance to test applications with customers and receive feedback before making their applications broadly available. Other companies such as Verizon and RIM also announced plans to develop app stores to customers.
In a Wireless Week article, Jeffery Kagan, a telecom analyst said these announcements from AT&T, Verizon and RIM illustrate one of the key themes of the show which is growth. “This points to the fact that the wireless industry is expanding and letting users choose from a large and growing variety of wireless programs for home and work.”
2. Green initiatives – Several mobile companies unveiled products and strategies to help consumers reduce carbon footprints. Motorola announced a new recyclable mobile phone called the Motorola Renew which features a carbon-neutral device with a body made from recycled water bottles. Additionally, Nokia Siemens Networks showcased its eco-conscious base station, the Flexi.
Former Vice President Al Gore spoke to attendees saying that wireless technology will be “one of the key tools that we use to solve the climate crisis.”
3. Wireless Growth is Driving Business – Perhaps one of the most interesting things to come out of CTIA 2009 demonstrates tangible growth in the industry. The results of a recent study conducted by market research firm, Harris Interactive, illustrates how American businesses are factoring wireless into their overall business strategies.
According to the study results, almost half, 45 percent, of business decision makers state that wireless applications are important or absolutely essential to remaining competitive in today’s highly competitive marketplace. In addition, “When asked how much improvement businesses expect to see in the next 12 months, in terms of increased productivity or cost reduction as a result of deploying wireless applications, the companies surveyed indicated they expect a 15 percent improvement in their bottom-line.”
For more information on CTIA 2009 click on the following links to watch video highlights of the keynotes, listen to podcasts or take a tour through the camera phone photo gallery.
Did you attend CTIA this year? Tell us what you thought of the show by commenting on our blog or e-mail us at [email protected].