Wireless industry execs embrace openness, shun regulation: CTIA show
April 2, 2008
Lowell McAdam is CEO of Verizon Wireless and chairman of CTIA
LAS VEGAS - The wireless industry is an example of the great America success story, according to Lowell McAdam, CEO of Verizon Wireless and chairman of CTIA.
The wireless industry employs more than 3.5 million Americans and is made up of almost three generations of technology. It is responsible for a whole new way of living and playing for Americans.
“Customers say they want more minutes and free ringtones,” Mr. McAdam said. “And we gave it to them. Customers wanted television on their mobile phones and they got it. As an industry we have been responsive to our customers’ needs. Are we ready to deliver whatever customers want next?”
Mr. McAdam talked about regulation in what’s now a competitive industry that gives customers choice. He said that regulators will ruin what the industry has worked to build for the past 25 years or so.
“We need to keep the regulators out,” Mr. McAdam said. “Customers provide the best type of regulation through choice.”
Mr. McAdams warned the audience that with regulation comes cost and irregularities.
Openness was discussed as well.
“The American economy needs an open marketplace as it attracts newcomers,” Mr. McAdam said. “Newcomers and new partnerships will grow the industry.”
Mr. McAdam then introduced Steve Largen, the president of CTIA.
“Putting choices in the hands of the consumer will promote innovation and consumer choice,” Mr. Largen said. “This is critical to the growth of the industry. Carriers are beginning to understand and embrace the open platform.”
For example, Verizon has opened its platform to third-parties. Also, T-Mobile and Sprint are members of the Open Handset Alliance.
The fact that the CTIA show has many panels dedicated to openness proves that companies are beginning to embrace this.
Charles Martin, chief technology officer of Huawei Technologies, said that it's difficult for him to envision the wireless industry five years from now. He is sure, however, that the mobile phone wil be a miniature computer and television set.
"We need to give customers better prices, more choices and more openness," Mr. Martin said. "Increased success means consumers will increase their expectations."