Article re-printed with kind permission from GSM Q, March 2000 Issue 16
The work of the Global mobile Suppliers Association (GSA) in 1999 resulted in many important achievements. These included:
| - | | putting key partnerships in place with other major industry organisations - the GSM (MoU) Association, ETSI, 3GPP, and the UMTS Forum |
| - | | delivering market requirements to the global 3G standardisation process as a Market Representation Partner in 3GPP |
| - | | pursuing market entry initiatives, beginning in Latin America |
| - | | helping to secure spectrum for 3G services world-wide based on evolution from GSM |
| - | | successfully lobbying for standardisation and introduction of GSM at 400 MHz |
| - | | setting up member workshops on mobile data and other strategic topics |
| - | | reaching customers through regular dialogue with operators. GSA-initiated roundtable discussions play a key role in identify issues and practical activities to support our customers |
| - | | representing GSM and 3G suppliers world-wide at government hearings |
| - | | adding value to its members via new channels to the marketplace. |
GSA is recognised worldwide as representing, and acting as a forum for, the leading GSM and 3G suppliers. Its membership
spans the entire supply chain and represents 80 per cent of GSM market share globally. We welcome content providers and
application developers as well as suppliers of mobile infrastructure, terminals, components, billing, support systems, and
consultancy services.
Our third General Assembly, held in Cannes, France just before the 2000 GSM World Congress agreed the direction and
priorities for the coming year. The focus will be on dialogue with operators, members, partners, customers and
decision-makers, and enhancing external visibility for GSA's messages and membership via the media, exhibitions and
conferences.
Among key activities for 2000 will be GSA-initiated regional seminars on all continents for operators and investors, the
objectives being to build awareness; ensure higher returns from network investments by adding services; improve
understanding about how to deal with a growing network (especially with regard to technical aspects, and transferring
know-how and experiences); explain how to meet capacity demands and deliver Quality of Service expectations; and promote the
evolution to 3G and aid preparation for it.
Another key activity will be building our role as a Market Representation Partner in 3GPP, by delivering market requirements
into the 3GPP standardisation process, especially on issues such as content and timing. GSA welcomes the recent initiative
providing a framework for the opportunity to co-ordinate its views with those of the other 3GPP Market Representation
Partners, to ensure the optimal and most efficient solutions for a global 3G mobile market.
Karl-Heinz Rosenbrock, recently re-elected as 3GPP chairman, and supported by Adrian Scrase, 3GPP secretary, attended the
General Assembly as guests and gave an update on 3GPP standardisation and plans for the coming year. A
web site portal jointly supported by all five Market Representation Partners explains the
role and high level objectives of 3GPP Market Representation Partners, as well as common current positions and activities.
Programmes to promote usage, build penetration, and deliver the mobile Internet on the way to 3G multimedia services are
also important. For example, we plan delivery of GSA web content over WAP, and then to build from that starting point.
Finally we will aim to raise external visibility about GSM and what GSA member organisations can deliver. Ongoing
market-entry initiatives in Latin America show us how much more can be done to inform investors, decision-makers and other
influential figures about the successes and benefits of GSM, the de facto global digital mobile system which also enjoys a
clear evolutionary roadmap for delivery of 3G/IMT-2000 multimedia services.
Of major importance in getting our message across is the GSA web site. On the public side, a new area has been launched as a
key information source about GSM and 3G, with content which is focused, informative, and
topical. Another new information area is Member Showcase, providing access to the latest
news about GSA members' products, services and successes, and available in one unique location in an arena known to reach customers and the media globally.
Foreign language versions of press releases and documents are being introduced. We regularly note significant web site
interest during and after GSA regional activities, showing its use by the media and others wishing to follow up.
GSA's agenda and activities for year 2000 look extremely promising. The membership has agreed its plans and committed the
resources to enable it to deliver. Membership is building strongly - already covering three continents - and this will mean
even more activity.
GSA is looking forward in 2000; we have the initiatives and we deliver results.
Alan Hadden, president GSA
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