Article re-printed with kind permission from GSM Q, March 2000 Issue 16
The GSM World Congress showed that the mobile Internet has arrived. Vendors are leading the way, showcasing a plethora of
products, giving shape to what were once solely acronyms. IP figured strongly on many exhibition booths and during the
55-plus press events and product launches, in such forms as IP BSS solutions; real-time IP routers; GPRS terminals; WAP
handsets; customised WAP servers; and secure payment solutions for WAP e-commerce.
GSM entered the third millennium with 254.2 million customers and growth is accelerating. Now, 2.5 billion people - 40 per
cent of the world's population - live within GSM coverage. It's getting difficult to keep up with GSM's expansion. There was
even congestion in the exhibition area at the show. Perhaps we have outgrown Cannes?
On the supply side, it seems that Europe, through suppliers of world-beating products and initiatives, may have a slight
lead in the wireless arena, while companies such as Intel, Compaq, Motorola and Microsoft are coming to the Nordic countries
- Europe's Wireless Valley - to learn about and invest in, wireless development. However, GSM delivers where it matters - in
the marketplace. It isn't a European, regional or niche system, but the global mobile system, beating all other standards
combined.
GSM grows by over 10 million customers every month. The world's largest network is in China, with 43 million customers by
end-1999. As the best cost performance, most feature-rich, state-of-the-art, and future-proof system with a clear
evolutionary roadmap to 3G and the world markets of tomorrow, GSM need not fear detractors.
Two key areas of focus during 2000 are the launch of GPRS commercial services and 3G licensing. Finland was the first
country to grant 3G licenses, and 80-100 more will be awarded in the next 18-24 months. Manufacturers and investments will
follow, benefiting every region of the world. However, governments must ensure they take the right decisions now to ensure
their place within the Global Information Society. In Latin America, for example, that means more competition, investing
with GSM, and preserving IMT-2000 frequencies for 3G/IMT-2000 services, as well as supporting efforts by the
WRC 2000 conference to allocate extension bands.
I appreciate the support that suppliers have shown by re-electing me as their president for the coming year. GSA has
established its voice by delivering results through activities. The marketing agreement with the GSM Association, is bearing
first fruits through joint promotional activities.
It also shows that industry delivers best through dialogue between interest groups working together on jointly agreed
programmes; the joint operators-manufacturers' GSM Certification Forum is one example.
We believe in speed, delivering results, and working together. GSA is ready for dialogue.
Alan Hadden, president GSA
Further information about the GSA
Press Archive
This issue's Global mobile Suppliers Association news review looks at the GSA's achievements during 1999 and its key
activities for the coming year, while GSA president Alan Hadden discusses the progress and evolution of the GSM standard.