CTIA Wireless 2008 Opens

April 2, 2008

CTIA WIRELESS 2008 opened with more than 1,200 international exhibiting companies and a stellar keynote lineup of elite executives from Sprint Nextel, Verizon Wireless, Microsoft and Virgin Group. CTIA WIRELESS takes place this week at the Las Vegas Convention Center from April 1–3.

From the keynote stage this morning, Sprint’s CEO Dan Hesse unveiled Samsung’s Instinct SPH-M800 handset and RIM’s Curve 8330 with GPS. He also reiterated the company’s plans to build a WiMAX network. Robbie Bach, president of Microsoft’s entertainment and devices division, announced upgrades for Windows Mobile Professional 6.1 and Internet Explorer Mobile ver. 6.

Verizon Wireless CEO Lowell McAdam addressed industry momentum and the need to allow wireless to remain free from burdensome government regulation. Sir Richard Branson, founder and chairman of Virgin Group, discussed the coming growth of the prepaid market in light of the current economic situation. He also addressed the opportunities for MNVOs, like Virgin Mobile, to capitalize on brand loyalty.

“The wireless revolution is here,” said Robert Mesirow, CTIA vice president and show director. “This year’s show is our most exciting ever as exhibitors and keynoters address the current and future technology developments that are making the mobile lifestyle a reality. From LTE and WiMAX to code scanning and converged services, all of the developments that are improving the ways we communicate are on display here in Las Vegas.”

More than 40,000 attendees are on hand this week to view exhibitor offerings that span the device, infrastructure, enabling technology, entertainment and business application sectors. Attendees from more than 125 countries will experience the evolution of wireless technologies from CTIA educational sessions to exhibits.

Wednesday, April 2 keynote speakers include Arun Sarin, CEO of Vodafone and Marco Boerries, president of Yahoo! Mobile. An infrastructure panel that focuses on real-world plans and technology developments hastening the availability of 4G services for mobile subscribers will be moderated by Lowell McAdam, CEO of Verizon Wireless. Panelists include Patricia Russo, CEO of Alcatel Lucent; Carl-Henric Svanberg, CEO of Ericsson; and Mike Zafirovski, CEO of Nortel.

On Thursday, April 3, former U.S. senators and presidential candidates John Edwards and Fred Thompson will take the stage at 9:30 a.m. to discuss impressions from the campaign trail.

This year’s Fashion In Motion, a couture-style technology fashion show features the latest wireless devices and accessories from LG, Motorola, Samsung, Sony Ericsson, RIM, Cliphanger, Rossignol, Panda, myTego, SCOTTVEST and FunkySexyCool. Fashion In Motion takes place in the North Hall on the Mobile Entertainment eXpo stage on Tuesday, April 1 and Wednesday, April 2.

The third annual Fashion In Motion Scholarship Award of $10,000 was given to Michael Samaan a student at the University of Bridgeport for his product, The Savvy – a bluetooth headset constructed from a steel frame and highlighted with chrome accents. The Savvy has a simple user interface with a turn style mechanism for both volume control and receiver for answering calls.

“On behalf of CTIA, I congratulate Michael Samaan as recipient of this year’s scholarship award,” said Robert Mesirow, CTIA vice president and show director. “Mobile is fashion – almost every consumer takes style into account when purchasing a wireless device.”

Macy’s provided men’s and women’s fashion from designers including Marc by Marc Jacobs, DKNY, BCBG Runway, Betsey Johnson, French Connection, Corelynn Calter, Max Studio, La Rok, Poleci, Boss by Hugo Boss, Jean Paul Gaultier, Theory, John Varvatos, Coogi, Marc Ecko, and Ben Sherman.