The 3GSM World Congress kicked off in Barcelona, Spain, today. Organisers expect 60 000 people to attend the congress, which runs until Thursday and showcases developments in the global mobile technology arena.
This year, convergence between mobile and fixed communications will be a prominent feature of the event, as well as how these technologies play an increasingly important role in the Internet and broadcasting space.
The theme of mobile technology and its role in the media and entertainment space will also feature strongly. This year the exhibition hosts a mobile entertainment zone displaying content developed for mobile phone users.
Vodafone CEO Arun Sarin will deliver the opening keynote, and is expected to highlight issues that will ensure the success of global mobile operators in the next 18 months.
The event serves as a platform for international players, such as Motorola, Nokia Siemens Networks and Vodafone, to launch products and technology.
Event organisers point out that the presence of about 1 300 companies at this year's exhibition is a clear sign the mobile industry is booming.
Another theme at the event is the ongoing innovation around mobile broadband, and several large operators are expected to reveal their strategies for emerging markets in this space.
Much debate is also expected around WiMax, such as the interoperability challenges between different products and equipment associated with this technology.
New this year is the China pavilion, which demonstrates the mobile explosion in that region.
This year's 3GMS World Congress is expected to deliver several mobile handset launches, as well as content and applications aimed at boosting mobile data uptake.
Share