CTIA WIRELESS 2008® Opens with Big Announcements, New Devices and a Glimpse of the Wireless Future

Keynotes Today by Top Mobile Executives from Sprint, Verizon Wireless, Virgin Group, Microsoft
CTIA Wireless 2008

CTIA WIRELESS 2008®, a dynamic global marketplace showcasing the latest in mobile content, products and services, opened today 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.

Keynote Lineup

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.

About CTIA WIRELESS 2008®

As the premier global event representing the $500 billion global wireless industry and the largest wireless show in the world, CTIA WIRELESS 2008 brings together all industries affected by wireless technology for three days of intense learning and networking. Visit www.ctia.org/ctiawireless.

CTIA -The Wireless Association® is the international association for the wireless telecommunications industry, representing carriers, manufacturers and wireless Internet providers. CTIA is also recognized as the premiere producer of two annual technology events representing the complete wireless, mobile and Internet industries: CTIA WIRELESS 2008 takes place in Las Vegas April 1-3; CTIA WIRELESS I.T. & Entertainment 2008 takes place in San Francisco September 10-12. Visit www.ctia.org.

Contacts

On-site PR Contact Information:
The CTIA WIRELESS 2008 Media Center is located Room N251
Cheryl Delgreco, Media Strategies for CTIA WIRELESS
Mobile phone: 617-429-6749
cdelgreco {at} msipr(.)com
or
Karen Blondell, Media Strategies for CTIA WIRELESS
Mobile phone: 310-922-5838
kblondell {at} msipr(.)com
or
Liora Bram, Media Strategies for CTIA WIRELESS
Mobile phone: 617-821-4704
lbram {at} msipr(.)com