The GSMA used its annual conference in Barcelona to plead with world regulators to designate a common spectrum band (such as the 700 MHz) for the deployment of mobile broadband services. "The use of spectrum for wireless broadband is a bigger boost to the economy than more TV channels," said Rob Conway, CEO of the GSMA, during a press conference held by the association at the Mobile World Congress gathering in Barcelona.
Conway added that the telecom industry will play an important role in the economic crisis because the deployment of mobile broadband will help countries overcome the digital divide and become more economically viable. But he added that governments must aid the industry by harmonizing spectrum and making it easier to deploy technologies such as LTE.
The GSMA's call for harmony didn't end with spectrum. The association also Tuesday announced plans to develop a universal charger for mobile phones by 2012. The initiative--backed by heavyweights such as Vodafone, LG, Motorola, Nokia, Qualcomm, Samsung, Sony Ericsson, and T-Mobile--will not only help the environment but also will help consumers who are often stuck with old chargers that no longer work with new handsets.
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Rob Conway, CEO, GSM Association