I just spoke with Jim Cicconi, senior executive vice-president- external and legislative affairs for AT&T. Jim is responsible for AT&T's public policy organization. I wanted to ask him some questions about what kind of value that the show offers from a policy perspective.
Jim talked about how important the show is in highlighting policy issues that arise in light of new advancements in technology- it gives a "full picture" of the industry and the challenges it faces. For instance, he noted that the convergence of wireless with wireline, demand for mobile entertainment, the iPhone, WiFi technology and E-911 are all developments that have presented new policy challenges.
He added that all of the challenges currently facing the industry flow out of the natural evolution of wireless as a necessity for modern life. He said that because the industry has become so mainstream, it falls under a brighter spotlight, and that the carriers have to make sure that they are communicating their policies effectively wth their consumers. I asked him if he thought that new media and social networking were ways that carriers could more effectively reach their customers, and he said yes, that companies "have to be able to communicate with customers at every level."
I couldn't agree more.
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*except on the level regarding upgrading wm5 phones to wm6. this has not been commented on in over 7 months by AT&T.