From New Broadband Networks to New Horizons in Healthcare, the Future is at International CTIA WIRELESS 2009®

Las Vegas, NV – At International CTIA WIRELESS 2009®, taking place this week at the Las Vegas Convention Center, members of the wireless ecosystem – from carriers and device manufacturers, to vertical industry executives and content owners --  discussed new applications and devices that enhance the mobile experience for consumers, mobile professionals and the enterprise. 

Among the developments making news on the second day of the show are: the launch of AT&T Apps Beta, a new initiative that gives developers the chance to test applications with AT&T customers and receive direct consumer feedback; the availability of a new $50 netbook from AT&T; Clearwire’s Innovation Network, a live WiMAX network that qualified developers can use to design, create and test applications; and the launch of VZ Navigator from Verizon Wireless, a service that provides subscribers with directions to locations they have called using 411.

“Day two of the show continues to showcase our industry’s spirit of innovation and outlook for growth,” said Robert Mesirow, CTIA vice president and show director.  “Today we launched wireless healthcare – a prime example of how wireless can be infused into vertical industry segments to revolutionize the marketplace.”

Today’s Keynotes
Keynote sessions on day two of International CTIA WIRELESS explored different uses of wireless technology with commentary from Robert Bach, president, Entertainment & Devices Division of Microsoft; Benjamin Wolff, co-chairman of Clearwire; and health expert and noted cardiologist Dr. Eric J. Topol, director of Scripps Translational Science Institute and chief academic officer of Scripps Health. 

Bach took the stage to detail Microsoft’s mobile strategy and discuss the company’s three-screen approach to applications.  He provided a demo of Windows Mobile 6.5 and highlighted some of the first applications that will be available on Windows Marketplace for Mobile, including EA Mobile, Facebook and MySpace.

Clearwire’s Wolff announced the provider’s plans to cover up to 120 million people with its wireless service in more than 80 cities by the end of 2010. He also.introduced the WiMAX Innovation Network in Silicon Valley, whereby application developers are provided one year of free access to the 20-square mile test network, encouraging them to innovate and create new mobile applications.

Dr. Eric Topol discussed the use of wireless technology in the healthcare sector.  Through case studies and real-life examples, he illustrated the impact of wireless technologies on healthcare delivery.  A number of new healthcare-focused products and services were launched at the show, in conjunction with Dr. Topol’s session, including: OmniScan, which wirelessly measures blood pressure and other vital signs without the traditional cuff; the GlowCap smart pillbox product, which displays different colors when a patient needs to take their medications; and CardioNet, a wearable, wireless cardiac monitoring system.

Tomorrow’s closing day keynote will feature the Honorable Al Gore, 45th Vice President of the United States, who will discuss the impact of green business on the economy and the environment.

About International CTIA WIRELESS 2009®
As the largest wireless show in the world representing a $1 trillion global industry, International CTIA WIRELESS brings together all industries advanced by wireless technology for three days of intense learning and networking. Visit www.ctiashow.com. 

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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 producer of two annual technology events: International CTIA WIRELESS 2009 takes place in Las Vegas, April 1-3; International CTIA WIRELESS I.T. & Entertainment 2009 takes place in San Diego, October 7-9. For more association information, visit www.ctia.org.

For More Information:

Cheryl Delgreco   
Media Strategies for CTIA WIRELESS
617-723-4004   
cdelgreco@msipr.com  

Liora Bram
Media Strategies for CTIA WIRELESS
617-864-3931
lbram@msipr.com