The recently concluded GSMA Leadership Summit has ended on an optimistic note, with the assertion that the mobile broadband industry can act as a big boost for the troubled economy.
The annual event of GSMA invites chief executives of all major mobile industry players worldwide, and is seen as an important forum to set the direction for the industry and articulate its vision for the future. This year, with the economic challenges facing the industry, the summit saw the industry leaders brainstorm on how mobile broadband can help the ailing economy. The consensus was that mobile broadband is a major force in terms of potential investments today and can be used as a tool to stimulate the economy. With private players controlling the mobile industry in most countries, it is clear that the onus lies on them to come out with the right decisions, which can have a positive impact on the industry and the larger economy.
Summing up the discussions, Rob Conway, the CEO of GSMA, said that although a great deal of responsibility lies on the mobile industry, the governments worldwide should also play their part by creating the right regulatory framework to encourage investments and by releasing a similar spectrum throughout different countries. A standard spectrum would mean that device manufacturers do not have to customize their products for different regions and hence are able to save costs by releasing standardized products.
The next few months will show how effectively can the governments and the industry work together to execute the industry’s vision of playing a part in economy’s revival.