In turbulent economy, wireless marketplace displays continued innovation

Attendees see new device offerings from Sprint, AT&T, Samsung, Nokia, and application news from RIM

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--International CTIA WIRELESS 2009^® opened today with 1000 exhibitors showcasing the latest innovations in wireless devices and applications. Highlights at the outset included a new iPhone application from Skype, the launch of the Blackberry App World Store, new Samsung devices for the Sprint, AT&T and Clearwire networks; and new devices from Nokia, Motorola and LG. The show runs through Friday, April 3 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

On the keynote stage this morning, Robert Dotson CEO of T-Mobile, Ivan Seidenberg CEO of Verizon Communications and Mike Lazaridis, president and co-CEO of Research In Motion discussed the continued strength of the wireless sector and upcoming developments in the mobile industry. Ivan Seidenberg discussed the use of multiple devices for personal and business communications, predicting that mobile penetration could eventually top 500 percent, while Dotson discussed the impact of wireless innovation on the economy. Lazaridis launched RIM's new application store and announced the company's sponsorship of the band U2's upcoming tour.

"Against tough economic headwinds, the wireless industry continues to innovate," said Robert Mesirow, CTIA vice president and show director. "This year's show is already off to a strong start, with buzz about new devices and new applications. Enthusiasm on the show floor, in the keynotes and in our educational sessions is as high as it has ever been."

As part of the keynote session this morning, CTIA president and CEO Steve Largent discussed the state of the U.S. wireless industry, which expanded to 270 million total subscribers at the end of 2008, a 15 million year-over-year increase. Those subscribers spent a combined 2.2 trillion minutes on their mobile devices last year, and sent one trillion text messages.

Day One News

Manufacturers and carriers made a number of device announcements at International CTIA Wireless. New handsets introduced included Motorola Evoke QA4; LG GD 900 Style, Neon and Xenon; Samsung Mondi, Impression and Magnet; and the Nokia E71x for the AT&T network.

Applications and services also generated significant interest, with announcements from Research in Motion, which debuted its new application store; from Microsoft regarding new personalization, fashion and application offerings for the Windows Mobile Marketplace; and from MediaFLO, which has expanded the reach of its mobile television services.

Upcoming Keynotes

On April 2, the keynote sessions will explore 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, who will discuss how wireless technology will change the future of medicine. As part of CTIA's tradition of marrying wireless technology and public service, the April 3 keynote will feature the Honorable Al Gore, 45^th 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 http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ctiashow.com&esheet=5931679&lan=en_US&anchor=www.ctiashow.com&index=1.

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 http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ctia.org&esheet=5931679&lan=en_US&anchor=www.ctia.org&index=2.

Contacts

Media Strategies for CTIA WIRELESS
Cheryl Delgreco, 617-723-4004
cdelgreco@msipr.com
or
Liora Bram, 617-864-3931
lbram@msipr.com