Wireless '99: Not the usual suspects: Ex-Prez Bush among speaker brigade

Last September's PCS Showcase '98 in Orlando proved to be somewhat lackluster, though the fleeing attendance could conveniently be blamed on an approaching hurricane. Whatever the reason for the sag in energy, the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association is out to prove that Wireless '99 in New Orleans next month won't be a similar experience.

In fact, last fall's poor showing may give the CTIA timely credibility to advertise Wireless '99 "the Complete Wireless Show." In any case, most of the sessions will have broad appeal, whether carriers are of the long-entrenched cellular persuasion or the newer PCS variety. Also, former President George Bush will provide celebrity power. Here's a synopsis:

Monday, Feb. 8: The first day will feature a three-part general session. First, a carrier panel on "The Principal Phone" will discuss the increasingly viable topic of wireless as a replacement for wireline technology. The session promises new research on subscribers who have "cut the cord" in favor of a completely wireless lifestyle.

"Borderless wireless" will comprise the second part of the session. The discussion is expected to examine the progress of international roaming and the effect of a growing satellite communications industry on the future development of international terrestrial wireless networks.

Speakers invited to participate in these sessions include John Stanton, CEO of PCS provider Western Wireless; Iridium Vice Chairman and CEO Ed Staiano; and the ubiquitous Steve Ballmer, president of Microsoft. The first day's general session is scheduled to be capped off with a speech by FCC Chairman William Kennard.

Other Monday activities appear timely in the context of hot industry issues. A panel discussion on the various aspects of prepaid service culminates a year in which prepaid surged in popularity. Later on, 3G pundits gather to debate what is always a lively, though over-exposed, topic.

Tuesday, Feb. 9: This day's general session intends to inspire "Visions of the Wireless Future." The roster includes Motorola President and CEO Chris Galvin, Nortel Networks Vice Chairman and CEO John Roth, Wireless Knowledge President and CEO John Major, and Symbian CEO Colly Myers.

Expect much discussion on industry changes driven by the integration of wireless technology and the Internet protocol.

Also this morning, the Wireless Data Forum panel asks an "age-old" question, "Is Data (Finally) Here?" But with multiple forums, technology alliances and specifications clouding the mix, is that the right question to ask?

Other panels on financing, new revenue opportunities and wireless Internet browsing might deliver more significant information many operators are desperately seeking.

Wednesday, Feb. 10: Former President George Bush drops by for a visit during this day's general session. There is no telling what kernels he might offer up for a wireless industry audience, but it might be a good way to pass the time while waiting for the show to close by mid-afternoon.

Aside from Wireless '99, the CTIA's ever-increasing roster of events spawns another conference later this spring. The Wireless Partnering Conference and Exposition is currently scheduled for April 27-30 in Miami. The event's co-producer is the CTIA-affiliated international roaming settlement firm Cibernet. This fact and the location set the stage for an event that will be heavily focused on promoting international wireless roaming.

This event follows last October's sizable CTIA-sponsored vendor trade mission to Latin America that showcased many roaming and fraud products. A similar mission is being planned for Asia later this year.

The Wireless Partnering event is the latest CTIA-sponsored conference on a list that also includes the Wireless IT Expo and the Wireless Security Conference.