The carrier and content divide

We’ll also hear the conference mainstays of the year repeated, including the troubled economy (which may be discussed in terms of data spending or, if CTIA follows the trend of other 2008 industry shows, in attendance numbers of the actual event itself), efforts to “go green” and beating bandwidth constraints. Tamara Casey, CEO and president of interoperability vendor 4DK, for one, also hopes that the theme of open networks and open devices will be carried over to Wireless IT. Considering the changing dynamic of the carrier/developer relationship, she likely won’t be disappointed.

“All year along we’ve seen one announcement after another about the opening of handset operating systems and opening of networks,” Casey said. “I am hoping the show will be a continuation of the trend and more things to point towards the move to a more open environment. We’ve seen the success of the iPhone and the Instinct. Everyone is really trying to raise the bar for end-user experience.”

Apple’s iPhone is undeniably responsible for upping the ante in user interface and usability as well as the Web browsing experience. Its App Store has also encouraged app developers to go their own way with downloadable games and services. Still, as per usual, Apple will only have a presence at Wireless IT in nearly every one of attendees’ discussions, opting instead to unveil its news (albeit iPod-related) at its own conference. Yet present or not, Apple has brought forging your own path to the forefront, and this might be one of the first wireless shows where others follow suit.

What are you looking forward to hearing about at CTIA this week?

E-mail me at sreedy@telephonyonline.com.