Dedicated exclusively to the business interests of the wireless infrastructure industry, the show which ran October 13-15, featured over 85 exhibitors, top-notch educational sessions, world-class speakers and more than 1,200 industry leaders who gathered to network, discuss and learn about the latest advancements in the industry.

"In addition to the good mix of long-standing members, we saw much greater involvement from the mobile operator/carrier community, and many new companies attending this year's show who were searching out new possibilities and opportunities," said Michael Fitch, president and CEO of PCIA. "PCIA was proud to offer a range of speakers addressing topics that are on the minds of leaders in the industry, both now and in the future."

From standing-room only panels to debates on WiMax and the availability of capital for the wireless industry, PCIA has netted three key trends to watch:

1. Markets and financial stability -- The telecommunications is one industry defying current market conditions. With tangible assets on hand and a growing customer base, telecommunications companies will continue to thrive on their own revenue generators and need to rely less on the collapsing credit market.
2. Enabling the next generation: LTE and WiMax -- LTE and WiMax are the next generation of wireless deployment that will offer a new level of wireless access. At this year's PCIA annual event, there was controversy over whether and when the industry will be ready for this new technology. But as Apple and IBM bring to market new laptops with WiMax, and cities like Baltimore are set for deployment, these two critical components to the future of wireless must thrive.
3. What does customer of the future look like? -- With consumers demanding the convenience of more all-in-one smart phones with capacity for browser searching, video downloads and social networking, the industry will have to provide greater bandwidth. As carriers strive to feed the demand, they are planning on ways to maximize newer and enriched applications such as Safari and Opera to optimize their use on handheld devices.

Supporting Statewide Grassroots Efforts

During the show, SWAP leaders announced that in just a year, it raised over $300,000 to support local charities of their choosing on issues ranging from cancer, children's hospitals, soldiers and their families, the fire crises in California and Washington state, blindness and at-risk youth.

In just three years, PCIA's grassroots initiative, the State Wireless Association Program (SWAP) program has spread to 33 states and 22 associations. SWAP closes the gap between the demand and supply for wireless telecommunications through offering best practices, materials, trainings and support to the state associations. Each local association works to expedites wireless access to their communities by working closely with local governments and businesses. In addition to its current membership, there are six associations currently in formation that will add seven new states to the program.

"We are so excited to be working with such a broad coalition of organizations including carriers, tower companies, engineering firms, and professional service providers to advocate on behalf of the industry so we can ensure wireless services for the safety of local communities," said Nancy Chrisman, director of SWAP and membership for PCIA. "SWAP has had a great impact on our local communities through its advocacy, education both in and out of the industry, and giving back to the to the communities where we live, work and play."

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