LOS ANGELES—Based on number of industry employees, companies and payroll, California is the wireless capital of the United States, according to a recent report from O’Melveny Consulting L.L.C.
The report found that California hosts the headquarters of more than 2,000 wireless firms, or 28 percent of the nation’s wireless companies, employing more than 60,000 in the sector with a total payroll exceeding $3.5 billion.
While the greater Los Angeles area has the most wireless firms and employees, the Bay Area has the most concentrated number of firms and payroll and capital funding there exceeds other California regions. San Diego is considered the most concentrated wireless area, with 484 wireless employees per 100,00 residents.
Based on the major firms located in the state, O’Melveny calls California a leader in the satellite industry, the integrated circuit sector, mobile devices, and new standards including BREW and Java2ME.
O’Melveny also reported on top concerns of California wireless firms. They were: reducing operating costs, hiring qualified employees and increasing productivity. In addition, cell phone radiation was the top policy issue concern.