Ask anyone what the biggest change in wireless has been during the last five years and they will almost certainly choose the explosion in mobile data. But when asked about the next five years, executives’ perspectives on what’s next seems to depend on what part of the market they serve. We asked leaders from Cisco, AT&T, Qualcomm, and Ruckus Wireless for their predictions.
Padmasree Warrior, Chief Technology Officer and Chief Strategy Officer, Cisco Systems: “We have now entered the post-macrocell era, in which “small cells” will play a critical role in delivering the next-generation mobile Internet. Existing mobile network infrastructures simply cannot sustain the growth we’re seeing on their own. Tomorrow’s mobile Internet must span multiple networks and deliver seamless and highly secure mobile experiences. This requires an architectural approach powered by a cloud-intelligent network of networks. We are collaborating with many leading global service providers, including BT, PCCW mobile, Portugal Telecom, Shaw Communications, Smart and True, to deliver innovative mobile services with a new generation of intelligent “small cell” solutions utilizing licensed and unlicensed radio technology.”
Cathy Coughlin, Chief Marketing Officer, AT&T: “Everything can and will be wirelessly connected. The smartphone will be the platform, the hub, command central for you home, your healthcare, your car, your wallet… People depend on (technology because) it enriches their lives versus making it harder. All of that will go to another level if you are walking out the door and your umbrella glows because it is going to rain.”
Peggy Johnson, EVP and President, Global Market Development, Qualcomm:
“Every person on the planet is going to be connected by broadband. This is their initial access to the Internet. It will change villages and towns the world over in ways that we probably cannot even predict. The dynamics that that will produce will be startling, (especially for) areas that never had access to education or healthcare.”
Selina Lo, CEO, Ruckus Wireless: “Wi-Fi is going to become the universal wireless connectivity. More and more people are going to carry devices that do not have an Ehternet portBecause of the density of usage the traffic increase is going to continue, so networks will get more dense.”
Padmasree Warrior, Cathy Coughlin, Peggy Johnson and Selina Lo are all among RCR’s Top 10 Women in Wireless for 2012. Look for the full list in our upcoming feature report.
