Editor’s Note: With 2014 now upon us, RCR Wireless News has gathered predictions from leading industry analysts and executives on what they expect to see in the new year.
1. Rise of voice communication: There will continue to be a slow rise in voice communication with the use of voice over Internet Protocol) relative to cellular calling. VoIP allows voice communication through an IP data network as opposed to through a phone company’s network.
2. Blend multiple value-propositions: Apps that blend multiple value-propositions and create a more convenient communication experience for customers will continue to prosper.
3. Celebrities: More celebrities will continue to learn how to monetize their social media influence and create value for companies by endorsing a technology product or service, increasing overall exposure for the technology industry.
4. Angel-backed start-ups: Instead of seeking venture capital funding, entrepreneurs will look more aggressively to angel investors for investment and more angel investors will look for successful technology investments.
5. Smaller U.S. carriers: Smaller U.S. carriers such as Virgin Mobile will continue to make their way into the market share of the “big four” with up-front-purchased phones and discounted monthly pricing plans.
Michael Unetich is president of TIP Solutions, a Chicago-based software company building a patented set of software and firmware technologies around call handling and management. TIP Solutions’ mission is to change the way the world answers a phone call. Unetich became involved with TIP first as an investor, then as a board member. In April 2012, he was named president and has a primary focus on TIP business strategy and U.S. operations. Unetich has a background that includes successful entrepreneurial ventures, experience in software design and marketing, and extensive experience in angel investing. Unetich is a named inventor on over 10 patents currently under USPTO and international filing and is a graduate of Villanova University.
