CTIA WIRELESS 2006(R) today announced that a lineup of top level executives from wireless carriers, technology companies, content providers and mobile device manufacturers will share their expertise and vision in two high-profile plenary sessions addressing the future of networks in one, and wireless devices in the other.  

Technology Leaders Define the Future of the Network and Reveal the Hottest New Trends in Mobile Devices at CTIA WIRELESS 2006

The Wireless Association:
— Technology Executives from Cingular Wireless, Cisco Systems, HBO, Motorola, Sony Corp., Sun Microsystems, and Verizon Wireless Lead CTO Plenary Session

— Manufacturers and Technology Providers from Microsoft, Motorola, Nokia, Palm, Sony Ericsson Texas Instruments and Yahoo! Headline Device Plenary

In the CTO Plenary, network architects will speak about issues including network convergence, systems integration, capacity, cost and services that will help define the network of the future. The Device Plenary will uncover some of the sexiest new devices, and delve into the increasing complexities of delivering both higher functionality and a simple user experience, a conundrum that will have to be successfully resolved if subscribers are expected to make wireless devices their most important computing and entertainment platform. CTIA WIRELESS 2006 will take place April 5 – 7 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

The CTO Plenary, “Defining the Future of the Network” will occur Wednesday, April 5 from 1:00-2:30 p.m. Participants include network architects and visionaries who will outline the future of networking — everything from home networks to local and wide area networks, both wired and wireless. Speakers include:

— Richard Lynch, Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, Verizon Wireless

— Gabriella Poczo, Principal Engineer & Lead Architect, Sun Microsystems, Inc.

— Kris Rinne, Chief Technology Officer, Cingular Wireless

— Mike Volpi, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Routing and Service Provider Technology Group, Cisco Systems

— Padmasree Warrior, Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, Motorola, Inc.

— Phil Wiser, Chief Technology Officer, Sony Corporation of America

— Robert Zitter, Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, HBO

Verizon Wireless’ Lynch and Cingular’s Rinne are tasked with developing and building out the next generation of wireless networks. These wireless carriers, together with their wired partners, are designing networks that will establish a common framework for the transmission of a plethora of new products and services. HBO’s Zitter and Sony’s Wiser are building seamless distribution networks that will significantly broaden the reach of their content to anytime and anywhere. Sun’s Poczo, Cisco’s Volpi and Motorola’s Warrior are establishing networking infrastructure that will support the demands of next generation content and applications.

Guaranteed to enlighten audience members on the direction and evolution of network technology, the CTO Plenary will be moderated by Andrew M. Seybold, a pioneer of mobile computing and wireless data and president of Outlook4Mobilily.

“This is the most prestigious technology panel I have ever been asked to moderate,” said Seybold. “These speakers are the cream of the crop when it comes to wireless technology, and to have them all in one place to provide their insight is a rare opportunity for the audience. I expect this to be a very insightful and powerful discussion.”

The Device Plenary, Thursday April 6 from 3:30-5:00 p.m., will offer a discussion of trends in mobile converged devices and the growing desire for customized gadgets. Speakers will address the increasing complexity and sophistication of handset design, as well as the debate between higher functionality and the ability to deliver an easy user experience.

This year, new manufacturers are entering the device market to support mobile content and services, like those provided by Yahoo! and Microsoft. Combined with veteran device manufacturers, the complete lineup of speakers on the Device Plenary includes:

— Kevin Dallas, General Manager, Mobile and Embedded Devices Division, Microsoft, Inc.

— Gilles Delfassy, Senior Vice President, Wireless Terminals Business Unit, Texas Instruments

— Najmi Jarwala, President, Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications

— Christian Lindholm, Vice President, Global Mobile Products, Yahoo!

— Nigel Rundstrom, Vice President, Multimedia, North America, Nokia

— Rob Shaddock, Corporate Vice President & CTO, Mobile Devices business, Motorola Inc.

— Peter Skillman, Director of New Product Development, Palm

— Moderator: Avi Greengart, principal analyst, Mobile Devices, Current Analysis

CTIA WIRELESS 2006 will offer a comprehensive conference program of nearly 30 sessions in the following tracks: Technology Roadmap; Business Ecosystem; Emerging Opportunities; and Policy Outlook. Conference details can be found at http://www.ctiawireless.com/general/educational_content.cfm.

About CTIA WIRELESS 2006
As the premier global event representing the complete wireless, mobile computing and wireless Internet industry and the largest wireless show in the world, CTIA WIRELESS 2006 brings together all industries within the communications ecosystem and all those affected by wireless technology for three days of intense learning and networking. Visit www.ctiawireless.com.

CTIA-The Wireless Association is the international association for the wireless telecommunications industry, representing carriers, manufacturers and wireless Internet providers. Visit www.ctia.org.