[General Colin L. Powell USA (Ret.) keynotes Global Summit opening. ]

By Kate Whitman -- More than 500 Global Summit attendees heard General Powell talk about the "Revolution of Technology" taking place in the world today. A world where his 5-year old grandson has been "digital" since he was 18-months old. A world where, as General Powell said, "I am merely trying to keep pace or at least not be too far behind."

General Powell talked about how he now has more information access in his own home than he did as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. It's his view that technology can and should be the bridge that lifts up all people of the world and where no one is left behind. General Powell set the tone for Global Summit attendees, challenging them to look at the promise of technology and especially the ability to connect through wireless telecommunications for a brighter future throughout the world. General Powell's comments were followed by a standing ovation.

Global Summit Hears Analysts' Panel Projections

Frank Capiello moderated the Analysts' Panel where industry experts from Chase Hambrecht & Quist and Salomon Smith Barney painted a rosy picture for the telecommunications industry in terms of investment opportunities. The future for telecommunications is bright as migration to data and voice convergence gets closer to reality for the consumer marketplace. Projections were hedged with the reality of risks that could affect continued strength in the market due to the possibility of (1) the global economy running too fast; (2) the dollar weakens in the world market; and/or (3) consumer confidence wanes.

Ericsson Announces New Power Amplifiers

Ericsson announced today that it is beginning production on a new handset that will deliver up to 4 hours of talk time with a standard ultra slim battery. The two new power amplifiers support Ericsson's award-winning design A 1228d TDMA mobile phone. www.ericsson.com

IFR Introduces New Systems Analyzer

The new IFR 1900-5 Cellular System Analyzer (CSA) was introduced today to Global Summit attendees. The analyzer allows TDMA base station and mobile handset designers and engineers to verify network ability on today's digital cellular and PCS systems. This allows developers to get designs to market faster, at lower costs and with more confidence of quality. The IFR 1900 series of products are widely accepted as the industry standard for development and testing of ANSI-136 digital phones and networks. www.ifrsys.com

UWCC Presidents' Panel

Tom Wheeler, President and CEO of CTIA, moderated a question and answer session of distinguished executives from the wireless industry. Participants from Rogers Wireless, SBC Wireless, Alcatel, Movilnet, Nortel Networks, AT&T Wireless, Ericsson, Bell South, AT&T Labs and Lucent Technologies focused the discussion on the promise of TDMA-EDGE as the technology path to 3G and beyond. TDMA-EDGE operators and manufacturers are strategically positioned for leading the applications race through technology innovations and flexibility to meet consumer demand.

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