With so many challenges in the financial sector and growing uncertainty as to just how the current turmoil will play out in the local economy and globally, mobile telecommunications will prove resilient and a key part of the recovery.

Convergence is gathering pace around the globe with mobile devices, applications and services developing rapidly to meet consumer demand and expectations.

The research forecasts are amazing. According to a recent report from Juniper Research, mobile Internet users will grow to over 1.7 billion by 2013, from 577 million users in mid-2008.

At the same time, demand for high bandwidth to mobile devices keeps increasing. According to an August 2008 reports from Informa Telecoms & Media, global mobile data revenues will increase by 77% between 2007 to 2012, but global mobile data traffic will grow far faster, increasing by more than 1,000% over the same period. The traffic boom will be driven by a dramatic increase in the use of advanced applications such as mobile browsing and video; for example, mobile video traffic will grow more than thirty-fold by 2012, according to Mobile Networks Forecasts.

The strong ongoing role of voice in the mobile sector will remain a key feature however growth will be small compared to the numbers being suggested for data and online activity.

The challenge for industry and governments alike is to support the productivity potential of convergence with innovative regulatory approaches and a responsive attitude to infrastructure needs. For example, the dynamic mobile market will be compromised if governments attempt to manage content via prescription.

Similarly emerging infrastructure needs such as new allocation of radiofrequency spectrum must be met if the full potential of this next generation of mobile growth is to be realised.

The message is clear, the potential exists, the demand growth trends are emerging around the world and industry is moving strongly to respond. Governments must keep up, in partnership with industry.