From Our Readers: A CEO Responds

By Irwin Mark Jacobs

The "miserably antiquated" U.S. cell phones you described in "Downsizing to Wireless" [GLOBAL BUSINESS, May 2001] will soon support two 3G nationwide networks as well as other, smaller ones. These networks will provide broad coverage two or more years ahead of similar service in Europe, achieving lower cost and higher data rates, and always-on access to the Internet for PCs, phones and PDAs. Operators in the U.S. can provide 3G without the need to first invest large sums to license new spectrum because CDMA systems, allowed here but not yet in Europe, efficiently use existing spectrum.

Will Americans find great uses for 3G mobile capabilities--which include enhanced GPS location services with downloadable maps, group messaging and chat, e-mail, games, news, financial activities and Web browsing? Your pessimistic and downsized expectations may be on target, but I doubt it.

--Irwin Mark Jacobs, CEO, Qualcomm