GSA Connect-eZine July 2022
GSA President Joe Barrett introduces the first edition of the GSA Magazine with an update on the work of the Association and its role in promoting 3GPP technologies globally.
As GSA approaches its 25-year anniversary in 2023, it is interesting to look back to October 1998 when 32 of the leading mobile suppliers of the day gathered together and agreed to form a new trade body called the Global mobile Suppliers Association – GSA. The stated objectives were to strengthen the promotion of GSM world-wide in new and existing markets and to promote the evolution of GSM as the platform for delivery of third generation (3G) multimedia services.
In January 2000, GSA reported there were an estimated 264.2 million GSM users worldwide, equivalent to two-thirds of the global digital cellular market. Compare that to the 308 million smartphones shipped in the first quarter of 2022 and the 8.1 billion mobile subscriptions at the end of 2021. Few predicted the mobile industry would grow this substantially since the first GSM call between former Finnish Prime Minister Harri Holkeri and Deputy Mayor of Tampere Kaarina Suonio, on July 1, 1991.
And GSA has grown as well. The website has evolved from a simple text-based information exchange to a full featured delivery platform sharing multiple industry reports, based on extensive research, that feeds into a unique database (GAMBoD) covering devices, networks, technologies, chipsets and global spectrum assignments.
The GSA research team produces around 180 reports, graphs, and maps each year and our Members and Associates supplement this with their own white papers and data, all via the GSA web site at https://gsacom.com.
Personally, I am very proud of the work the GSA Spectrum Group has carried out since 2016 and the dedicated support from our Executive Member companies. Over 185 spectrum experts, in 7 regional or country teams, work to respond to regulatory consultations, advocate the release of spectrum for mobile services, educate the industry on spectrum issues and requirements and offer technical support via speakerships, meetings and targeted white papers. In many regions, the early release of new spectrum for 5G can, in part, be credited to this team.
GSA Connect-eZine July 2022
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