The next step in mobile tech

The world's largest mobile technology event began in Barcelona yesterday with a spotlight on innovations to reach the next level of high-speed data services.

However, the issue of privacy and security of customers was at the forefront. Panelists discussed the issue at the opening session of Mobile World Congress 2015 organised by GSMA, the global trade group of mobile network operators, in Barcelona, Spain.

An industry friendly regulatory environment, spectrum policy, pricing policy and customers' demand were also discussed.

At the event that will continue until Thursday, discussion and debate will focus on fifth generation technology, faster wireless internet, digital identity of users and connecting people to everything through the mobile.

Facebook Founder Mark Zuckerberg is also expected to speak at a session at the annual extravaganza, themed 'the edge of innovation'.

Around 2,000 exhibitors from across the world are showcasing cutting-edge products and technologies at the event.

Around 90,000 people are expected to join the event, said Jon Fredrik Baksaas, chairman of GSMA, in his opening remarks.

“The market is now driven by internet and we are expecting 3.8 billion internet users on mobile phones by 2020, from two billion users right now,” he said. “The connectivity will go on.”

But security issues are emerging as a challenge to the industry and the operators and regulators should work together to overcome this, said Baksaas, also chief executive officer of Telenor, the majority shareholder of Bangladesh's largest mobile operator Grameenphone.

He also highlighted digital identity of users and their connectivity with everything through the mobile.

Vittorio Colao, chief executive of Vodafone Group, said: “Jihadists can use Facebook for networking their activities. We cannot accept this.”

In contrast, he said, users' policing can also be done. “But customers want both privacy and security.” Timotheus Hoettges, chief executive of Deutsche Telekom, said data protection is now an increasing demand from users. “We also need a regulatory environment, pricing and spectrum, consolidation among operators and a level playing field to provide customers with better services.”

Moderating the opening session, Anne Bouverot, director general of GSMA, said mobile technology is changing every technology in the whole range of industries.

Citing financial services through mobile, she said, “Accounts for the mobile money services crossed the number of bank accounts in 16 countries.”

Different teams from Bangladesh, including the government, regulator and mobile operators, are also participating in the event.