Mobile computing -- smart phones like the iPhone are re-defining the personal computing space

At the Barcelona mobile event, U.S.'s AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson says potential for combination of emerging technologies is sure to mean growth for business, and a better experience for consumers. He sees his company (and other mobile providers) expanding services to enable users to stream stored data and content from the cloud at faster rates and with lower delays. The net result: increased data usage and necessary additional investment in spectrum and network infrastructure (towers, repeaters, routers). Stephenson pointed out that the Texas-based AT&T experienced a 30,000 percent increase in data traffic in the past six years as more customers use mobile phones to check e-mails, watch video, and surf the web.

Regulators should use a “light touch” and keep taxes “very, very low” to encourage new investment and allow more data traffic, Stephenson said. His sentiments were echoed today by the CEO’s of Telecom Italia SpA and Telefonica SA who called for a change in the regulatory environment to allow more consolidation among European carriers.

By the end of 2017, there will be 9.7 billion wireless connections worldwide as the industry brings mobile communications into cars and other consumer electronics, according to the GSMA industry association.

No argument that mobility is important -- people need to be able to access applications and data any time, anywhere.