2008 Preview: Telecom Innovative Uses of Wireless and Broadband to Come Calling

A look ahead at 2008 2008 Preview: Aerospace 2008 Preview: AirlinesGoogle's first cellphone.

Apple's iPhone on AT&T's faster, third-generation network.

A shift from online banking to cellphone banking.

Those are a few of the technologies and trends to expect from the telecommunications industry in 2008, experts say.

"This is going to be an exciting year," said Jeff Kagan, a telecom analyst in Atlanta. "Innovative stuff is coming out on wireless all the time."

Google and Douglas County-based EchoStar Communications are among companies that have registered to bid on the government's much-anticipated airwaves auction in January. The 700-megahertz spectrum is viewed as prime real estate for wireless services because the frequencies can penetrate walls and travel long distances.

But it won't be all about wireless next year.

"Broadband growth is going to be the driver for the top line of telecom companies, and those that can continue to penetrate the market and with higher speeds will have the most success," said Todd Rosenbluth with Standard & Poor's.

Qwest plans to spend $300 million next year boosting Internet speeds to about 1.5 million homes in its 14-state local phone service territory.

In February, Qwest's new chief executive, Ed Mueller, will provide more details on his plans for the company. Qwest may be a potential takeover target in 2008 for Canadian phone company Telus Corp., according to the Toronto Star.

Qwest, which resells Sprint Nextel wireless service, will offer a "fixed mobile convergence" product in late 2008 that allows customers to make cellphone calls through home Internet.

As telecom and cable companies continue their fierce battle for residential customers, next year may shed light on how big an impact Verizon Communications and AT&T's broad video services will have on Comcast, Time Warner Cable and others. Qwest has decided not to launch its own TV offering.

http://www.denverpost.com/telecom/ci_7834185