Vendors see good times for wireless despite downturn

You've heard all the bad economic news and gloomy forecasts, and so have mobile device vendors and wireless network operators.

Despite the downturn, the future is bright for wireless, even in the immediate future as the recession lingers, according to a sampling of vendors and operators at the International CES trade show.

"I've been in wireless for 30 years ... and I can say this is really the year for wireless," said Victoria Obenshain, director of wireless strategy for Panasonic Computer Solutions Co., a subsidiary of Panasonic Corp. She said this is the case for many reasons, even when taking into consideration the economic collapse in October and the declarations of recession. "We're very bullish where we'll go."

Obenshain oversees Panasonic's wireless strategy for Toughbook laptops and works with suppliers to find the right mix of wireless connections for the laptops, such as whether customers might want Wi-Fi or any number of wide area wireless connections including WiMax and HSPA. One of her goals, she said, is to support any mix of wireless connections with the right management software to help switch a device to the right network automatically. She spoke at a breakfast event sponsored by FierceWireless today at CES.

Panasonic is closely watching how the federal government decides to stimulate the economy once Barack Obama assumes the presidency, Obenshain said. The way the stimulus is implemented could focus on certain market sectors, such as manufacturing or health care, which would give Panasonic an indication of what features and wireless connections to support in its laptops, she said.

Panasonic's laptops have a 5% annnual failure rate and last an average of five years in work settings, meaning they have a long shelf life that provides an advantage in a downturn, she added.

Glenn Lurie, president of emerging devices for AT&T Inc. , was equally optimistic despite the economic downturn. "We see the same market opportunity" as before the stock market collapse in the fall, he said.

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