The next big bang in wireless and mobile communication

Cognitive radios, MlMO antennas, wireless mesh networks, self-configuration support, seamless and context mobility, mobile user agents, and mobiquitous, multimedia, always-on, location-based communication services, are just some of the terms that have become part of the emerging lexicon to describe the future wireless communication technology landscape for 4G and beyond. From the mobile device, airlinks, and Internet access network to the applications and services that next generation mobile service providers are to support, only one point seems to enjoy global consensus: we have barely begun to scratch the surface in creating the networks to serve the communication needs of a future media-hungry world equipped with an ever-increasing number of wireless devices. At the core of all this anticipated growth lies the following question: what technology enablers or application drivers will provide the incentive to fuel all these innovations? This panel will elicit thought-provoking discussions on the evolution and/or revolution of wireless and mobile networking technology. Technology experts from academia and industry will share their perspectives on which are the key drivers that are likely to support the introduction of innovations and propose a technology roadmap highlighting research, industrial, and political challenges to be addressed. Those who can predict where the next big bang is likely to occur will have a running start in the race to untether the communication services of future generations.