Guest editorial

The very first and most universal telecommunication application is voice, or, in other words, the telephone. Let us start this article by highlighting an important milestone in the industry. In mid-July 2010 (the time of this writing) it was announced (by the GSMA Association) that global mobile connections surpass 5 billion (18 months after the 4 billion connection milestone, with predictions for 6 billion in the first half of 2012), meaning 74 percent penetration. Is that not impressive? Think of other technologies like TV, or other sectors like banks, automotive¿ that do not have those universality rates. It is astonishing that in a few years (almost) every citizen of the world will use (mobile) telecommunications services. This success story is not only a privilege but certainly a responsibility for the advance of the world society. Innovation in telecommunications services for all these billions of users is certainly a rewarding challenge.