Three mobile operator leaders faced the question at yesterday morning’s opening keynote session at the GSMA Mobile World Congress of whether to put the brakes on any future investments or expansion, or adopt new methods of continuing to grow during these uncertain economic times. The answers from César Alierta, executive chairman of Telefónica, Vittorio Colao, CEO of Vodafone, and Jon Fredrik Baksaas, president and CEO of Telenor were in accord – that mobile telecoms will be a key driver behind the economic recovery and the industry must not slow down its growth plans.

“We are the perfect ally for governments to lead global economic growth,” said Alierta, “and there is an unclear estimation of our ability to improve the economic situation.” Central to this perspective was that mobile operators must deliver what the customer wants. “Our success will come from providing the consumer with a much better experience based upon providing value,” said Alierta. This theme received support from Vodafone’s Colao, who said that operators have many of the essential assets to deliver customer value. “These are a combination of affordability, trust, ease-of-use and relevance, together with speed and ubiquity. We must also be smarter in how we co-operate with content suppliers, device vendors and equipment manufacturers.” Looking at the investment options, Colao warned about putting the brakes on. “We should have a common technology roadmap, and look more closely at sharing towers and possibly fibre.” However, he warned about the need for a level-playing field with regard to competition. “We should not ask for protection, this might lead to short-term gains, but it undermines trust.”