The wireless cell phone industry is one that is constantly changing.  There will be technologies emerging over the next ten years, some not even yet a glimmer of thought in an inventor’s head today.  Because of how unpredictable the specifics related to the cell phone environments can be - the changes that can be expected over the next ten years can only be described in general terms.  One change already recognized is the combination of technologies into one mobile phone device.  Another is the changing relationship among competitors and new entrants, due to a stronger customer buying power.  As technology becomes more standardized and customers expect the same level of products and services from any supplier, competitors and new entrants will need to merge and standardize together in order to survive.

The combination of technologies has already begun and shows no sign of slowing down.  Cingular Wireless, Verizon and T-Mobile now offer customers the ability to utilize their cell phone as an iPod or MP3 player.  Phones are routinely packed with cameras, wireless Internet, e-mail capabilities and online gaming technologies.  Customers expect these types of features, which means that standardization and inter-changeability of technologies is the focus within the next ten or fifteen years. 

As for newer technologies, it would not be too far fetched that phones in the future may allow users to watch movies or television shows, engage in remote interactions or robotics, such as turning on the oven while driving home or even allowing the user to purchase something utilizing biometrics technology, such as thumbprint verification, instead of a credit card.  It will be exciting to see what new technologies are developed and made available for everyday use.  One thing is certain:  R&D has not slowed down nor is expected to at any time in the future. 

Just as the technologies become more complicated and new technology companies will be attempting to enter the market, the landscape of cell phone companies will change.  Larger, more established cell phone companies will purchase newer technology companies in order to stay abreast of the market demands.  New entrants to the market will need to quickly gain allies and sign contracts with at least one of the major players, if not the top three to five in order to survive. 

If the environment changes enough, we may see some of the top market leaders purchasing each other or engaging in a practice called coopetition, which is a practice of creating alliances utilizing a competitor’s strength to compensate for one’s weakness.  So – Cingular may become the knowledge expert for wireless Internet and T-Mobile may become the knowledge expert for video and camera abilities.  Instead of being one company with strengths in every area, specialization will start to occur and agreements will be hashed out. 

In addition, customers will not be satisfied with technologies that exist in a silo through one company alone.  Customers will expect standardized technologies and the ability to change cell phones and companies without sacrificing their current product offerings.  New entrants and smaller R&D companies face a market utilizing R&D to create their own niche offerings will be the key to long-term success. 

In conclusion, the emerging communication technologies related to cell phone will be a great market to watch for the next ten or twenty years.  What exists today will continue to morph and adapt as new offerings are brought to market and companies work to keep up with consumers’ needs.  This is definitely one market to follow!