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Most cellular telephone users in the United States have established wired telephone service and view cell phones as a convenience. In other parts of the world, particularly areas where telephone communication is initially installed as wireless service-without wired connections, cell phones serve as a primary utility. Cellular telephones are increasingly important as a transnational communications medium. Gradually, more United States users will utilize only cellular service.

As more cellular communication infrastructure is built around the world, expect substantial growth in the versatility of the instruments being sold. As the principal tool for communication---between humans and between digital users like computer data exchanges, a new generation of instruments and services will evolve.

Sweden, already recognized for its leadership in wireless technologies, just became the first country to offer nationwide 3G (Third Generation Cellular Phone Network) coverage to mobile users. Beginning this month, a variety of nifty new 3G handsets is available along with new services for data, e-mail, mobile Internet, multi-media messages, and streaming video. With nearly one- third of 3G patents held by Ericsson and TeliaSonera, Swedish companies continue to develop innovative mobile technologies and deploy services through their sophisticated wireless infrastructure.

Sweden's new 3G network offers access to mobile Internet at broadband speed, initially in the more densely populated areas in 280 of Sweden's 290 municipalities. Improvements include a new and simpler interface, better and faster services, enhanced e-mail that enables users to read several e-mail boxes and new services such as news, sports and video clips. Some 3G mobile phones also feature video calling, so you can talk and see the person you are talking to in real time.

Sweden's mobile network covers 99 percent of the Swedish population. TeliaSonera Sweden's 3G network currently covers 75 percent of the Swedish population and 96 percent of the municipalities. If a user is outside the 3G coverage area, ongoing calls and data connections are automatically moved to the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) network. Combined, Sweden's GSM network and 3G network form the strongest mobile network in Europe.

Who will be next in the global cellular communication growth?

From "Herman Trend Alert," by Roger Herman and Joyce Gioia, Strategic Business Futurists, copyright

2004. (800) 227-3566 or www.hermangroup.com.