Mobile Broadband Spending Continues To Rise

The world may be in the midst of a global recession, but it isn't impacting the rollout of wireless broadband technologies.

The GSM Association reported Wednesday that global carriers are expected to spend about half of the $72 billion they have earmarked for mobile infrastructure capital expenditures on mobile broadband. North America will spend the largest percentage -- 80% -- of the $19 billion it has slated for mobile broadband, the GSMA said. The Asia Pacific region will spend up to $34 billion and Europe, up to $14 billion. All global regions combined will spend about 52% of operator investment in mobile infrastructure.