With a pick-up expected in the technology sector, the worldwide number of GSM users is likely to hit one billion this year.
Some of the biggest players in the mobile phone market laid out their plans for 2004 at the annual 3GSM World Congress in Cannes, looking to impress after a turbulent 12 months.
In addition to new product launches, petitioning over 3G auction rebates raised its head, as did debates on mobile crime, interoperability and cost savings.
Read our Special Report for highlights of the show.