Published: June 01, 2009 10:40 pm      

Experts applaud state’s wireless growth

EDMOND — The nation is shifting from using landline phones as voice platforms to using wireless phones as dynamic computers.

Oklahomans are leading that shift, according to nationally recognized experts in wireless technology who participated in the panel discussion, “A Better Life With Wireless — The Future is Today,” Friday at Oklahoma Christian University, 2501 E. Memorial Road.

Jonathan Spalter, chairman of Mobile Future, a coalition of businesses, nonprofit organizations and individuals, said Oklahoma is increasingly being seen on a national level as a leader in the integration of mobile and wireless technologies to improve the lives of its residents. He gave credit to the many elected officials in attendance.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said Spalter, recently completed a survey to determine which states are more advanced in their use of wireless technology. He said the survey shows Oklahoma leads the nation, with 26 percent of the households having abandoned landlines to become wireless only.

The Oklahoma City municipal Wi-Fi system, Spalter said, “is one of the most outstandingly sophisticated platforms that exist in any municipality in the country.” The city’s Wi-Fi system is used for a wide variety of public services, such as to synchronize traffic lights, provide Internet access for first responders, forecast paths of tornadoes and determine wind patterns that affect the direction of fire spread.

James Brehm, strategic consultant and director of business development for Frost & Sullivan, a company that partners with clients to accelerate growth, said his career allows him “to see all the really cool stuff first.” Looking at advancements in wireless technology in terms of baseball, Brehm suggested wireless still is in spring training.

“Where the rubber meets the road,” Brehm said, “is in telemedicine.”

He said he had seen a phone that has a built-in glucose meter for diabetics. With the new phone, a patient can prick himself, put the test tape into the side of the phone, and send the results to the doctor. Brehm also discussed the new Pill Phone that sends reminders about when to take medication. “If you don’t press a button on your phone, it calls you,” Brehm said. It also sends a report to the doctor.

Brehm predicted a huge growth in mobile banking and commerce. “We have a real banking crisis right now, but the banks are spending money on it,” Brehm said. He said the financial institutions have sped up efforts at reaching the consumer because they know about the 56 million who have cell phones but don’t have checking or savings accounts. He also predicted new wireless applications will eliminate the need to carry multiple credit cards.

Luke Hartman, academic multimedia specialist at Oklahoma Christian University, discussed his development of InTouch, the university’s own iPhone application for campus connection and course information. In 2008, the university began offering incoming freshmen a choice between an iPhone or iPod touch in addition to providing MacBook laptops.

The panelist developed other applications, such as Feedback for instant polling in the classroom, Here for recording attendance and 3by5 for customized flash card design. The most unusual application Hartman presented was LaundryView, providing students with information on the status of active washers and dryers. He said the university is attempting to take advantage of wireless technology as well as meet the expectations of the text-messaging teenagers who enroll.

OC President Mike E. O’Neal said the university was the first in Oklahoma to adopt a complete laptop program and wireless philosophy. Now, whether he travels across the country or across the world, he carries wireless technology that keeps him in touch with the university.

Rep. Mike Thompson, R-Oklahoma City, chairman of the Energy and Utility Regulation Committee, served as panel moderator. In 2002, he said, Oklahoma removed regulations so the state could have more competition in the marketplace. As a result, broadband is available to more residents, especially in the rural areas.

“We also saw a significant price drop in Internet service,” Thompson said.

In 2005, Thompson said, the Oklahoma Corporation Commission further revised rules related to landlines, opening up competition, and resulting in a drop of landline prices for local and long distance calls by about 15 percent.

“What we have found,” Thompson said, “is whenever you put competition in place and have less regulation, the result is a positive impact for Oklahoma consumers.”

The program was sponsored by the Mid-American Communications Alliance, Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce and Oklahoma Christian University.