Today our entire society relies on mobile connectivity. Mobile smart devices have driven data to surpass voice as the primary wireless transmission. In fact, a report by Ericsson just shared that mobile data traffic globally is growing at a pace 10 times faster than voice.*

These smartphones, netbooks, and other devices are placing unfathomable demands on the wireless infrastructure as explosive amounts of data are moving through it and the wireline networks. (Remember: the wireless network cannot exist without the wireline network.) And that’s good for our OSP end of the telecom food chain for sure. But, do these tools make us smarter?

Let’s look at a few examples. I would argue that texting while driving does NOT make us smarter. On the flip side, I would say we may get smarter from using our smartphone to research both sides of this question while debating this topic with a friend.

My point is this. It’s what we DO with something that will or will not make us smarter. On its own, information is neither good nor bad, neither useful nor pointless.

That’s why I urge you to DO something to make yourself smarter. Whether you aim to be recruited by management to become a ConnectTech star, or you want to make a difference for your team as a first line manager. You can only become smarter if you go above and beyond. That means DOING something more than is required.

Here’s how we can help. This is your last chance to register and attend OSP EXPO^® 2010. There you can DO something to advance yourself and learn from 25 content experts and multiple thought leaders who have walked in your shoes. They know that when you invest in education and bring back learning to your peers and colleagues you will definitely get smarter.

So, do smarter phones make smarter people? I say no. The only thing that can make you smarter is -- YOU!

*Source: Ericsson http://www.ericsson.com/thecompany/press/releases/2010/08/1437680

What’s your take on this subject? Leave a comment and get the conversation going.