Despite a pitiful economy, AT&T and Verizon intend to spend about $35 million collectively in 2009. That’s similar to what they spent last year, which isn’t bad. Where they plan to spend it is no secret either: wireless connectivity and broadband.

This was confirmed in a recent Wall Street Journal article by Jeffry Bartash where he shared some interesting thoughts from the leaders of these telecom behemoths.* The chief executives, AT&T’s Randall Stephenson and Verizon’s Ivan Seidenberg, see consumers more and more willing to spend money on wireless data and high-speed broadband -- IF providers can satisfy their need for speed and reliability.

Stephenson points out that data revenue has been growing at a 37% clip, with plenty of room for expansion. This rising demand by consumers for wireless data and the increasing popularity of mobile-equipped devices means providers large and small need to spend money to improve their networks.

“In spite of a down economy, we are still seeing very, very strong demand for [mobile] connectivity,” Stephenson said.

How does this relate to the outside plant? How does it NOT! Wireless backhaul is all about shoring up and evolving the infrastructure in the outside plant. Whether it’s 3G, HSPA, LTE, or Ethernet, this equipment is the foundation of wireless connectivity and backhaul. And, if I haven’t made my point clear yet: everyone in our segment of the business should be focused on learning about these technologies.

Some of you contend that wireless connectivity is not your core responsibility. Okay, I get that it may not be the area that feeds your paycheck today. But, if you want to remain employed, you better learn more than how to turn on your smartphone. Do you really think you can ignore learning the growing parts of your company’s business and continue to be valuable?

Don’t be naïve. If you want to further your career, learn the new solutions and strategies in wireless connectivity and backhaul. Learn how to help your company improve its wireless network speeds and reliability WITHOUT breaking the bank.

The bottom line is simple: don’t wait for wireless networks to become your professional Achilles’ heel. If you don’t stretch your knowledge today in areas that seem to be unrelated to your paycheck, you can definitely count on one thing in the very near future: your job could be in jeopardy tomorrow.

P.S. OSP® is here for you. We teach the How-To for ALL areas of the network. And more on wireless backhaul and connectivity is coming in 2010.

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