Welcome to the 2009 edition of Predictions for the telecommunications sector.
This is the eighth year in which the Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Global TMT Industry Group has published its predictions for the year ahead. The volatility of the global economy in 2008 and the anticipated challenges ahead in 2009 have made this set of predictions particularly challenging, but also particularly important, to compose.
Some have questioned whether predictions are feasible amid such turbulence. Colleagues have asked how accurate they can be, given the uncertain outlook and many of the unprecedented conditions being experienced today.
Anticipating the course of the next 12 months is likely to be hard. But, in my view, that makes having a considered perspective more crucial than ever.
Predictions, by their nature, are not facts. But properly developed predictions should encompass a diverse array of views and inputs, which can kindle debate, inform possible directions and even identify necessary actions.
Every year, the methodology for Predictions is revisited, to assess how the approach could be made more robust. This year, our standard methodology has been bolstered through a program of in-depth interviews with 50 CXOs at some of the world's largest TMT companies. I am most grateful to all the respondents who offered up their insights and experience, at a time when their attention was particularly in demand.
2009 is likely to challenge all of us. The telecommunications sector is unlikely to remain unscathed by the global economy. But we should not forget that the reliance on the telecommunications sector to keep the businesses and the people of the world connected remains as critical as ever.
In short, while global growth may be cyclical, the need for telecommunications, is and will remain, fundamental.
I wish you all the best for 2009.
Igal Brightman
Global Managing Partner
Technology, Media & Telecommunications
Industry Group
