Tech evolution

The vast majority of surveyed consumers still want faster data speeds, increased wireless coverage, improved battery life and future improvements - at a time when data traffic is already expected to increase by 1,000 times within a decade.

Such future breakthroughs, BCG says, depends on continuing the policies that enabled past growth rate, this includes "strong patent protection to encourage large and risky investments in mobile technology innovation", and preservation of the wireless industry standards process that bringstogether companies from throughout the industry to solve complex technology problems and make those solutions widely shared.

Mollenkopf said that when regulators and legislators are re-examining patent laws and pondering the best ways to nurture innovation, it is worth taking a moment to look at mobile evolution and the mobile revolution, and think about what we must do to keep these advances going. The reason for strengthening protection of intellectual property rights in mobile technology is self-evident - no advancement or breakthrough happens in a vacuum. Companies focused on core mobile technologies invest a larger share of revenue - 21 percent - in R&D, second to only biotechnology, and more than all other R&Dheavy industries, according to the report.

The BCG study finds a direct correlation between these technological advances and their economic benefits, and the rule-of-law systems that allow this innovation to take place and be brought to market.

It notes the core technology innovators for 2G, 3G and 4G wireless take enormous risks by spending heavily on research and development with no guarantee of return on investment.

BCG recommends a number of actions that governments and policymakers should take.

They should incentivize technology innovators through strong patent protection and market-driven licensing. They can also support collaborative, industry-driven standards. They should also ensure continuous allocation and availability of additional radio spectrums.

"With mobile broadband connections expected to exceed 8 billion by 2020, the demand for additional capacity will continue to accelerate," said Mollenkopf.

"Qualcomm is investing in breakthrough mobile technologies so that consumers and businesses around the world can benefit from these new capabilities."

The mobile technology behind this age of connectivity enhances and defines daily lives - from conducting phone calls, sending messaging outside of the home and workplace, to enabling the Internet of Things and innovative wearable devices.