The GSMA today announced that the mobile world has celebrated its four billionth connection, according to Wireless Intelligence, the GSMA’s market intelligence unit This milestone underscores the continued strong growth of the mobile industry and puts the global market on the path to reach a staggering six billion connections by 2013.The growth is driven by two primary sources: the integration of mobile into previously unconnected devices and subscriber additions in emerging markets. At Mobile World Congress, the world’s leading mobile communications industry event, taking place from 16th - 19th February in Barcelona, the industry will be exploring ways of sustaining this growth. "As we enter 2009, the world is in the midst of a broad economic slowdown, one that is impacting every facet of business, every link in the communications value chain. To address the significant challenges facing the global economy, GSMA and its membership are focused on leveraging mobility to create new opportunities and to drive productivity and prosperity," said Michael O’Hara, Chief Marketing Officer of the GSMA. "GSMA industry initiatives in the areas of Mobile Broadband, Mobile Lifestyle and Mobile Planet will help drive this innovation and growth despite the challenges of the global economic downturn." Source: GSMA