With so much attention being lavished on it, the 3G (third generation) mobile services should be seen as part of a "total solution set" telecom operators bring to the market, according to a top official with Motorola Inc.

"Technology is constantly evolving in creating new and better services for the consumer," said Eugene A. Delaney, the global executive vice-president and president of the global relations and resources organisation.

"Development will continue to be vitally important to the consumer.

"In this situation, 3G should not be seen as an end in itself."

Delaney was speaking to Gulf News while on a tour of the Middle East, with stopovers in the UAE and Kuwait.

Over the last 12 months, Motorola has been one of the stronger performers in the Middle East's mobile handset market, helped by one of the broadest ranges and the recent entry of its 3G enabled products.

"There are more growth opportunities coming up, with new licences about to be granted in many Middle East countries. The rollout of the 3G networks has also just begun," said Delaney.

"Then there is the push-to-talk over service GSM networks, where Motorola has got a leadership position.

"This is one reason why we say that there is not one technology or solution as the stimulus for growth in the region."

On its part, Motorola will continue to put more people in its regional network. This year, the headcount will be increased by 40 per cent, added the official.

Globally, similar upbeat sentiments prevail for Motorola. In its most recent quarter, every segment of its business saw double-digit sales growth.

Sales were up 42 per cent year-on-year to $8.6 billion during the first quarter, while profits surged 250 per cent during the same period. To cap it all, this was the 13th consecutive quarter wherein Motorola had a "significant" positive cashflow.

"Two things paid off for us – our emphasis on providing mobile solutions and the focus on doing so globally," said Delaney. "All of these factors have come together during the first quarter and impacted well on our results.

"We are encouraged by the return to growth – however, we are taking nothing for granted and will ensure the momentum is maintained.

"Our approach has been to place the consumer at the centre of the developments that are taking place in the world wireless mobility solutions. This is the thought behind the 'mobility me' theme."