This year’s CTIA Wireless trade show, scheduled to commence on Tuesday, will largely be a platform for the wireless industry to highlight its move to faster network speeds, as well as the handset manufacturers to display a wide array of new smartphones.

In addition, industry executives and analysts also expect the unfolding of additional details pertaining to the advantage, both technological and financial, of upgrading to 4G – or fourth-generation - wireless technology; to be brought to light particularly by the Sprint CEO Dan Hesse.

Going by the sources familiar with the proceedings, one of the biggest announcements at the CTIA this year will be the unveiling of US’ first 4G-compatible smartphone – the ‘Supersonic’ from Spring Nextel. The HTC-manufactured ‘Supersonic’ will run on a 4G network using WiMax technology, which is being developed by Clearwire Corp.

Other than the unveiling of the ‘Supersonic,’ the CTIA will witness LG Electronics introducing a number of smartphones, most of them Android-based; and rival Samsung talking about brighter and more vibrant screens and faster processors.

Meanwhile, Microsoft will also show off its handsets featuring its forthcoming Windows Mobile Phone 7 Series operating system; and Palm will probably provide an update on its tie-up with AT&T.

Furthermore, AT&T will likely unveil some quick-messaging devices and smartphones; and talk about the new features in its U-Verse television platform; while Verizon Wireless is expected to launch a Skype service at the show.