*** percentage change is not meaningful . segment results 20142008 compared to 2007 in 2008 , the segment 2019s net sales were $ 12.1 billion , a decrease of 36% ( 36 % ) compared to net sales of $ 19.0 billion in 2007 . the 36% ( 36 % ) decrease in net sales was primarily driven by a 37% ( 37 % ) decrease in unit shipments . the segment 2019s net sales were negatively impacted by the segment 2019s limited product offerings in critical market segments , particularly 3g products , including smartphones , as well as very low-tier products . in addition , the segment 2019s net sales were impacted by the global economic downturn in the second half of 2008 , which resulted in the slowing of end user demand . on a product technology basis , net sales decreased substantially for gsm and cdma technologies and , to a lesser extent , decreased for iden and 3g technologies . on a geographic basis , net sales decreased substantially in north america , the europe , middle east and africa region ( 201cemea 201d ) and asia and , to a lesser extent , decreased in latin america . the segment incurred an operating loss of $ 2.2 billion in 2008 , compared to an operating loss of $ 1.2 billion in 2007 . the increase in the operating loss was primarily due to a decrease in gross margin , driven by : ( i ) a 36% ( 36 % ) decrease in net sales , ( ii ) excess inventory and other related charges of $ 370 million in 2008 due to a decision to 61management 2019s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations %%transmsg*** transmitting job : c49054 pcn : 064000000 ***%%pcmsg|61 |00028|yes|no|02/24/2009 12:31|0|0|page is valid , no graphics -- color : n| .
with these types of uncapped damage provisions are fairly rare , but individual contracts could still represent meaningful risk . there is a possibility that a damage claim by a counterparty to one of these contracts could result in expenses to the company that are far in excess of the revenue received from the counterparty in connection with the contract . indemnification provisions : in addition , the company may provide indemnifications for losses that result from the breach of general warranties contained in certain commercial , intellectual property and divestiture agreements . historically , the company has not made significant payments under these agreements , nor have there been significant claims asserted against the company . however , there is an increasing risk in relation to intellectual property indemnities given the current legal climate . in indemnification cases , payment by the company is conditioned on the other party making a claim pursuant to the procedures specified in the particular contract , which procedures typically allow the company to challenge the other party 2019s claims . further , the company 2019s obligations under these agreements for indemnification based on breach of representations and warranties are generally limited in terms of duration , typically not more than 24 months , and for amounts not in excess of the contract value , and in some instances the company may have recourse against third parties for certain payments made by the company . legal matters : the company is a defendant in various lawsuits , claims and actions , which arise in the normal course of business . these include actions relating to products , contracts and securities , as well as matters initiated by third parties or motorola relating to infringements of patents , violations of licensing arrangements and other intellectual property-related matters . in the opinion of management , the ultimate disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the company 2019s consolidated financial position , liquidity or results of operations . segment information the following commentary should be read in conjunction with the financial results of each reporting segment as detailed in note 12 , 201cinformation by segment and geographic region , 201d to the company 2019s consolidated financial statements . net sales and operating results for the company 2019s three operating segments for 2008 , 2007 and 2006 are presented below . mobile devices segment the mobile devices segment designs , manufactures , sells and services wireless handsets with integrated software and accessory products , and licenses intellectual property . in 2008 , the segment 2019s net sales represented 40% ( 40 % ) of the company 2019s consolidated net sales , compared to 52% ( 52 % ) in 2007 and 66% ( 66 % ) in 2006 . ( dollars in millions ) 2008 2007 2006 2008 20142007 2007 20142006 years ended december 31 percent change .
what was the percentage decline in the operating loss from 2007 to 2008
the segment incurred an operating loss of $ 2.2 billion in 2008 , compared to an operating loss of $ 1.2 billion in 2007 .
( dollars in millions ) years ended december 31 2008 years ended december 31 2007 years ended december 31 2006 years ended december 31 2008 20142007 2007 20142006
segment net sales $ 12099 $ 18988 $ 28383 ( 36 ) % (  % ) ( 33 ) % (  % )
operating earnings ( loss ) -2199 ( 2199 ) -1201 ( 1201 ) 2690 83% ( 83 % ) ***