The Past, Present, and Future of Mobile Phones
In the modern era of mobile phones today it may be hard to imagine life without them. And with the ever increasing adaption of smart phone devices, as well as hands free calling in cars, the need for mobile phones is greater than ever. Many people have abandoned their land line telephone service altogether and rely now exclusively on their mobile phone to stay connected. In fact, most people that use mobiles can hardly remember the phone number of any one anymore, as they are so used to simply using the contact list in their phone. However, it was not always like this.
In the early 1930s, home telephone service was still a curiosity for many, especially in rural areas. By the 1940s, some form of mobile telephone service was in development, however it was often crude and very limited in its abilities. It wasn't until the 1970s that mobile phone technology really began to undergo development for commercial use. Motorola and Bell Labs were competitors in the race to create the first handheld mobile, but until the 1980s, mobile phones were essentially restricted to use only in cars.
By the mid-1980s, countries such as Japan, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Sweden, Mexico, and Canada all had some form of analog cellular service network, and by the 1990s, 2nd generation cellular service networks were being developed. These networks incorporated digital technology, leading to better service, fewer dropped calls, and better voice clarity. These 2nd generation networks also introduced text messaging capabilities, often referred to as SMS, or short message service. As cellular technology approached the mid 2000s, providers began offering 3rd generation service networks, which included enhanced data handling, as well as improved service and voice clarity.
Currently, 4th generation cellular service networks offer users greatly improved data transfer speeds, as well as greatly expanded data transfer capabilities. Many mobile service providers have even begun to expand their data services for mobile devices other than phones, including tablet PCs. As a result, mobile phone manufacturers and service providers are focusing more of their efforts on the marriage of cell service and data service, which appears to be the future of mobile phone technology.
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