Concept Note On Mobile Phone: History, Functionality And Use

1.0 Introduction

A mobile phone is a wireless communication device. It is a miniaturized but mobile version of a telephone having capabilities on par with a desktop computer vis-a-vis data processing. Today’s mobile phones or smartphones, now as they are called have touch screens instead of physical keyboards. More and more software applications are becoming available now on mobile phones, for example, packet switching for internet access and various other utilities such as the GPS (Global Positioning System) for navigation and route mapping, calculator, word processor, document processor, scanner etc, and many other multimedia functions, for example, photography, live video conferencing, video blogging, music, gaming, etc. Finally, although human mind is far superior to a mobile phone processor, it dislikes mundane repetitive jobs such as typing, remembering telephone numbers or dialing them, remembering birthdays, or calendar holidays, mental calculations etc which are then completed using devices like the smartphone.

2.0 History

After Marconi invented the telephone, communication technology has progressed to an extent where the device itself has become miniaturized and cordless. This radio device with duplex communication capacity is now capable of using satellite signals from any location on the surface of the earth. Furthermore, with electronics-enabled switching between cellular and older PST (Public Switched Telephone) networks, there is little or no need of any special infrastructure for establishing communication with other older generation corded phones.

In a cellular network, the geographical landscape is divided into cells, numerous cells together can be a part of a single or multiple service providers’ communication network. Each cell, have their own independent towers and other related equipment for connecting to users’ mobile phones. As and when an individual, making or receiving the call, moves from one cell to another geographically, concurrent cell in use automatically switch on or connect to the other cells to maintain the continuity of the call or the process of transmission/reception. Moreover, the device is multifunctional and is capable of handling various word processing and computing jobs, which were previously handled by computers. This mobile and cordless device is now referred to as the mobile phone. In the last few years, the device processor has seen many upgrades. The device has also been fine-tuned to a level that it can replicate the tasks carried out by any contemporary desktop computer and hence mobile phones are also referred to as smartphones.

3.0 Functionality

Modern-day technology has slowly but progressively penetrated our daily lives and integrated with our daily routines, including our homes and workplaces. These devices are therefore designed to be utilized to their fullest capabilities to benefit the user. Companies undertake equipment and communication modernization to increase or enhance their market share and thereby their profit margins. Digitization and miniaturization of electronic components has resulted in a reduction in the sizes of many of the older devices while increasing their computational and processing power along with their portability and their ease of use. A mobile phone is one such device. It was initially just a device meant for communication, but progressively it became a smartphone, capable of delivering results, similar to or even better than a higher-end computational device. These smartphones are capable of remotely accessing networks and can be deployed to remotely control equipment and their related processes. Their versatility, small size, multi-functionality has made individuals adaptive towards them and furthermore, owning a smartphone has now become a status symbol. Hence you see one and all vying to buy the latest model of a smartphone.

4.0 Ease of Use, Effectiveness & Effects (3E’s)

During the 50’s and ’60s, hand-delivered postal services like telegram and paper mail were the two dominant modes of communication in India. The telephone or the “black box”, as it used to be called in those days was a privilege, only a few individuals could afford, moreover it required a license. However, the situation changed when the Indian government adopted economic liberalization policies in the ’90s. Today the telephone has not remained a privilege of few. Everyone today needs to own a mobile device as it has become a necessity.

5.0 Conclusion

The transformation of voice telecommunication devices was not an unexpected development. As technology progressed, speed became the need of the hour. People wanted mobility in all aspects of their lives. The modes of transport also saw improvement. This need for speed also resulted in unwarranted emergencies –requiring immediate action by multiple parties, which in turn forced the governments to develop infrastructure for fast, effective, efficient and mobile communication.

To summarise, the cellular mobile phone due to its high level of functionality, backward compatibility and due to availability of a wide range of applications has gained popularity amongst the masses as a whole. With the domination of technology, in our daily lives, people are increasingly becoming dependent on this small but multifunctional device called the cellular mobile phone. Not only adults but even kids are also getting addicted thereby adversely affecting their social behavior which in turn is giving rise to health issues in some cases.