Evolution of a Mobile Phone - Essay Example

Running Head: EVOLUTION OF MOBILE PHONES Evolution of mobile phones Name Course Lecturer Date EVOLUTION OF MOBILE PHONES A mobile phone is defined as an electronic device that is used to receive and make telephone calls via radio links. Mobile phones can be used in any geographical location due to their wireless nature. They operate through a mobile network operator who connects a mobile phone to cellular networks. In the current world, mobile phones have become an integral part of everyday life. Due to this, life without a mobile phone, according to many people, is unimaginable and completely impossible. This paper seeks to discuss the general evolution of the mobile phone in terms of history and development. It will further discuss the pros and cons of using mobile phones as well as health implications using them. History of mobile phones Inception o f the mobile phone dates back to the 1920’s. In the late 1930’s and 1940’s features were combined to make the first radio-telephone that was installed in a wide array of vehicles such as police cars, trucks, and taxis. It is believed that appearance of the first radio-telephone occurred before the World War II even though its use and popularity was rather limited. Use of the devices was concentrated in special-need communications such as in ships and aircrafts. Nevertheless, experts in electronics such as engineers build on these initial concepts to develop the more sophisticated mobile phone used today (Agar, 2003). In 1947, Bell laboratories developed the idea of cellular phones, which was actually birthed from the knowledge of a mobile car phone. In 1973, Martin Cooper with assistance from other investors made the first real cell phone. The knowledge to make this phone originated from the idea of mobile car phones and application of relevant technology produced a portable phone. However, government agencies across the globe, such as the Federal Communications Commission, introduced regulations that restricted radio-spectrum frequencies. This implied that only about twenty three conversations could be made within a given service area. However, since 1968, the FCC has gradually increased the frequencies to cover a larger service area in order to enhance communication thus foster economic development (Agar, 2003). Development of the mobile phone According to Gow & Smith (2006), implementation of mobile network in the late 1940’s was on small scale. Initially, telephone calls were made through a car-based system with a radio broadcast that received signals from a base station. The radio channel connected to a land phone line and it required the user to search manually for a free radio frequency, pick the receiver and connect to an operator at the base station. The operator would connect the person making the call to the landline phone with the radio channel. The vacuum cubes were a component of the radio channel; they were bulky and consumed more power. The transistor invented in 1948, was an electronic component that came to replace the vacuum cubes. It started a revolution in miniaturization, which accelerated with the invention of the integrated circuit by Texas Instruments in 1958, Burgess (2006). At this point, it was possible to make radio equipments including telephones that were smaller and consumed considerably less power. Later, miniaturization got a boost when Intel began to market its first microprocessors for the production of electronic calculators. These early microprocessors contained hundreds of tiny transitors located on silicon wafers, performing thousands of calculations per minute. Although the microprocessors could not do many calculations compared to today’s mobile phone microprocessors, they formed the basis of effective microprocessor development. Inventions in the design of radio networks necessitated the development of mobile phones. An innovation split geographical coverage into individual cells. Within each cell, broadcast was at minimal power such that it could not interfere with other frequencies that allowed a call to reproduce between cells. Despite this, the phone could not maintain the call as it passed from one cell to another, was relatively big and could not transmit on narrow frequency band. To overcome these challenges, the first non-experimental cellular call happened in 1969, Burgess, (2004). A few years later, the phone transformed into a hand held gadget. Creation of the experimental Motorola mobile phone system, which applied the portable and vehicular phones, occurred in Washington D.C, Baltimore and Maryland. Consequently, there were many public trials to make the mobile phone in Chicago. By the early 1980s, the first American commercial analog cellular service was availed in Chicago. Although the Americans led in cellular research, they delayed in making a working system operational. In Tokyo, a cellular phone for commercial purposes was already operational in 1979 while Scandinavians established a cellular system in 1981 Burgess, (2006). There have been radical changes in the mobile phone development with numerous technological innovations. Advantages and disadvantages of mobile phones The number of people using mobile phones has risen considerably across the globe. The advantages of the cell phone are numerous and self evident and therefore, it is certainly clear that the cell phone is central to the lives of many people. Mobile phones have changed the concept of communication immensely. Increased competition in the industry has led to increased cost reduction in mobile phone usage and telecommunication. Although a mobile phone may not be a guarantee of safety, it is very helpful in times of emergency. Mobile phones associated technologies such as Bluetooth and blackberry are the driving force of the advanced society. Besides being a communication device, mobile phones contain other applications that enable users to browse the internet, listen to music, take photos and watch videos. The mobile phone is also a key resource for students on a range of social and scientific courses including media and communication, sociology, public policy and management studies as well as useful introduction to the field for researchers and general readers. According to Kim et al (2006), an increasing number of colleges and universitys are adopting mobile wireless technologies and teaching tools including web-enabled wireless phone. Although the cell phone is advantageous, its cons cannot be ignored. The cell phone radiates electromagnetic radiation that can cause health problems. Some health experts have argued that there is a connection between overuse of mobile phones and certain health complications such as insomnia (lack of sleep), stress and some brain problems (Gow and Smith, 2006). Since mobile phones come with video recorders and cameras, there are numerous cases about privacy problems. Crime rate have also been on the rise with thieves and other criminals carrying out their schemes via the phone. There is also a rising concern due to the number of accidents caused by drivers talking on their phones. According to Burgess (2004), accelerated expansions of mobile telecommunications suggest an undeveloped telecommunications infrastructure. This can lead to the possibility of having societies with virtually undeveloped telecommunications networks. Possible health risks of using a mobile phone There are major concerns about the radio frequency (RF) fields which are emitted by mobile phones and other electronics such as televisions, telecommunications, and certain industrial and medical equipment. Studies conducted by researchers across the globe such as the World Health Organization suggest that exposure to RF fields result to adverse health problems. According to Repacholi (2001), in vitro studies have proven that low levels of RF fields directly alter membrane functional and structural properties which in turns trigger cellular responses. However, if this low-level RF fields are exposed at higher frequencies, they are able to penetrate the cell without disrupting it and only affect cytoplasmic function and structure. These alterations in the cell membrane and cytoplasm impose a number of physiological changes in cells that are living. Studies on RF fields have also shown that they do have potential risk of affecting DNA in terms of causing incomplete DNA digestion and DNA fragmentation at abnormally high levels. Certain behavioral disorders such as neurotoxicity have been associated with exposure to low level RF fields from mobile phones. This disorder is characterized by reduction in learning ability and shortened memory. Exposure to RF fields that are intense and pulsed could evoke body movements and suppress the startle response. Besides that, prolonged exposure to pulse-modulated RF field affects the normal hearing process. The corneal endothelium, iris and retina of the primate eye are quite sensitive to low-level RF fields. Another clearly notable effect of mobile phones on health is development of cancer and tumors. The most common kind of tumor associated with low level RF fields is the acoustic neuroma. It occurs at the vestibulocochlear nerve and is actually classified among nerve sheath tumors (Lonn et al, 2004). Other health outcomes associated with excessive use of mobile phones include general malaise, headaches, nausea, sleep disturbances and short-term memory. A portion of the population that is exposed RF fields has reported cases of spontaneous abortions and other maternal health problems such as chromosomal changes and hematological issues (Repacholi, 2001). In conclusion, the role played by mobile phones in the contemporary world cannot be overemphasized. It is this realization that has prompted constant development of the device through technological knowhow. This is clearly demonstrated by its ultimate change from a radio-telephone that was developed back in the 1940’s to the modern sophisticated device that is small yet contains a wealth of features including internet capabilities, MP3’s, tracking systems, radio receivers, video chat capabilities, among others. Despite these undisputable advantages, mobile phones have not been without their share of challenges, critics and negative implications. In particular, mobile phones have been associated with adverse health complications and more so increasing prevalence of brain tumors such as the acoustic nueroma. References Agar, J. (2003). Constant touch: A global history of the mobile phone. Cambridge: Icon Books. Burgess, A, (2004). Cellular Phones, Public Fears and a Culture of Precaution. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Gow, A. & Smith K. (2006). Mobile and Wireless Communication: An introduction. Berkshire: Open University Press. Kim, S., Mims, C., & Holmes, K. (2006). An Introduction to Current Trends and Benefits of Mobile Wireless Technology In higher Education. AACE,volume 14(1) , 77-100. Lonn, S., Ahlbom, A., Hall, P. and Feychting, M. (2004). Mobile phone use and the risk of acoustic neuroroma. Epidemiology, Volume 15, p. 653-659. Repacholi, M. (2001). Health risks from the use of mobile phones. Toxicology letters, volume 120, p. 323-331. Read More