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HomeTopicsCell PhonesCell Phone Technologies
Cell Phone TechnologiesCell phone technology has come a long way since cell phones became commercially available in the early 1980s. Once bulky and expensive, cell phones are now sleek and are becoming increasingly affordable. In fact, in some countries, cell phones are more prevalent than land lines and even outnumber people.
Cell phones are available in a number of styles, each offering unique features. Also, there are hundreds of cell phone plans available from a number of cell phone providers. The History of Cell PhonesCell phones are basically a sophisticated type of radio. In the 1980s, cellular networks were introduced to the public and cell phones began to grow in popularity, even though they were large and heavy and were generally only used in vehicles as car phones.
However, in the 1990s digital technology advanced, allowing cell phones to be miniaturized. Thus, the cell phone we all know and recognize today was born and quickly became popular with mainstream society. Today, Nokia is the largest manufacturer of cell phones, with other companies not too far behind.
Global System for Mobile CommunicationsThe Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) is the most popular standard for mobile communications devices. It is used by more than 2 billion people in more than 200 countries. With GSM, people can roam internationally and still be able to use their cellular phones.
The main advantages of GSM include:
Cell Phone Plans and FeaturesCell phone plans are as varied as the features you can get on your cell phone. Depending on the cell phone provider you choose, you can get such features as:
While some people choose to sign contracts with cell phone companies, others opt for a pay-as-you-go plan, which allows you to pay for your cell phone minutes in advance and upload additional minutes to a phone as needed. While the early cell phones could only place and receive calls, technological advancements have allowed cell phone companies to add more and more features to their phones. Today, cell phone owners can do lots of things in addition to talking on their cell phones. For instance, on some cell phones you can:
Advancements in Cell Phone TechnologiesAdvancements in cell phone technologies have made it easier than ever to stay in touch, no matter where you may roam. Technological advancements have also made cell phones easier for businesses and social services to operate. For example, law enforcement personnel can use cell phones to help locate criminals and to find people during emergencies.
With cell phones, tracking the location of an individual is relatively easy. An SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card is used to identify and authenticate subscribers on the network. These cards store a variety of information, such as the location area the cell phone subscriber is using. SIM cards are a requirement for cell phones, and law enforcement officials have used them to track the location of criminals and other individuals. In addition, parents can use the cards to help keep track of their children.
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