The cellular revolution

The cellular revolution

 The cellular revolution is apparent in the growth of the mobile phone market alone.

In 1990, the number of users was approximately 11 million [ECON99]. Today, that

number is in the billions. According to the lTD (International Telecommunications

Dnion),3 the number of mobile phones worldwide outnumbered fixed-line phones

for the first time in 2002. The newer generation devices, with access to the Internet

and built-in digital cameras, add to this momentum. There are a number of reasons

for the increasing dominance of mobile phones. Mobile phones are convenient; they

move with people. In addition, by their nature, they are location aware. A mobile

phone communicates with regional base stations that are at fixed locations.

Technical innovations have contributed to the success of mobile phones. The

handsets have become smaller and lighter, battery life has increased, and digital

technology has improved reception and allowed better use of a finite spectrum. As

with many types of digital equipment, the costs associated with mobile telephones

have been decreasing. In areas where competition flourishes, prices have dropped

dramatically since 1996.

In many geographic areas, mobile telephones are the only economical way to

provide phone service to the population. Operators can erect base stations quickly and

inexpensively when compared with digging up ground to lay copper in harsh terrain.

Mobile telephones are only the tip of the cellular revolution. Increasingly, new

types of wireless devices are being introduced. These new devices have access to the

Internet. They include personal organizers and telephones, but now they have Web

access, instant messaging, e-mail, and other services available on the Internet. Wireless

devices in automobiles allow users to download maps and directions on

demand. Soon, the devices may be able to call for help when an accident has

occurred or perhaps notify the user of the lowest-priced fuel in the immediate area.

Other conveniences will be available as well. For example, refrigerators may one

day be able to order groceries over the Internet to replace consumed items.

The first rush to wireless was for voice. Now, the attention is on data. A big part

of this market is the "wireless" Internet. Wireless users use the Internet differently

than fixed users. Wireless devices have limited displays and input capabilities compared

with typical fixed devices such as the Pc. Transactions and messaging will be

the rule instead of lengthy browsing sessions. Because wireless devices are location

aware, information can be tailored to the geographic location of the user. Information

will be able to find users, instead of users searching for information.