A mobile phone allows its user to make and receive telephone calls to and from the public telephone network which includes other mobiles and fixed line phones across the world. It does this by connecting to a cellular network owned by a mobile network operator. A key feature of the cellular network is that it enables seamless telephone calls even when the user is moving around wide areas via a process known as handoff or handover.
Modern mobile phones also support many additional services, and accessories, such as SMS (or text) messages, email, Internet access, gaming, Bluetooth, infrared, camera, MMS messaging, MP3 player, radio and GPS. Low-end mobile phones are often referred to as feature phones, whereas high-end mobile phones that offer more advanced computing ability are referred to as smart-phones.
The first handheld cellular phone was demonstrated by Martin Cooper of Motorola in 1973, using a handset weighing in at two kilos.
By the end of 2009, only 20 years later, the number of mobile cellular subscriptions worldwide reached approximately 4.6 billion, 370 times the 1990 number, penetrating the developing economies and reaching the bottom of the economic pyramid.
The first mobile telephone call made from a car occurred in St. Louis, Missouri, USA on June 17, 1946, but the system was impractical from what is considered a portable handset today
In 1960, the world’s first partly automatic car phone system, Mobile System A (MTA), was launched in Sweden
Martin Cooper, a Motorola researcher and executive is considered to be the inventor of the first practical mobile phone for hand-held use in a non-vehicle setting, after a long race against Bell Labs for the first portable mobile phone. Using a modern, if somewhat heavy portable handset, Cooper made the first call on a hand-held mobile phone on April 3, 1973 to his rival, Dr. Joel S. Engel of Bell Labs.
1.2.1 HANDSET FEATURES
The common components found on all phones are:
Ø a rechargeable battery providing the power source for the phone functions
Ø an input mechanism and display to allow the user to interact with the phone. The most common input mechanism is a keypad, but touch screens are also found in some high end smart phones.
Ø basic mobile phone services to allow users to make calls and send text messages.
Ø All GSM phones use a SIM card to allow an account to be swapped among devices. Some CDMA devices also have a similar card called a R-UIM.
Ø Individual GSM, WCDMA, iDEN and some satellite phone devices are uniquely identified by an International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number.
Other features that may be found on mobile phones include GPS navigation, music (MP3) and video (MP4) playback, RDS radio receiver, alarms, memo recording, personal digital assistant functions, ability to watch streaming video, video download, video calling, built-in cameras (1.0+ Mpx) and camcorders (video recording), with autofocus and flash, ringtones, games, PTT, memory card reader (SD), USB (2.0), dual line support, infrared, Bluetooth (2.0) and WiFi connectivity, instant messaging, Internet e-mail and browsing and serving as a wireless modem.
1.2.2 SOFTWARE AND APPLICATION
The most commonly used data application on mobile phones is SMS text messaging. The first SMS text message was sent from a computer to a mobile phone in 1992 in the UK , while the first person-to-person SMS from phone to phone was sent in Finland
The first mobile news service, delivered via SMS, was launched in Finland
Mobile phones generally obtain power from rechargeable batteries. There are a variety of ways used to charge cell phones, including USB, portable batteries, mains power (using an AC adapter), cigarette lighters (using an adapter), or a dynamo. In 2009, wireless charging became a reality, and the first wireless charger was released for consumer use.
Formerly, the most common form of mobile phone batteries were nickel metal-hydride.
1.2.3 SIM CARD
Typical SIM card
A SIM card contains its unique serial number, internationally unique number of the mobile user (IMSI), security authentication and ciphering information, temporary information related to the local network, a list of the services the user has access to and two passwords (PIN for usual use and PUK for unlocking).
Ø The first SIM card was made in 1991 by Munich
Ø A similar module called a Removable User Identity Module is present in some CDMA networks, notably in China
1.2.4 MOTOROLA PORTABLE CELLULAR CONCEPT
When Motorola engineers began researching cellular technology, they soon recognized its potential. But their vision went far beyond car-based phone technology. Creating the first wireless portable cell phone in the world was an enormous challenge. No one had ever seen one before, so there was nothing to compare it to. A three-dimensional model needed to be built within days in order to have a working prototype for the FCC meeting in six weeks.
On September 21, 1983, Motorola made history when the FCC approved the DynaTAC 8000X phone, the world's first commercial portable cell phone. After more than 10 years and a US$100 million investment, Motorola's commitment produced an innovative portable technology that revolutionized the communications industry and changed the lives of people around the world.
I. The Importance of Cell Phones In Modern Society
Ø Cell phones have become a necessity for many people throughout the world. The ability to keep in touch with family, business associates, and access to email are only a few of the reasons for the increasing importance of cell phones. Today's technically advanced cell phones are capable of not only receiving and placing phone calls, but storing data, taking pictures, and can even be used as walkie talkies, to name just a few of the available options.
Ø When cell phones were first introduced to the public, they were bulky, expensive, and some even required a base unit that had to be transported along with the phone. Good reception was a major problem and in general, early cell phones could only be used in certain locations were the signal was particularly strong. As cell phone technology advanced, the difficult in using them became less of a problem. Today, cell phone reception has improved greatly due to the use of satellites and wireless services.
Ø Cell phone manufacturers have produced a wide range of cell phones, which sell for prices that range from very inexpensive to over one thousand dollars. Over the past decade, the increasing importance of cell phones has made them almost a necessity for most people.
Ø The importance of cell phones has increased the competition in the wireless service provider industry, making cell phones very affordable and very easy to use. Cell phones have become almost a status symbol in addition to the convenience and security that comes from owning them.
1.3 PRESENT STATUS IN THE SOCIETY
Future evolution: Broadband Fourth generation (4G)
The recently released 4th generation, also known as Beyond 3G, aims to provide broadband wireless access with nominal data rates of 100 Mbit/s to fast moving devices, and 1 Gbit/s to stationary devices, ITU ratified standards-based 4G networks are not expected to be commercially launched until 2011.
The world's largest individual mobile operator is China Mobile with over 500 million mobile phone subscribers. The world's largest mobile operator group by subscribers is UK
2. APPROPRIATE UTILISATION OF CELL PHONES
2.1 WHEN AND HOW IT MUST BE USED?
Usage
Ø Mobile phones are used for keeping in touch with family members
Ø conducting business
Ø Having access to a telephone in the event of an emergency.
Ø Some people carry more than one each for business and for personal use.
Ø Multiple SIM cards may also be used to take advantage of the benefits of different calling plans
Ø A study by Motorola found that one in ten cell phone subscribers have a second phone that often is kept secret from other family members.
2.2 RESTRICTION ON USAGE
There exists a community that believes mobile phone use represents a long-term health risk. Certain countries, including France
Use While Driving
Mobile phone use while driving is common but controversial. Being distracted while operating a motor vehicle has been shown to increase the risk of accident. Because of this, many jurisdictions prohibit the use of mobile phones while driving. Egypt , Israel , Japan , Portugal and Singapore
Schools
Some schools limit or restrict the use of mobile phones. Schools set restrictions on the use of mobile phones because of the use of cell phones for cheating on tests, harassment and bullying,and other social activity in school. Many mobile phones are banned in school locker room facilities, public restrooms and swimming pools due to the built-in cameras that most phones now feature.
3. DISEASES AND ILL-EFFECTS LEADING TO DEATH DUE TO
CELL PHONES
3.1 Cell Phones and Cancer Risk
Ø Cell phones emit radiofrequency (RF) energy, which is another name for radio waves
Ø Research suggests that the amount of RF energy produced by cell phones is too low to cause significant tissue heating or an increase in body temperature
Ø Concerns have been raised that RF energy from cell phones may pose a cancer risk to users
Ø Researchers are studying tumors of the brain and central nervous system and other sites of the head and neck because cell phones are typically held next to the head when used
Ø Research studies have not shown a consistent link between cell phone use and cancer. A large international study (Interphone) published in 2010 found that, overall, cell phone users have no increased risk for two of the most common types of brain tumor—glioma and meningioma. For the small proportion of study participants who reported spending the most total time on cell phone calls there was some increased risk of glioma, but the researchers considered this finding inconclusive or not a hands-free device is used.
The effect mobile phone radiation has on human health is the subject of recent interest and study, as a result of the enormous increase in mobile phone usage throughout the world.
The World Health Organization, based upon the consensus view of the scientific and medical communities, has stated that cancer is unlikely to be caused by cellular phones or their base stations and that reviews have found no convincing evidence for other health effects.
3.2.1 Thermal effects
In the case of a person using a cell phone, most of the heating effect will occur at the surface of the head, causing its temperature to increase by a fraction of a degree. In this case, the level of temperature increase is an order of magnitude less than that obtained during the exposure of the head to direct sunlight. The brain's blood circulation is capable of disposing of excess heat by increasing local blood flow.
3.2.2 Non-thermal effects
The communications protocols used by mobile phones often result in low-frequency pulsing of the carrier signal. Whether these modulations have biological significance has been subject to debate.
3.2.3 Blood-brain barrier effects
Swedish researchers from Lund University have studied the effects of microwave radiation on the rat brain. They found a leakage of albumin into the brain via a permeated blood-brain barrier.
3.2.4 Cancer
In 2006 a large Danish study about the connection between mobile phone use and cancer incidence was published. It followed over 420,000 Danish citizens for 20 years and showed no increased risk of cancer. The German Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS) considers this report inconclusive.
In 2007, Dr. Lennart Hardell, from Örebro University in Sweden
Ø Cell phone users had an increased risk of malignant gliomas.
Ø Link between cell phone use and a higher rate of acoustic neuromas.
Ø Tumors are more likely to occur on the side of the head that the cell handset is used.
Ø One hour of cell phone use per day significantly increases tumor risk after ten years or more.
3.2.5 Cognitive effects
A 2009 study examined the effects of exposure to radiofrequency radiation (RFR) emitted by standard GSM cell phones on the cognitive functions of humans. The study confirmed longer (slower) response times to a spatial working memory task when exposed to RFR from a standard GSM cellular phone placed next to the head of male subjects, and showed that longer duration of exposure to RFR may increase the effects on performance.
3.3 Electromagnetic hypersensitivity
Some users of mobile handsets have reported feeling several unspecific symptoms during and after its use; ranging from burning and tingling sensations in the skin of the head and extremities, fatigue, sleep disturbances, dizziness, loss of mental attention, reaction times and memory retentiveness, headaches, malaise, tachycardia (heart palpitations), to disturbances of the digestive system. Reports have noted that all of these symptoms can also be attributed to stress and that current research cannot separate the symptoms from nocebo effects.
3.3.1 Sleep and EEG Effects
Sleep, EEG and waking CBF(cerebral blood flow) have been studied in relation to RF exposure for a decade now, and the majority of papers published to date have found some form of effect.
3.3.2 Health hazards of base stations
Another area of concern is the radiation emitted by the fixed infrastructure used in mobile telephony, such as base stations and their antennas, which provide the link to and from mobile phones. This is because, in contrast to mobile handsets, it is emitted continuously and is more powerful at close quarters
3.3.3 Occupational health hazards
Telecommunication workers who spend time at a short distance from the active equipment, for the purposes of testing, maintenance, installation, etcetera, may be at risk of much greater exposure than the general population.
3.3.4 Safety standards and licensing
In order to protect the population living around base stations and users of mobile handsets, governments and regulatory bodies adopt safety standards, which translate to limits on exposure levels below a certain value. Radio base licensing procedures have been established in the majority of urban spaces regulated either at municipal/county, provincial/state or national level.
4.1..ADVANTAGES
4.1.1Cell phones and Business
Cell phones are becoming very popular for today’s business person.No longer is it necessary for the salesperson to go back to place an order into the computer,now it can be done by plugging his or her laptop computer into the portable cell phone in the car.Clients waiting for the late salesperson can now be told from the traffic jam or the broken-down vehicle by that person using A cellphone.The doctor is never too far away from a phone wiith the convenience of the cellphone.
Cell phones are becoming an integral part of today’s business world.Local delivery truck drivers are equipped with cellphones to maintain close contact with the company in case of pick-up or delivery changes while on the road.
4.1.2 Neighborhood Crime Watch
In Dade County Florida, a nine month study in 11 neighborhoods showed a tremendous decrease in burglaries, robberies and thefts. This decrease was due to the use of cellular telephones by the neighborhood crime watch groups.
Some Cellular phone companies are now donating or lending cellular phones to neighborhood crime watch groups.This is not only a good way to promote sales of the product, but a way to show what a valuable asset the phone can be in many situations.
4.1.3 Emergencies
Emergency calls placed on cellular phones are rising rapidly. People are reporting drunk drivers and staying a safe distance behind them to lead the police to the exact location. Before I had a cell phone, I stopped to help at an accident scene and was informed that another motorist already summoned help on his cellular phone.
The Virginia State Police reported 100 calls to 911 in a single day back in June of 1997. These calls consisted of reports of traffic accidents, drunken drivers, vehicle and brush fires, and some crimes in progress. The Richmond Times Dispatch, December 1,1997 reported that a woman involved in a car accident was hanging upside down in her car by her seatbelt. Being in that position, she could not reach her cell phone to call for help. Fortunately for her, two men showed up at the scene with cell phones and summoned help.
Police departments across the country welcome the calls because accurate reports are made of the situation due to the fact the person reporting it, is usually still on the scene.
A cell phone should be a must for any person that drives long distances from home during the day and especially at night. No one should be walking along an interstate highway seeking help, when help could be a phone call away from the safety of your vehicle.
4.2 DISADVANTAGES
Some people are claiming hat use of cellular
4.2.1 Cancer Risk
Some people are claiming that the use of cellular phones are causing brain tumors.The Denver Post October 2,1995 reported that Debra wright who worked for a cellular phone company in Phoenix had developed a brain tumor near her left ear from the hand-held model cellphone she used for over 6 years.A woman in st.Petersburg Florida died from brain cancer,which her husband claimed was from the use of her cellphone.the case was dismissed in court from the lack of scientific evidence.
Cellular phone manufacturers and carriers have created an independent research group called the Scientific Advisory Group.The industry has given the group five years and $25 million to find if brain tumors,cancer,or any other health hazards exist from the use of cellphones.
4.2.2 Cell Towers
| | |
Cell towers tome are the disadvantage of the cellular telephone systemconcerning the affect on the beauty and health of its surrounding area.the towers come in all shapes and sizes.The towers have to be a set distance from one another to maintain clear and reliable service.
Mountain tops across the country are being invaded by these towers reaching heights of 250 feet.More than 13 acres of Sandia Crest,a mountintop in New Mexico’s Cibola National Forest is covered w+ith over 65 steel tow+ers.
An estimate by communications experts says over 120,000 more antennas w+ill be built in the future to provide complete telephone coverage.All these antennas in remote areas have an adverse affect on the environment due to the destruction of trees for the building of roads to reach these secluded areas.
4.2.3 Accidents
Police departments across the country are reporting huge increases in traffic accidents due to the use of cellular phones.The Boston Globe January 8, 1998 stated that Dr. Ricardo Martinez said, "As cars more and more become an extension of the home and office, we are creating a whole new array of potentially hazardous distractions." Some accidents were caused by using a laptop computer while driving. The strange thing is that most of these accidents did not occur while the person was dialing the phone. The accidents happened due to the lack of attention to driving while talking on the phone. Also most people using the phone at the time of impact were driving the striking vehicle.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that using a cell phone while driving increased the motorists risk of an accident. Also the agency estimated that the current number of cellular phones at 54 million could double by the year 2000.
4.2.4 Tidbits
A report in The Canberra Times, February 25, 1998 says that 1 in 8 mobile users reported a road accident involving others; 1 in 16 reported a medical emergency, including heart attacks; 1 in 100 had reported a psychiatric crisis.
ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES
It is for a fact that having a mobile phone now a days is a sort of a necessity and it is an inevitable truth that mobile industry is taking everyone by a storm. From the very basic thing of making a call to texting, and now internet access for just a touch of your finger tips..
First here are some advantages of having it:
Ø It keeps you in constant contact with people you consider important
Ø It can help you seek help immediately during emergency cases
Ø Its a sense of being financially uplifted. .
Ø Through mobile phones you can lessen your boredom, example listen to your favorite music and as well as watching movies through downloading.
It can take photos
Ø Mobile phones also gives us easier access on the internet
Ø You can carry it anywhere
Ø It has a lot of useful function like calendar, making notes, alarm clock, timer and calculator.
No doubt, our mobile phones makes our life more convenient, but as the saying goes every technology has it's equal negative side and mobile phones are not so especial to be exempted. Here are some disadvantages of having it:
Ø Expensive
Ø People spend less time bonding with there family and friends
Ø People just contact through phone and became too lazy meeting outside
Ø Disturb us on our works and studies
Ø People spend lots and lots of money buying the latest model
Ø Affects our body because of radiation it produces
Ø Easily broken
5.SUGGESTIONS
5.1 The Impact of Cell in Schools
Ø Most school administrations regard cell phone use as disruptive and distracting, implemented policies that prohibits using them on school grounds.
Ø Cell phones are a disruption in school.
Ø Text messaging can be used to cheat on tests.
Ø Students who are text messaging are not able to give full attention to the lesson
Ø Students do not need cell phones during school hours
Ø Many schools now have telephones in the classroom, if it really is an emergency students are easily contacted.
5.2 Faculty concern over cell phone usage
Ø Bowling Green High School
Ø The school is allowing students to brown bag their cell phones and MP3 players and use them during their 30-minute lunch period.
Ø There was also concern when the idea was proposed that students eating lunch would send texts to other students still in class.
Ø It's encouraging that these possible problems haven't materialized and that is certainly a credit to the students.
Ø This proposal is a win-win situation for everyone.
5.3How to Monitor a Teen's Cell Phone Use
5.3.1 Monitor a Teen's Cell Phone Use
Ø Trust between parents and teenagers is a delicate balancing act. They want freedom; parents want safety. With cell phones now offering Internet access, text messaging and email in addition to acutal phone use, teens have even more options to express themselves.
Ø Parents have even more reason for concern. Somewhere between forbidding them to have a cell phone and giving them unmonitored access are safe
Ø Trust between parents and teenagers is a delicate balancing act.
Ø Have the conversation with your teen before saying no to a cell phone
Ø If your teen wants certain features on a phone, expect that he can give you clear and logical reasons. Try to stay focused on priorities
Ø Be very clear on the boundaries that you feel are reasonable.
Ø When your cell phone bill comes due, take the time to evaluate your teen's use.
Ø There is clearly the debate of trust verses safety in monitoring a teenager's cell phone.
No comments:
Post a Comment
leave your opinion