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Introduction
The wireless industry consists of various electronic systems that include pagers, cordless phones, GPS (Global Positioning System), notebook PCs, cellular phones, and other similar devices. The biggest and most vibrant share of the wireless communication market is represented by the cellular handset phones. Cellular phones have left behind every other product in dominating unit shipments. Both personal and professional environments now perceive cellular technology as an inevitable requirement because “it has evolved from being a luxury for urgent communications to a platform that provides voice, video, and data services” (Dhir 54). One can observe that cellular technology is impacting every social class in the society and is also making rapid developments in the business strategies and outcomes.
Definition – Brief Background/History
The term ‘cellular’ represents the network/system that allows the operations and functionalities of cellular phones. Several low-power transmitters are utilized by the cellular communications system. These transmitters are interconnected to structure a cells’ grid. All the ground-based transmitters, also known as base stations, are used to direct and manage connections to and from cellular phones in their geographic regions or cells. When a cell phone user travels over a considerable distance, the existing transmitting cell sends out the communication's signal to the subsequent adjoining cell. It means that it is easy for a mobile/cell phone user to move freely without any fear of losing contact with others through cellular connection. One can enjoy communicating with others in an uninterrupted manner by using cell phones. The term radiophone is also used to describe a cellular phone as radio waves make cellular communications possible. It is important to note here that cellular communications are not dependent on fixed-point wired connections and “the dependence on radio waves is the common denominator for wireless communications systems” (Dhir 54).
The beginning of commercial mobile telephony in the 1940s also paved way for the development of wireless and cellular technology. It was in 1947 that the cellular communications system was initially envisaged at Bell Laboratories. The cellular planning in the United States of America was started in the mid-1940s. However, it was in 1984 that the full deployment occurred in America. The reasons behind the specified delay were inadequate technology, hesitance of Bell System, forethought, and legislative parameters. It can be said that the cellular phone industry is a young segment of the electronic system (Dhir 54). It is still going through remarkable changes and is faced with particular challenges in the contemporary times.
In the present times, cell phones have turned out as one of the most insidious and omnipotent technological influences. It is not incorrect to state that as "the television in the 1950s and Internet in the 1990s, mobile telephony has emerged as one of the defining technologies of our time" (Campbell & Park 371). Cell phones have a remarkable range of functions and new functions are being included at a swift speed. It has now become excessively easy for cell phone user to keep and store information, make to-do lists and appointments, send and/or receive emails, browse Internet, listen to music, watch videos, and play games. It is also possible to join a cell phone and other devices together like MP3 players, USBs, GPS receivers, and PDAs (Personal Digital Assistant) (Dhir 64).
Use of Cellular Technology in Businesses
The cellular phone technology has also revolutionized the business setups. In the present day, business processes and their execution are largely dependent on cell phones, emails, and online/video conferences. It would not be incorrect to state that cellular technology is perhaps the most fundamental tool for businesses today that save money and time considerably. Cell phones have accelerated the working of supply chains as the businesses today are taking advantage of this technology to buy, sell, advertise, and implore consumers’/customers’ feedback via telemarketing and or online channels. Every big and small organization is now making efforts to develop it as more practical, efficient and well-ordered. It is done by digitalizing core business processes. It is now internationally acknowledged that cell phones are playing a major role in bringing dramatic changes in the reduction of production, investment and trade expenses of goods on a global level (Laudon, Laudon & Dass 34). In the contemporary world, cellular technology has transformed the operations, products and services of today’s business world by introducing wireless means to catalyze the media and advertising trends in an innovative way (Webb).
Challenges Associated with Cellular Technology in Businesses
Therefore, usage of cellular phones has become necessary to run, manage, organize and control companies. It is impossible for any company to ignore the importance of cell phone technology as it is helping them to survive by enabling them achieve their goals in less time and cost-effectively. The six major goals achieved by companies when they use cell technology and related information systems include “operational excellence; new products, services, and business models; customer/supplier intimacy; improved decision making; competitive advantage and day-to-day survival” (Laudon, Laudon & Dass 34). Higher profits are also acquired as cellular technology has made improvements in the level of competence and efficiency. The cellular system has also made advancements in the introduction of new products, provision of better services and efficient business models. Customer relationship has also strengthened due to telephonic and cellular technologies. Rapid and successful communication has helped in the cost-reduction. Companies are gaining competitive advantage as the introduced technology has enabled them deliver a superior performance, and they sell products for fewer charges and communicate with customers in seconds by dialing a number in no time (Webb).
However, cell phone usage for marketing and promoting products and services has also brought several challenges for companies that have adopted its use. These challenges are related with the security issues, bigger competition, customer concerns regarding pricing, and text messaging spam. The mobile phone marketing is facing the mentioned challenges in the modern era, and they are even becoming public concerns as they have a direct impact on society (Bidgoli 875).
Trends and Future of Cell Phones and Cellular Technology
Smart phones, Video or Media phones, Imaging Phones, and Bluetooth-enabled cell phones are the latest cellular trends in the electronic communication market. There are a number of other trends that are taking place in the cellular phone technology. These include color LCDs, disposable cellular handsets, various sizes, increased battery life, higher standby times, MP3 player integration, greater capabilities of FM and digital radio, greater capability of embedded digital camera, smart card readers, television reception, enhancement in MMS, introduction of satellite’ handset phones, and the list is never ending (Dhir 74).
Initially, the cell phone had a monochrome display and the primary voice access system. However, it has now evolved into an innovative gadget that includes color display, SMS and MMS, video-making, Bluetooth, Internet access, and camera. Cellular technology was related to the analog network in the beginning, but its migration towards digitalization is crystal clear. It is becoming more developed with the introduction of 3G networks that include world-wide mobile access and improved IP=based services (Dhir 76). According to experts, talking is going to be the last priority as far as cell phone usage is concerned. It is because the cell phone usage will be revolutionized in the near future with the introduction of new features. Major revolutions include higher resolution, bigger screens, excellent TV reception, more storage, advanced navigation features, using cell phones as credit cards, making transactions, incorporation of fingerprint sensors for security concerns, and others (Webb).
Conclusion
Cell phones are everywhere, and it is not an untold secret that talking devices can be seen in every other pocket and hand. The cellular network has linked together network terminals, and the communication has become the easiest thing. To cut a long story short, the world today is incomplete without cellular technology as it has impacted every aspect of personal and professional lives of the human beings. It is apparent that the cellular technology is advancing day by day and the future of cellular phones is very bright. It is easy to foresee the generation of further new applications in the coming years that will undoubtedly give a boost to the electronic communication market (Webb).
Works Cited
Bidgoli, Hossein. Handbook of Information Security. Hoboken, N.J.: John Wiley, 2006. Print.
Dhir, Amit. The digital consumer technology handbook a comprehensive guide to devices, standards, future directions, and programmable logic solutions. Amsterdam: Newnes, 2004. Print.
Laudon, K., Laudon, J., & Dass, R. Management Information Systems: Managing The Digital Firm. 11th ed. Chennai: Dorling Kindersley (India) Pvt. Ltd, 2010. Print.
Webb, William. The Future of Wireless Communications. Boston: Artech House, 2001. Print.
