The Evolution Of Cell Phones

We’ve come a long way from the first cell phones. The concept isn’t a new one; in fact in 1947 Douglas H. Ring and W. Rae Young, Bell Labs engineers, proposed hexagonal cells for mobile phones.

The real launch of the first portable phones was in the early 80’s. At that time only the very wealthy or “well to do” individuals had them.

They were very large and heavy. Not something to be carried in your pant pocket or purse, this was something that weighed a few pounds.

As big as they were though, they didn’t have a clear sound and using them was a hassle. At first, all were designed for permanent installation in vehicles otherwise known as a “car phone”.

Some of these bulky units were soon converted for use as “transportable” phones the size of a briefcase. Motorola introduced the first truly portable, handheld phone.

The first digital cellular phone call was made in the United States in 1990. They shrank considerably.

Cell phones used to be just analog phones, with the sole purpose of providing the consumer with the capability of making and receiving voice calls while on the road.

As technology has advanced so have the capabilities of the cell phone. They don’t just send and receive calls now; they are capable of text messaging, emailing, taking pictures and video clips.

The sizes have gotten smaller yet their abilities have improved.

As we continue to advance, so will the abilities of cell phones. In the next few years, cell phone networks will move data at several megabits per second, and will coexist with WiMax, Wi-Fi, and, for TV, DVB-H or MediaFLO.