A mobile radiotelephone, often in an automobile, that uses a network of short-range transmitters located in overlapping cells throughout a region, with a central station making connections to regular telephone lines. Also called mobile telephone.

    n : a hand-held mobile radiotelephone for use in an area divided into small sections (cells), each with its own short-range transmitter/receiver

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cellular telephone

A call placed from a car is transmitted to a tower, forwarded via cable to a central computer, then to a telephone company, which directs the call to the person on the receiving end.


(click for a larger image)

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    At first, many drivers carried mobile phones which remained stationary in their vehicles. These were convenient if an emergency or accident occurred. Most of these phones were big and bulky and  had to be plugged into the cigarette lighter in order to get service. Next, businessmen and women became accustomed to the cellular phone. This made doing business on the road or while traveling anywhere very easy. The trend picked up and now almost everyone has a cellular phone for one reason or another. With such great benefits that these cell phone companies offer, such as free long distance, adults decide it to be wise to have one. Parents also see the perk that their teenage sons and daughters can conveniently phone home when they are going to be late or if they are in trouble. Currently, there are even some homes using the cell phone as their main telephone line and don't even have a local phone.





MOTOROLA

         "The company was founded by Paul V. Galvin as the Galvin Manufacturing Corporation, in Chicago, Illinois, in 1928. Its first product was a "battery eliminator," allowing consumers to operate radios directly from household current instead of the batteries supplied with early models. In the 1930s, the company successfully commercialized car radios under the brand name "Motorola," a word suggesting sound in motion. During this period, the company also established home radio and police radio departments; instituted pioneering personnel programs; and began national advertising. The name of the company was changed to Motorola, Inc., in 1947."


          As of 03/26/03  2:45 PM  ET         MOT (Common) 
          Last Trade: $8.46  
          Change: -0.14 
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          "Motorola is a global leader in providing integrated communications and embedded electronic solutions. The Intelligence EverywhereTM solutions include..."


NEXTEL


  • April 1987
          Nextel's predecessor—Fleet Call, Inc.—is founded.
  • March 1993
          Fleet Call, Inc. changes name to Nextel Communications, Inc.
  • July 1994
          Nextel and OneComm, formerly CenCall Communications, Inc., announces a merger forming a company to provide service in all of the top 50 US markets.
  • August 1994
          Nextel agrees to buy all of Motorola's SMR radio licenses in the United States, providing Nextel with significant spectrum rights in each of the top 50 US markets. Nextel closes merger with Questar   Telecom, Inc. and a subsidiary of Advanced Mobilcom, Inc., giving Nextel ownership of SMR properties in San Diego, Las Vegas, and other western markets.

          "Nextel Communications, based in Reston, VA, is a leading provider of fully integrated, wireless communications services on the largest guaranteed, all-digital, wireless network in the country. The  Nextel 4-in-1 service—Nextel Digital Cellular, Direct ConnectSM, Nextel Mobile Messaging and Nextel Online®—covers thousands of communities across the United States. Nextel and Nextel Partners, Inc., currently serve 197 of the top 200 U.S. markets. Through recent market launches, Nextel and Nextel Partners service is available today in areas of the United States where approximately 240 million people live or work."

NOKIA

  • Nokia History

    "The roots of Nokia go back to the year 1865 with the establishment of a forest industry enterprise in South-Western Finland by mining engineer Fredrik Idestam. Elsewhere, the year 1898 witnessed the foundation of Finnish Rubber Works Ltd, and in 1912 Finnish Cable Works began operations. Gradually, the ownership of these two companies and Nokia began to shift into hands of just a few owners. Finally in 1967 the three companies were merged to form Nokia Corporation."

 "Nokia's comprehensive Form 20-F Annual Report for the fiscal year 2002 has been published."
         

          "Nokia is the world leader in mobile communications. Backed by its experience, innovation, user-friendliness and secure solutions, the company has become the leading supplier of mobile phones and a leading supplier of mobile, fixed broadband and IP networks. By adding mobility to the Internet Nokia creates new opportunities for companies and further enriches the daily lives of people.

          

SAMSUNG






Large Color Display
 
Motorola's i95cl brings size, value and performance in liquid crystal display to a new level. Stylish and versatile the vibrant color display can be changed in a snap with fun colorful wallpaper backgrounds that are easily accessible. You can also customize your display settings and select from various color palettes. 
Two-Way Radio 
Do you need more than just a phone? Our unique two-way radio feature gives you the freedom to stay in touch with friends, family and co-workers with just the touch of a button even from miles away. Being in touch has never been this easy.  J2ME TM Business Applications** 
Now you can mix business with pleasure with the latest J2ME business and gaming applications. From handy business calculators to action packed games sure to race your adrenaline, the Motorola i95cl is your ultimate companion.
Maximized Memory 
Maximized memory has never been so efficient! The Motorola i95cl is empowered with an abundance of built-in memory to efficiently run all of your phone's applications and give you maximum data storage space.
Internet Ready 
Now you're connected to the world! With direct access to the internet, you have e-mail, news, sports, weather and stock reports right in your pocket. The Motorola i95cl wireless Internet phone gives you the information you need to make decisions while you're on the go.
Downloadable MIDI Tones 
The sound of the Motorola i95cl is music to your ears! Personalize your ring tone by choosing your favorite tune or downloading the latest selections over the air.




Integrated Multi-Service Capability
• Includes guaranteed all-digital cellular phone service, Nextel Direct Connect®, Wireless Web (for use in U.S. only), Voice Mail, and text and numeric messaging.
PDA Functionality
• Easy to access personal organizer - synchronize your email, address book, calendar and tasks between your computer and the BlackBerry 6510TM.
VibraCall®
• Notifies you of incoming phone calls, Nextel Direct Connect® calls, messages and Voice Mail without a sound
Headset Jack
• Plug in headsets directly without an adapter
Advanced Display Screen for BlackBerry 6510
• The roller wheel provides one button operation to easily access all key functions of the Nextel BlackBerry.
Easy Menu Driven Operation
• The roller wheel provides one button operation to easily access all key functions of the
      $499.00          Nextel BlackBerry.
Last 20 Numbers Received/Sent Call List
• View, dial and store the last 20 numbers received and sent from your phone
Missed Call Indicator
• Alerts you to missed calls
Included Accessories
• OEM Cradle 
• OEM Standard Lithium Ion Battery with Battery Door 
• OEM Standard Travel Charger 
Technical Specifications
• Dimensions: 4.53" x 2.95" x .95"
• Weight: 5.64 oz with OEM Standard Lithium Ion Battery 900 mAh
• OEM Standard Lithium Ion Battery 900 mAh
  ~ 165 minutes Talk Time
~ 75 hours Standby Time
 




Phone Features
Personal ringing tones for incoming calls: MP3/AAC, Polyphonic ringtones, and True Tones; Storage for up to 50 Polyphonic ringtones
First vibrate, then ring option
Internal phone book for up to 250 entries
Full profiles settings
Graphical meter for pre-paid
Full SIM ATK 2
PIM: Calendar (up to 250 entries), To-Do (up to 30 entries), Calculator, Reminders, Stop Watch, Countdown Timer

Music Features
Mobile music player for MP3 and AAC files
Stereo FM radio
Digital recorder from integrated FM radio and Audio Line-In
Music files as ringing tones
Music storage on multimedia card
Multimedia messaging
Java™ games
For GSM 900/1800 networks
Xpress-on™ covers
 
Full Specifications
Weight: 125 g
Measurements: 114 mm x 63 mm x 20 mm, 115 cc
Four-way scroll key and keyboard for easy-to-use experience
Color display: 128x128 pixels
Easy-to-use menus
Shortcut key for fast access to music player and stereo FM radio

Digital Music Player and Recorder
Digital music player for MP3 and AAC files
Digital recorder (AAC) from stereo FM radio and from analog stereo line-in connector
Music file download from compatible PC over USB cable
Memory card (MMC) as storage for music content and ringing tones
Five-band graphical equalizer and stereo widening to enhance playback sound
MP3 and AAC files as ringing tones
Linking to artists' homepages
High-fidelity stereo headset for music player, stereo FM radio, and voice calls

Nokia Audio Manager - PC Software
Music player for compatible PC (AAC, MP3)
Create AAC music files
Playlists to organize music files in the PC
Web link to Nokia for content download: music files, skins

Stereo FM Radio
Music available from favorite radio channels
Automatic channel search
Preset user definable 20 radio channels in memory
Integrated recorder (AAC)

Enhanced Messaging Features
Multimedia Messaging (MMS): Storage for up to 50 MMS messages
Enhanced SMS support: chat, distribution list, SMS concatenation, templates, and picture messages, Storage for up to 150 SMS messages
Email over SMS

More Fun with Games
Optimized game controls for two-hand use; keys divided on both sides of the screen
Supports Mobile Information Device Profile 1.0 (MIPD 1.0)
Storage for up to 50 applications or games based on Java technology
Preloaded Java games and applications
Download new games
Listen to music player or stereo FM radio while playing games

Content with WAP Browser
WAP over GPRS/CSD
Over-the-air download of ringing tones, new applications based on Java technology, games, wallpaper, and operator logos
True Tone download
Picture viewer

Imaging
Picture viewer
Storage for up to 50 pictures





Features
  • Take, view and send pictures wirelessly and in full color using the built-in digital camera. Camera features lighting adjustment and thumbnail views.
  • Take and store up to 100 pictures on your phone (depends on available memory).
  • Use multimedia messaging service and enhanced messaging service to send pictures and notes instantly. Attach messages to pictures you take, or send text messages with animation and audio.
  • Experience the Web in vibrant color and at high-speed. View content on your phone or connect to a laptop.
  • Dual display lets you view images and text on the internal LCD and check incoming calls on the external display.
  • Set up your phone to receive text message broadcasts.
Get Online Faster
  • Get faster access to e-mail, Web sites, corporate intranets and games. Access flight schedules, directions, stock quotes, weather, scores, listings and more.
  • Send and receive e-mail, faxes and instant messages anytime, anywhere (when digital service is available).
Get Organized
  • Stay organized and productive with an address book, calendar, calculator, to-do list, and currency converter.
  • Keep track of meetings, create task lists, flag important dates and set reminders so you're always on task and on time.
Personalize Your Phone
  • Customize your phone by downloading the latest games, ringers, images and more.
  • Choose from 25 fixed, 40-note polyphonic ring tones.
  • Create your own style by changing the screen wallpaper and banner greeting.
  • Choose the language of display menu you prefer — English, French or Spanish.
Manage Your Calls
  • Communicate without saying a word using short message service (SMS) to send text messages.
  • Internal phone book holds 500 alphanumeric entries, plus SIM card memory.
  • Discreetly mute your phone during calls to multi-task.
  • Search for a number in your phonebook while on a call.
  • Use any key answer function to take calls faster.
  • Restrict incoming and outgoing calls, as well as special numbers.
  • Make calls faster with speed dialing.
  • Get your messages every time with voice mail.
  • Use auto redial to make additional attempts to connect.
  • Use active folder mode to answer calls by opening the flip.
  • Use pause dialing to navigate automated systems more conveniently.
  • Retrieve call logs for last 20 incoming, 20 outgoing and 20 missed calls.
  • Take calls discreetly by switching to vibrate or silent mode.
  • Manage calls more efficiently with call waiting and call forwarding.
  • Set up 3-way calling or multiparty calls from anywhere with up to five callers. Switch to a private conversation with one of the callers using soft keys.





          As cell phones become increasingly popular the price has dropped significantly. Some mobile phones are as low as $20.00 when they once were hundreds. Now phones are somewhat reasonably priced. Basic phones range from $20-50. As phones become capable of more features, the price increases drastically. Many of the newer mobile phones are as much as $500.00. This does not include the monthly service charge.

          These are base prices for the actual phones. Extra charges apply for added accessories.






"While CB radio and pagers provided some mobile communications solutions, what people really wanted was a completely mobile telephone. The concept of wireless telephones came in the mid-1940's, after World War II, although trial service did not begin until 1978 and full deployment in the U.S. in 1984.Although theorized for years before, Bell Laboratories' D.H. Ring articulated the cellular concept in 1947 in an unpublished paper.It wasn't until 1984 that cellular phones were first mass marketed to the general public. It was a technical marvel by which people could reach into their pockets, then simply make a call to someone - anywhere in the world. This new wireless gadget was bulky, expensive to operate compared to nowadays and back then seemed like just another toy on the wish list of those who had money. At that time no one pondered whether these futuristic gadgets could have a potential risk of causing cancer, brain tumors or any other sort of health risk. There had been no pre-market testing performed on these radiation-emitting devices, which is held next to the area of the head which is least protected by the skull. In fact the agency who regulates the devices in the U.S., the FCC, was much more concerned that these new devices did not cause any form of interference with televisions, radios or any other device that may be in the same vicinity."








Motorola's Revenues




Nextel's Profits

Samsung's Profits






"DoCoMo debuts wrist-phone"

"LG Shows Off Cool New Cell Phones"

"Without a "six" rating in our scoring system, we can't do proper justice to the i90c!"


"Nokia launches mobile phones for all technologies used in Brazil at Telexpo 2003"







* Mobile phones have proved to be great in the event of  an emergency. Whether it be a flat tire or witnessing a violent accident, cellular phones have been a new necessity for drivers, especially young drivers. They provide family members and loved ones with a little more piece of mind.

* Being able to snap a picture or connect to the web at any moment is a nice feature. One can capture many memories conveniently that they otherwise would not be capable of. Also, by connecting to the web, one can check the weather, news, stocks, and send emails.



* Practically every cell phone has a phonebook built into it so the user can store all of their important contacts. Not only does it store the number but it also allows the caller to either use a speed dial system or voice activated dialing.

* Caller ID and Voice mail are other features that cellular phones have now with no extra charge. Many people are replacing thier local phones with cellular phones.

* Probably the most popular attraction of a cell phone is the free long distance. Many people either travel or have family members who live out of state. It is nice to know that they can be contacted at virtually no charge.







* Cell Phones have gotten so small and convenient that they now pose a threat to safety.  Most drivers own cell phones and get distracted by either talking, dialing, or looking at these miniture devices.

Drivers who talk on phone more likely to be in rear-end wrecks


*
Phones can also be a distraction in the workplace or at school. Since they are so compact, they fit nicely in one's pocket or bookbag. Employers and educators find the cell phone to be extremely annoying.

*
Many cell phone companies offer good deals in order of paying for minutes, but the service is not always so excellent. The signal that many providers offer is usually weak and may not work in many places.

*
Providers may also scam customers by charging then extra charges that the cell phone user does not know about. Such charges include roaming charges and fees for going over the planned minutes.

* Although the price of cellular phones has dropped significantly, still many cannot afford such an expense. The mobile phones are still designed for the upper class.

 
More Downsides


Is flash fried?

Cameras in cell phones and PDAs are becomming more popular, but they're also a problem











 


Global Software Solutions

Wireless Resources

Wireless Advisor






       It is believed that cell phones are actually causing cancer now. With the radiation that comes out of the miniature phone, people claim that it is causing tumors in the brain. Lawyer Joanne Suder has been fighting these cases and is a firm believer in her argument.

Patents Prove Cell-Phone Dangers?


      The cell phone and petroleum industries received many emails and comments concerning two men whom had serious accidents causing injury and even fatality. The companies claim that these assumptions about cell phones catching on fire are strictly urban legends. Whether they are false or not, there still is the problem of these accidents. Studies have shown that the static that is produced has enough energy to create a small fire in a ringing cell phone.

Cell-Phone Fires: A Lot of Static 





     After reviewing the history of cell phones, it is easy to predict the future. It appears that the goal of cell phone manufacturers is to make the cellular phone as convenient as possible. This means shrinking the size and incorporating other nifty features in with the basic cordless telephone. In the future, the cellular phone will probably be incorporated with many objects that people usually carry with them, such as a pen and keys. Below are examples of these inventions. Obviously this technology has a bright and exciting future. The cell phone is definitely here to stay.

Cell Phones of the Future








                                                                                 
Maria Koukouris
March 23, 2003