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A mobile phone (also known as a wireless phone , cell phone , or cellular telephone ) is a short-range, electronic device used for mobile voice or data communication over a network of specialised base stations known as cell sites. In addition to the standard voice function of a mobile phone, telephone, current mobile phones may support many additional services, and accessories, such as SMS for text messaging, email, packet switching for access to the Internet, gaming, bluetooth, infrared, camera with video recorder and MMS for sending and receiving photos and video. Most current mobile phones connect to a cellular network of base stations (cell sites), which is in turn interconnected to the public switched telephone network (PSTN) (the exception is satellite phones).

Overview

According to internal memos, American Telephone & Telegraph discussed developing a wireless phone in 1915, but were afraid deployment of the technology could undermine its monopoly on wired service in the U.S.

The first commercial mobile phone service was launched in Japan by NTT in 1978. By November 2007, the total number of mobile phone subscriptions in the world had reached 3.3 billion, or half of the human population (although some users have multiple subscriptions, or inactive subscriptions), which also makes the mobile phone the most widely spread technology and the most common electronic device in the world.

The first mobile phone to enable internet connectivity and wireless email, the Nokia Communicator, was released in 1996, creating a new category of multi-use devices called smartphones. In 1999 the first mobile internet service was launched by NTT DoCoMo in Japan under the i-Mode service. By 2007 over 798 million people around the world accessed the internet or equivalent mobile internet services such as WAP and i-Mode at least occasionally using a mobile phone rather than a personal computer.

Cellular systems

Mobile phones send and receive radio signals with any number of cell site base stations fitted with microwave antennas. These sites are usually mounted on a tower, pole or building, located throughout populated areas, then connected to a cabled communication network and switching system. The phones have a low-power transceiver that transmits voice and data to the nearest cell sites, normally not more than 8 to 13 km (approximately 5 to 8 miles) away.

When the mobile phone or data device is turned on, it registers with the mobile telephone exchange, or switch, with its unique identifiers, and can then be alerted by the mobile switch when there is an incoming telephone call. The handset constantly listens for the strongest signal being received from the surrounding base stations, and is able to switch seamlessly between sites. As the user moves around the network, the "handoffs" are performed to allow the device to switch sites without interrupting the call.

Cell sites have relatively low-power (often only one or two watts) radio transmitters which broadcast their presence and relay communications between the mobile handsets and the switch. The switch in turn connects the call to another subscriber of the same wireless service provider or to the public telephone network, which includes the networks of other wireless carriers. Many of these sites are camouflaged to blend with existing environments, particularly in scenic areas.

The dialogue between the handset and the cell site is a stream of digital data that includes digitised audio (except for the first generation analog networks). The technology that achieves this depends on the system which the mobile phone operator has adopted. The technologies are grouped by generation. The first-generation systems started in 1979 with Japan, are all analog and include AMPS and NMT. Second-generation systems, started in 1991 in Finland, are all digital and include GSM, CDMA and TDMA.

The nature of cellular technology renders many phones vulnerable to 'cloning': anytime a cell phone moves out of coverage (for example, in a road tunnel), when the signal is re-established, the phone sends out a 're-connect' signal to the nearest cell-tower, identifying itself and signalling that it is again ready to transmit. With the proper equipment, it's possible to intercept the re-connect signal and encode the data it contains into a 'blank' phone -- in all respects, the 'blank' is then an exact duplicate of the real phone and any calls made on the 'clone' will be charged to the original account.

Third-generation (3G) networks, which are still being deployed, began in Japan in 2001. They are all digital, and offer high-speed data access in addition to voice services and include W-CDMA (known also as UMTS), and CDMA2000 EV-DO. China will launch a third generation technology on the TD-SCDMA standard. Operators use a mix of predesignated frequency bands determined by the network requirements and local regulations.

In an effort to limit the potential harm from having a transmitter close to the user's body, the first fixed/mobile cellular phones that had a separate transmitter, vehicle-mounted antenna, and handset (known as car phones and bag phones ) were limited to a maximum 3 watts Effective Radiated Power. Modern handheld cellphones which must have the transmission antenna held inches from the user's skull are limited to a maximum transmission power of 0.6 watts ERP. Regardless of the potential biological effects, the reduced transmission range of modern handheld phones limits their usefulness in rural locations as compared to car/bag phones, and handhelds require that cell towers be spaced much closer together to compensate for their lack of transmission power.

Some handhelds include an optional auxiliary antenna port on the back of the phone, which allows it to be connected to a large external antenna and a 3 watt cellular booster. Alternately in fringe-reception areas, a cellular repeater may be used, which uses a long distance high-gain dish antenna or yagi antenna to communicate with a cell tower far outside of normal range, and a repeater to rebroadcast on a small short-range local antenna that allows any cellphone within a few meters to function properly.

Handsets

Nokia is currently the world's largest manufacturer of mobile phones, with a global device market share of approximately 40% in 2008. Other major mobile phone manufacturers (in order of market share) include Samsung (14%), Motorola (14%), Sony Ericsson (9%) and LG (7%). These manufacturers account for over 80% of all mobile phones sold and produce phones for sale in most countries.

Other manufacturers include Apple Inc., Audiovox (now UTStarcom), Benefon, BenQ-Siemens, CECT, High Tech Computer Corporation (HTC), Fujitsu, Kyocera, Mitsubishi Electric, NEC, Neonode, Panasonic (Matsushita Electric), Pantech Curitel, Philips, Research In Motion, Sagem, Sanyo, Sharp, Siemens, Sendo, Sierra Wireless, SK Teletech, Sonim Technologies, T&A Alcatel, Huawei, Trium and Toshiba. There are also specialist communication systems related to (but distinct from) mobile phones.

There are several categories of mobile phones, from basic phones to feature phones such as musicphones and cameraphones, to smartphones. The first smartphone was the Nokia 9000 Communicator in 1996 which incorporated PDA functionality to the basic mobile phone at the time. As miniaturisation and increased processing power of microchips has enabled ever more features to be added to phones, the concept of the smartphone has evolved, and what was a high-end smartphone five years ago, is a standard phone today. Several phone series have been introduced to address a given market segment, such as the RIM Blackberry focusing on enterprise/corporate customer email needs; the SonyEricsson Walkman series of musicphones and Cybershot series of cameraphones; the Nokia N-Series of multimedia phones; and the Apple iPhone which provides full-featured web access and multimedia capabilities.

Features

Mobile phones often have features beyond sending text messages and making voice calls, including Internet browsing, music (MP3) playback, memo recording, personal organiser functions, e-mail, instant messaging, built-in cameras and camcorders, ringtones, games, radio, Push-to-Talk (PTT), infrared and Bluetooth connectivity, call registers, ability to watch streaming video or download video for later viewing, video calling and serve as a wireless modem for a PC, and soon will also serve as a console of sorts to online games and other high quality games. The total value of mobile data services exceeds the value of paid services on the Internet, and was worth 31 billion dollars in 2006 (source Informa). The largest categories of mobile services are music, picture downloads, videogaming, adult entertainment, gambling, video/TV.

Nokia and the University of Cambridge are showing off a bendable cell phone called Morph .

Applications

The most commonly used data application on mobile phones is SMS text messaging, with 74% of all mobile phone users as active users (over 2.4 billi

I was wondering what I would say to my kids when they complain about what they don’t have and I always envisioned statements like, “When I was your age we didn’t have the internet.”, “IF we had to call our parents we had to find a payphone, we didn’t have cell phones”. Blah Blah Blah ...

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With the holidays right around the corner one of the biggest questions is, “how can I convince my parents to buy me a cell phone.” This is a question that thousands if not millions of kids are asking their parents this year. The biggest hurtle they run into is MOM and DAD. Here are some suggestions to help you get that first cell phone........

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That’s the word from a University of Toronto/Pew Internet & American Life Project survey out today that says couples with kids at home are more likely to have cell phones and use the Internet than their single and childless cohorts.

Liizethh! asks: "what do you think of cell phones for kids.im thinking of getting my daughter one for her 13th birhtday.Is it to soon?i want to get my daughter a cell phone for her 13th birhtday.is hse to young?she really wants unlimted texting to talk with her friends.is that ok?"

Biggie replies: 'Sure,Why Not I'm little sister got one and she 6 years old'

Bubbles replies: 'I would go with a prepaid to control the spending limit.'

bibliophile31 replies: 'If there is a need for it, go ahead. Maybe she has sports practice after school and would need to call you or something?'

Dianne S replies: 'As a mum I think they are a fantastic idea for the kids, pre-paid is probably the way to go so you don't get a huge bill.They make it easier for your child to contact you if they need help or finish shcool early and so on.She'll love it.'

AquaSharp replies: 'heck no, its to late if you ask me :D get her one of the free phones tho...shell drop it a lot most definitely'

proud of it replies: 'you need to ask yourself what in the world does a 13 year old child need with a cell phone unless you never know where the child is at at all times especially at that age? My daughter is 17 and I told her to get a job to pay for one'

TwiGGie replies: 'no. it depends on her social life. i got ma 1st phone whn i was about 12 bcuz i caught the bus alone 2 and frum skool early n the morning. she'd appreciate it much. u wont hav 2 wry about where she is n wutnot. trust me'

redheaded replies: 'well, its nice to be able to track where your child is..if you do get the phone make her be responsible with it..like checking in with you, monitoring minutes and text costs. I got my son a cell when he was 14 and i'm glad i did.'

Colleen O replies: 'What does she NEED a cellphone for? I highly recommend that you don't get text messaging with it because text messages are WAY more expensive than simple calls and being 13 she will probably want to be using the text messaging the most. That's how most kids wind up loosing their cell phones because their parents cut them off after getting a $250.00 and higher phone bill. I also recommend the "pay as you go plan" and make HER pay for the minutes. Then she won't be so apt to run up a large bill.'

Jewlgrl replies: 'Personally, I think it is way too soon. I guess times have really changed, I didn't even have a phone in my room. I remember how great it was to have privacy when we got a cordless phone. If your daughter was driving, I would say, go ahead. But at thirteen a cell phone is going to give her a lot of freedom and a lot of privacy. How much of either is she ready for? It's your call Mom. Good Luck!'

styymy_2000 replies: 'Shouldn't be a problem at her age as long as the trust and responsibility is there. Be sure to educate her on how the cell plans work (minutes, text messaging, etc.) especially if you're putting her on a shared plan, so she'll know once the allocated minutes are used up the bill will go up.'

sugarBear replies: 'that sounds like a good idea! in case of emergency. Make sure you get her the one that's programmed to just call you or her Dad & 911 so she doesn't run up the bill. 13 year old's are just way too young to have a "regular cell phone", you'd be better off giving her one that's programmed with just a few numbers. It's got that Parental Lock, mainly it should just be used in case of emergency's. If you give her a regular one, she will just end up talking on the phone with her friends way too much that it may interfere with her school work & also you will be stuck paying for a very expensive cell phone bill because of her running the minutes. Cell phone is good for kids also, but it should be limited to emergency situations only. Here's the link to the best cell phone company for kids. Maybe when she's more mature, like the age of 17, she can finally get a regular cell phone from another carrier. But here's your best bet! Good luck!'

ZoeGA replies: 'I just got my son at age 10 a cell phone. I got a prepaid one to see how he handles it before I dish out money on a plan. I purchaed on the go from cingular. My husband and I curently have a cingular plan, (not prepaid) and were pleased to find out that it works well with the on the go phone. It works like this we prepay for some minutes for my son. but because he has a Cingular pre pay and Cingular phones to Cingular are free he pays for no minutes to talk with my husband and myself. So check and see if your current provider has anything like this it can save you big $$$$'

KareBear replies: 'I would get her one. My daughters have cell phones12 year old: Motorola Razr V310 year old: Motorola Razr V37 year old: LG MigoWe have Verizon Wireless.I would go for it because then you can communicate with her'

jjsoviet replies: 'Well, I'm a 14 year old kid, go ask me! In my experience, I got my first cellphone when I was about 8 years old. Mine was an Ericsson phone, an early mobile device. Then I switched to a Nokia 8210, then an 1100, then the 3100. I also used the Sony Ericsson J210i, which I lost in a taxi :(. I got a Motorola L6 for my birthday, and then today I have my RAZR V3 and plan to get the RAZR V6 MAXX. I did, and continue to not care about text messages nor calls, I rather use my phones for games, music, and videos!!!!!I think cell phones for your kids are good, these are essential for constant communication and emergency purposes. But your daughter's use of text and calls should be limited, so make the units run on prepaid. Also if your kids are a bit clumsy and forgetful, you might as well give them cheap reliable ones so that your cash will not be wasted. If not, give them the latest ones out there, but make your kids take good care of these beauties.'

Heather B asks: "I am looking for an easy to use kids cell phone preferably with locating device and pay as you go... Do they all have a monthly service charge or can you just buy minutes and have no other bill?"

PuppyloverMonica replies: 'Get a tracfone you reefill the minutes by buying cards. U use the minutes to text and call. Or get a firefly, you pay for the phone you plug it into your computer, and you put in emergency #s and you can only call the emergency #s..'

chi_townjake00 replies: 'Well the woman that said get the trac fone and firefly phone was right you could choose that. BUt after awhile that gets kind of pricy. I suggest you buy a cheap phone from t-mobiel and then sign up for the service that lets you either add or subract the amount of messages and text messaging. So if your kid gets an A, raise his text messagin. If he doesn't do his/her chores subract minutes. But if you really want pre-paid phones then once again sign up for tmobile and go with the prepaid plan. Here are the pre-paid cellphones that they have right now. Hope that helps!'

Lewis M replies: 'Try this...'

oh_so_loveable asks: "pros only please...and i would appreciate originality ive heard saftey, and because everyone has one. I want to hear somthing new."

~brigit~ replies: 'GPS systemI can drop my son off at Karate and know that as soon as he is done he'll call me to come and pick him up.If you wanted you could always take it away when the kid is being bad. grounded from the phone.kids always have everyones phone number stored if they can't get in touch with you.teaches them responsibility'

explorisgirl replies: 'As a kid with her own cell phone, the pros to having it are: because I feel better having to let my parents know where I am (safety), but also because I can sms (text) friends with school questions, communicate with people who are busy or out-of-town, letting a friend or family member know when I will be late to somewhere, setting up meeting spots for shopping with friends, taking awesome photos of well.... everything, and using it as a communication tool when I have nothing else (when I am not around a home phone, computer, etc). Though in my opinion the reasons for getting a child a phone depends on how they will be using it and if they are responsible enough to have it (like keeping it charged!). Good luck making your decision!'

J S replies: 'Knowing where they areGiving some independence- letting them do things themself without someone over their shoulderMakes it easier to call you and ask to get picked up if they're faced with bad choices or in a bad group'

numanuma201 replies: 'Here are the pros:Kid's Mom or Dad knows whrer they areKid's Mom or Dad know if he's sick hurt or in dangerKid can call for emergancy's such as fire, kidnapped or car reack Kid can tell mom /dad if something important comes up like no school for that daymom/dad can tell the kid that she/he will be late.Do you want a phone than ok here on more promom/dad can tell kid YOU CAN"T HAVE ONE'

Gymnast :) replies: 'ok well i think that kids should only have phones if really needed. and really only those phones that you enter in specific numbers.. because we know kids! lol they could talk for hours!ok so pros... heres a scenario... little sally dances after school and also does gymnastics... dance practice ends and her gymnastics coach comes up to her and says "hey sally.. practice is starting early and ending early so you need to come now" so if she has a phone she can call you on her way to gymnastics instead of having to either find someone with a phone or go to the schools office and use the phone..also lets just say she is at a friends house and the power goes out and she has to get in touch with you and the family doesnt have cord phones or cell phones or something like that.. ya know..or hey she gets herself locked in the bathroom and you are outside.. if she has her cell on her and you have yours she can call you and let you know!'

c replies: 'Everyone says "so parents know where their kids are." No, they don't, actually. The kid can easily lie or be a block away making out with another kid, phone or not. GPS doesn't provide enough accuracy so you know what house they are in, what they are doing there, or even if they're a block away.Most kids, if not all kids, do NOT need phones. Phones provide entertainment and casual chatter with parents/friends.'

surfbum68m replies: 'I live in FL my daughter will soon live in GA if I pay for a phone for her (which I do) I don't have to concern myself with weather or not my EX can pay her phone bill, and I know I will all ways be able to reach her. Not to mention she can take a picture of herself and send it to me at any time.'

pooh bear asks: "CHEAP METRO"

NurseMommy replies: 'OK..whats the question??? I had MetroPCS..it wasnt bad, but you pay FULLPRICE for the phones. My old phone ran me $400. In the end it was cheaper to move to Tmobile. AND...if you are wanting a cell phone try working a deal out where you will work for one.. most parents dont want to give them away for free...these things cost.. NOT REALLY SURE what the question is though, so taking a stab in the dark here...GOOD LUCK!!!'

jimmills34 asks: "What is the appropriate age for a child to be given a cell phone. I say when they drive....16! What do you say?"

jv637 replies: 'i think 18 is a good age to have a cellphone. when a person can drive, that's when it's a good time to get a cellphone. a cellphone is useful when there is an emergency.'

chrstnwrtr replies: 'Yeah, I'm saying 16 too....that's when I got my beeper.'

crazymom replies: '16 is perfect!'

questresolved replies: 'it does not not depend on age..it depends on need ...if your child is far away from you he/she may need it at the age of 12 yrs also..if he /she living at home they may not need at more age..one has to detemine their need..as a parent one should determine what our children need.'

caniac_girl_12 replies: 'I say whenever they hit high school.'

gets flamed replies: 'i think when they start going out a lot that you should get them a cell phone, it would be better for you so you can keep in touch. but then it's also important that they know if they run up the phone bill they will get a whoopen'

Eyes of Green replies: 'There is the Verizon Migo it only lets you program 4 numbers and can call 911. good latchkey kids'

barbiehow replies: 'They're a great tool for emergencies at any age. For general calling, I say when the child can pay their own cell phone bill.'

tenkerasu replies: 'Ah, now here's a question. This answer might be a little vague, but I'm fairly sure it depends on the parents of the children. I've seen kids aged about nine or so, chatting on their phones. Now, personally, I don't condone this, but I believe parents should restrict their children on the plans they use, something like, "Only call your friends on this phone between these hours or you'll be paying the bill out of your allowance." Or something of that sort. However, it pretty much just depends on the parents and how strict they are. I do not wish to have children, but if and when I do, I think I'll be fairly strict.'

peg replies: 'If the kid is responsible and has a lot of after school activities then 12-13, for emergency calls. A good prepaid one is good to have for them. Then they can "work" for the extra minutes to call friends.'

llama_lady replies: 'im 13 and got mine a couple months ago. i use it mostly to organize people to pick me up or hanging out with my friends. in other words, my mom racks up the most minutes. i also use it to check in when im at parties and stuff.but i think its wrong when i see 1st grades walking around at my private school with pink razr cell phones, they probably dont even know how to read the menus and stuff on them.'

core966 replies: 'You can give a child a cell phone when they value that they have one.'

wbjalb6207 replies: 'I think when they drive, or have a car, it is good to have a cell phone in case of an emergency, but they don't need the plan with 500 minutes.My mother-in-law gave her phone to her son when he was 14 so that he could call for a ride home when he needed one. Hello? 1800COLLECT? this is "pick me up" please connect me to my home number.....I think the time for a phone with any minutes would be 18, or when they are ready to pay for it themselves.'

lorina k replies: 'i say about 10 yrs old... my 11 yr old has one cause if something happens after school,or he goes somewhere.he can ring or text me <

temporarily_independant88 replies: 'I say at 14. I didn't start caring about cell phones 'til I was 16 or 17, either one. But 14 is probably the best age 'cause that's when they start high school. Usually high school kids are busiest and need it more than 10 year olds. If you're gonna get a 10 year old a cell phone, get them the one that's heavily monitered, like the Firefly from Cingular.'

Firenze replies: 'It depends on u.u have 2 know if they are responsible enough 2 use it.if u sure tht they wont misuse it then u can give it to them.its up 2 u.'

Firefly Mobile
Mobile phone designed just for kids.

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ClamHut

We got phones.