Mobile Phones have been in existence in Australia for over two decades and have revolutionized the telecommunications industry. They are portable, low powered devices that send out and receive radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic energy (EME) signals from mobile phone base stations therefore allowing phone calls to be made from almost anywhere. The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) (2004) reported, "mobile phones transmit a frequency band at around 800 MHz for the Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) network, 900 and 1800 MHz for the Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) network, 1900 MHz for the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) network (also known as 3G) and 2400 MHz for Bluetooth."
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Mobile phones were first launched in 1981 by Telstra (previously known as Telecom) and came in a more bulky form, weighing more than half a kilogram. "In April 1993, when Australia's Telstra launched the first digital network, GSM, there were just 635,000 analogue mobile phones in Australia, and less than 4 per cent of people had one. Today, there are 14 million mobile phones in the country and 70 per cent of people have one," (The Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association, 2004). CDMA was then launched by Telstra in September 1999 to build a new mobile network that would replace the Advanced Mobile Phone System (AMPS) Analogue network, which was being withdrawn due to government regulation.
Originally, the purpose of mobile phones were to simply make voice phone calls. However, improved technology has seen mobile phones revolutionize itself. Currently, users can send text messages through a short message service (SMS). They can also use mobile data services such as Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) which allow users to take and send photos or video images with their mobile phone. "Mobile phones can also be used as a radio and more recently, can communicate through other machines to, for example, download emails from laptops," (Telstra, 2003).
The popularity and proliferation of the mobile phone and its use has created fears for public health, safety and etiquette. Such fears include developing cancer due to the electromagnetic emissions from handsets and base stations. In addition, evidence has shown increases in motor vehicle accidents because of the use of mobile phones whilst driving, even though it is illegal to do so in Australia. Mobile phones and children have also been an area of concern as children are being exposed to electromagnetic emissions at a younger age than adults. Issues of social etiquette have also been introduced with mobile phones frequently interrupting theatres, meetings and other functions and situations that occur in everyday life. Lastly, the social costs of mobile phones have become a paramount issue as Australians spend more dollars on these devices.
Technology-wise, the future of mobile phones should see many new developments and expansions. Major telephone companies such as Telstra are looking into the idea of Mobile Commerce or m-Commerce where users are able to pay for goods and services via their mobile phone. Such situations include paying for parking meter charges and goods from vending machines (Telstra, 2003). In addition, Mobile EFTPOS is another concept which offers an alternative payment option when there is no landline such as in a taxi or at moveable markets (Telstra, 2003). Aside from the growing health and social concerns, the future of mobile phones is predicted to go a long way as manufacturers endeavour to solve the challenges faced by using mobile phones as computer devices (for example, issues such as small screen size and limited memory storage).
Australia’s EME safety standard is governed by the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) and regulated by the Australian Communications Authority (ACA), Australia’s government regulator for the telecommunications industry. The ACA was established in July 1997 and governs the Australian Communications Authority Act 1997 and the Radiocommunications Act 1992 as well as other related legislation. It operates in conjunction with the Australian Communications Industry Forum (ACIF), an industry owned and operated company, whose "primary role is to develop and administer technical Standards and Industry Codes and provide Industry Facilitation services that promote both the long-term interests of end-users and the efficiency and international competitiveness of the Australian communications industry," (The Australian Communications Industry Forum, 2004).
Although there are many exciting uses for the mobile phone, the growth in concerns over health and social issues remains a problem and is currently being investigated. "The Federal Government researches these health issues through its Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Energy (EME) Program, which they provide $4.5 million in funds over four and half years," (Australian Communications Authority, 2001: 5). The program consists of three main elements.
Firstly, the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) assist in the conduct of Australian research into RF EMR issues within Australia and are kept up to date with research activities overseas. Secondly, constant participation occurs with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) International Electromagnetic Field Project which assesses any health and environmental effects. Lastly, a public information program is managed to ensure the public is informed and kept up-to-date e.g. fact sheets can be found at the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency's website.
The program is directed and managed by the Committee on EME Public Health Issues with representatives from the Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, the ACA, the Department of Health and Aged Care, the ARPANSA and the Therapeutic Goods Administration.
Mobile Phones - Security and Privacy
Brochures
Australian Communications Authority (2001) Mobile Phones: Your Health and Regulation of Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Radiation, Melbourne: Australian Communications Authority.
Websites
Telstra Research Laboratories (2003) Telstra, retrieved September 8, 2004, from http://www.telstra.com.au/trl/mobile_revol.htm
Ten Years of GSM in Australia (2003) Australian Mobile Telecommunication Association, retrieved September 8, 2004, from http://www.amta.org.au/default.asp?Page=142
Radiation and Health Information (2004) The Australian Government: Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency, retrieved September 8, 2004, from http://www.arpansa.gov.au/eme_pubs.htm
Naomi 16:55, 26 Oct 2004 (EST)
Mobile Computing is a term used when referring to the use of portable and wireless computing and communication devices, such as laptops, mobile phones, pocket PCs and Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) with Bluetooth technology. Mobile computing is still a relatively new concept, and has seen significant developments in the past five years. The increasing mobility of today’s workforce has seen a need for the introduction of these devices, enabling workers to be connected to business networks whilst on the move, locally, nationally and internationally.
Mobile Computing has come into prominence in recent years, with the development of Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs), Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) ‘HotSpots’ and the relevant hardware. A user currently has the ability to connect to the internet through technologies such as mobile phones, laptops, pocket PCs or PDAs whilst on the move, away from the traditional office environment. This technology is still considered fairly new, and is constantly improving and changing. In Australia, communication companies such as Telstra, Optus and Three Mobile offer customers connection through pocket PCs, mobile phones with Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) technology, and broadband internet access. The recent introduction of the CDMA Network Communication Card from Telstra enables users to transform laptops into a connected office no mater where they are. In the United States and Europe, WiFi ‘HotSpots’ are becoming increasingly common in cafes, airports and even parks, with Australians expecting a similar movement in the coming years. 'HotSpots' enable workers with WLANs to connect to the internet and communicate with their office from wherever they may be. 'HotSpots' are particularly common in airports, as they provide the traveller the ability to work productively whilst waiting for a connecting flight.
Mobile Computing will initially be seen to present the most opportunities for businesses, thorough the creation of the ‘Mobile Office’. Companies specialising in any area (for example, healthcare, hospitality, education or logistics) have the potential to benefit from mobile computing, through increased flexibility, faster decision-making, higher employee satisfaction, greater accuracy, and improved productivity. By tailoring mobile computing to the needs of the individual user, businesses can expect a significant increase in the level of communication and employee efficiency. However, the initial financial investment in mobile computing is quite high. Whilst the technology continues to develop and change, companies remain wary of investing significant capital as the potential for mobile computing is still unknown. In 2004, Douglas Dedo of the Microsoft Corporation indicated that his company expects to see a rise in the use of mobile technologies as the number of products and availability of high speed networks increase. “Traditional offices may become obsolete, as workers are increasingly mobile�. This sentiment is shared by Steve Curran in Convergence Design (2003), where he states, “PDAs have the potential to become what mobile phones have; standard equipment for business people, parents and students�.
Mobile Computing currently presents many challenges for those businesses and individuals implementing the technology. Developers are constantly struggling to provide users with a cost effective and flexible service that is easy to centrally manage. It is anticipated that companies such as Microsoft and Intel will provide software and services to help mobile workers overcome the physical, cultural and technical barriers that often limit productivity. In business, these services “should enable people to seamlessly access their information any time, anywhere�. (Dedo, 2001).
The potential for the growth of mobile computing is exciting, and continues to see companies investment hundreds of millions of dollars in its development. The future direction for these technologies is constantly changing, as faster connections and improved software and hardware options are being developed. It is anticipated that by 2006, the number of users will rise dramatically, as more companies see the benefits of a sizeable investment in the future. Technologies will continue to improve and develop, with WiFi, currently IEEE 802.11 expected to be replaced by the more advanced WiMax, at IEEE 802.16. Individuals will have their own synchronised network of devices, with the PC remaining central to operation of ‘mass communication mobility’. In an article for PC World Magazine (29 July 2004), James Martin suggests that we are close to the ability to be “surfing the internet on your notebook at blazing speed� wherever you may be. The future is expected to see the ability to download a file to a handheld device from the office PC whilst on the move, simply with internet and WLAN connection.
As a technological field, the potential for advancement in mobile computing is seemingly limitless. As businesses and individuals evolve, their communication needs continue to be met be companies striving to connect the world, continuing to break down time and distance barriers. It is anticipated that we will soon be connected 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, changing the way we interact with people and technology.
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Emma Hanson 10:22, 10 Sep 2004 (EST)
