2. Mobile generations

1G - First generation - the 1980's

The first popular mobile phones used analogue radio technology. Most were actually fitted into cars as the equipment was so bulky. This was the 1980's

Analogue technology had some basic problems namely they were bulky, poor audio quality, had short battery life and anyone with a scanner could eavesdrop on conversations. Nevertheless early adopters bought them in droves which encouraged the operating companies to invest billions in developing better phones

2G - Second generation - the 1990's

They became digital devices rather than analogue. Now the audio quality was much clearer. Security was much better as it is harder to eavesdrop on digital signals. Battery life improved because the phones consumed so much less power and they became much smaller.

a mobile phone

3G - Third generation - the 2000's

As popular as standard 2G phones were, the one thing they did very poorly was to send and receive digital data (web sites and so on). The Internet was in place and people wanted to use it from their mobile phones. In the 3rd generation phones, the way of transmitting and receiving digital data changed from the usual circuit switching method used for telephone calls over to packet-switching which is how the Internet works.

modern mobile phone

4G - Fourth generation (and 5th)

By now the phone companies wanted to offer even higher speeds to offer video streaming and so on.

Along with this, the 4G phones went over to packet switching for all data, including voice. On the Internet, VoIP telephone calls were already popular.

The age of the 'smart phone' had begun.

In 2017, 5G is being developed. However, the problem is that even 4G access is spotty at best in the UK. In rural areas, 3G is a lucky event.

To overcome this situation, it will mean placing more mobile mast in the more remote (and less profitable) areas of the country.

 

challenge see if you can find out one extra fact on this topic that we haven't already told you

Click on this link: Mobile phone developments