Problems of Mobile Phone Services during the 1990s - Report Example

Management of Technology Name: Instructor: Institution: Course: Date: Table of Contents Table of Contents 2 1.0 Part 1 (Case Study). 3 1.1 Problems of mobile phone services during the 1990s 3 1.2 Advantages of the satellite phone services over the cell or PCS mobile phone services 4 1.3 The advantages and disadvantages of LEO compared with GEO 4 1.3.1 Advantages 4 1.3.2 Disadvantages 5 1.4 What the terrestrial mobile phone companies did to cope with their narrow service region 5 1.5 What market did Iridium try to target? 5 1.6 How mobile phone companies developed “substitute services” for Iridium 5 2.0 Part 2 (Essay). 6 2.1 Mobile Computing 6 2.1.1 Introduction 6 2.1.2 Mobile computing currently 7 2.1.3 Lessons learnt from mobile computing 9 2.1.4 Issues in mobile computing and strategies to navigate through those issues 10 1.0 Part 1 (Case Study). 1.1 Problems of mobile phone services during the 1990s The introduction of PCS and cellular phones made communication easier. But this came with its fair share of challenges. During the 1990s mobile phone companies lacked adequate infrastructure to meet consumers’ needs. For instance, the mobile phone companies lacked enough cell sites to provide the bandwidth necessary for providing basic services to the mobile phone users hence communication would break down in the middle of the conversation (Lim, Klein & Thatcher 2005, p.49). This means that the signal quality was poor. Mobile phone users experience disconnections and unstable voices during communication. The use of different communication technologies within and across countries by mobile phone companies presented problems to mobile phone users in that whenever they are travelling they found it hard to communicate or they had to pay roaming fees to enjoy connection (Lim, Klein & Thatcher 2005, p.49). Mobile phone companies made phones embedded with technologies that were specific to countries in that a phone for country A won’t function in country B. This also meant that whenever the users were travelling abroad they had to lease or purchase a new gadget in order to access mobile phone services (Lim, Klein & Thatcher 2005, p.49). 1.2 Advantages of the satellite phone services over the cell or PCS mobile phone services Satellite phones were adopted in responding to the challenges of using cell or PCS mobile phones. They were to eliminate the challenges of poor signal quality, infrastructure and roaming challenges that infected the cell and PCS mobile phones. The satellite phones have more bandwidth in comparison to cell phones and thus enable stable voice and faster transmission of data (Lim, Klein & Thatcher 2005, p.49). The satellite phones are endowed with adequate infrastructure enabling compatibility across networks hence no roaming fees are charged as one can use the same handset anywhere in the world to access services. This network compatibility capability is due to its global spanning infrastructure (Lim, Klein & Thatcher 2005, p.49). 1.3 The advantages and disadvantages of LEO compared with GEO LEO and GEO are acronyms standing for Low Earth Orbit and Geo-synchronous Earth Orbit respectively. The two types of satellite systems are differentiated in terms of the distance they orbit from the earth’s surface, The LEO system orbit at a maximum of 1,800 miles from the earth’s surface whereas the GEO system orbits at a maximum of 22,300 miles from the earth’s surface (Lim, Klein & Thatcher 2005, p.50). 1.3.1 Advantages LEO satellites offer strong signal strength compared to GEO satellites which offer weak signals (Lim, Klein & Thatcher 2005, p. 50). This is because this system of satellite orbits at a shorter distance from the earth’s surface. Because of the strong signal, LEO satellites are capable of utilizing phones that use small omni-directional antenna (Lim, Klein & Thatcher 2005, p. 50). 1.3.2 Disadvantages Because of their relatively shorter distance from the earth, LEO satellites move more rapidly hence require systems that could constantly switch users’ signals from one satellite to another (Lim, Klein & Thatcher 2005, p. 50). This presents more technical expenses. LEO satellites have a shorter lifespan of 5 years compared to the longer lifespan of 15 years and thus degrade faster compared to the GEO satellites. LEO are expensive since they wear out too quickly than GEO satellites and thus are replaced more often compared to GEO satellites (Lim, Klein & Thatcher 2005, p. 50). 1.4 What the terrestrial mobile phone companies did to cope with their narrow service region They started offering phone packages that included unlimited minutes and stopped charging roaming fees (Lim, Klein & Thatcher 2005, p. 49). They lowered call rates making it cheaper to communicate compared to when one is using a satellite phone (Lim, Klein & Thatcher 2005 p. 49). 1.5 What market did Iridium try to target? It tried to target large corporate customers who included oil and aviation companies. Iridium ignored small businesses and residents of remote regions (Lim, Klein & Thatcher 2005, p. 53). 1.6 How mobile phone companies developed “substitute services” for Iridium They lowered costs incurred by customers through introducing low air-time fees and reducing start-up costs for the customers. Mobile phone companies also addressed the challenge of poor signal quality (Lim, Klein & Thatcher 2005, p. 53). Customers were no longer subjected to roaming fees as it was abolished. (Lim, Klein & Thatcher 2005, p. 53). 2.0 Part 2 (Essay). 2.1 Mobile Computing 2.1.1 Introduction Mobile computing can simply be defined as computing in an environment that has the capability of physical mobility. The user of mobile computing in this case has access to information from any gadget in any network while on transit (Talukder, Ahmed & Yavagal 2010, p. 5). It entails using computing systems that can be easily relocated physically and their computing abilities can still be utilized while they are being relocated. Mobile computing systems exhibit wireless network connectivity, small sizes, mobility in nature and suitability for use by users in transit (B’Far 2003, p. 3). Mobile computing enables individuals to effectively communicate and share organizational information without being barred by physical location. This communication and interaction has been made possible by use of mobile computing devices such as smart phones, laptops, tablet PCs, personal digital assistant among others. These portable devices are able to interact with non-mobile information systems at the work place while the user is away from the workplace (Talukder, Ahmed & Yavagal 2010, p. 9). Thus mobile computing improves data accessibility, increases operational efficiency and boosts the effectiveness of management. The technology has faced challenges in terms of disconnections due to low bandwidth, security risk of user information, power, and minimized user interface among others. Through innovations these challenges are being navigated. 2.1.2 Mobile computing currently Today’s mobile computing was conceived way back in 1897 when Guglielmo Marconi invented the ability of the radio to offer continuous contact with ships in the English Channel. In 1905 the first distress was sent utilizing the Morse Code. In the year 1947 the idea of cellular phones was in the mind of many of the researchers at AT&T Bell labs prompting the AT&T to make a request to the Federal Communication Commission requesting for the allocation of a high number of radio-spectrum frequencies to make that idea of cellular phones possible (Dasbit & Sikdar 2009, p. 1). The first wireless network was put to practice in Germany in 1958 and adopted the name A-Netz. In 1973, the first mobile phone handset was invent by Martin Cooper of Motorola and AT&T Bell labs built a prototype of a public cellular network in 1977. In 1990 IEEE 802 executive committee established 802.11 working group in efforts to create a wireless LAN standard and in the year 1997 the same was approved as the world’s first wireless LAN standard (Dasbit & Sikdar 2009, p. 2). Mobile computing devices currently include personal digital assistant, a smart cell phone that is web enabled, a laptop computer, a tablet or any other device that allows the user to compute while on the move (Talukder, Ahmed & Yavagal 2010, p. 6). Currently mobile computing has been made possible by the synchronization of mobile communications and computer technologies such as mobile phones, PDA, handheld and portable computers, wireless local area networks (WLAN) and wireless ATMs (Zaslavsky & Tari 1998, p. 1). With the advancement in technology mobile devices have made it possible for users to compute from anywhere. For instance this new technology of mobile computing makes it possible for users to access the internet, send and receive mails, stream live videos, update documents and take photographs. Due to high demand of mobile computing capabilities manufactures of smart mobile devices have invented and innovated devices equipping them with high class applications. Smart mobile phones that are capable of performing same tasks as computers at the same rate. With these innovations in mobile computing users have been enabled to do transactions from the comfort of their locations by using mobile computing devices. This has seen improvements in the transport sector, with mobile computing devices that transmit data in advance concerning maintenance requirements, their position can also be computed using this devices and also utilizing nearby networks for guidance to prevent accidents. In the health sector information concerning patients is shared using mobile computing devices and also patients can access the doctor using their devices for instance mobile phones. Financially businesses make payments by using their handsets. Sales people are also using their tablets and smart phones to access and transmit information (Cai 2005, p. 5). Mobile computing has also seen on time transmission of events. Case in point being during the Iraqi operation by US troops where satellite phone services made it possible to transmit the happenings in the battlefield by using videophones fitted with satellite antennae (Lim, Klein & Thatcher 2005, p. 49). Mobile computing has also found its way into the construction industry as well as the education sector where learners interact with their lecturers across a vast geographical area via mobile computing devices. Mobile computing technology has proved worth in the provision of learner-centered learning. Utilizing these technologies students have been enabled to share information, collaborate and coordinate their works (Liu 2007, p.109). 2.1.3 Lessons learnt from mobile computing From the use of mobile computing technologies a lot can be inferred from the same in terms of lessons learned. Mobile computing improves efficiency in operations. For instance in the educational sector use of wireless mobile devices improve student learning achievements. Application of mobile computing technology in learning has also been found out to enhance students’ learning processes and boost students’ conceptual understanding (Liu 2007, p. 109). Mobile computing has been applauded as enabling communication and access to data be it the user is on the move or at home without having to physically travel to the source. To achieve this, the technology needs to be managed and for that matter managed in a way that is effective. Good management goes a long way in ensuring that the technology succeeds in making improvements wherever it is being used. Otherwise if badly managed technology can otherwise fail. Iridium the satellite phone company was a promising mobile computing technology but due to poor management and poor positioning strategically it failed. This point to the fact that even though technology makes work easier and faster it requires to be managed properly (Lim, Klein & Thatcher 2005, p. 52). It can also be learned from this case that costs have a very strong bearing on the success of an innovation especially in mobile computing. The technology in order for it to succeed it has to position itself strategically in the market and identify the likely customer base to target. The Iridium satellite phone services failed to gain a broad customer base because it targeted the wrong market niche hence losing on a larger market base ((Lim, Klein & Thatcher 2005, p. 53). Mobile computing has enabled location flexibility in that users have it easier and possible to work from wherever they may be. Workers in carrying out their duties are no longer restricted by location. Mobile computing has to a grater extend reduced the working costs by saving on time. It has eliminated the travelling costs. It is also through mobile computing that informative material can be accessed. It has enabled sharing of information across regions (Dasbit & Sikdar 2009 p. 92). 2.1.4 Issues in mobile computing and strategies to navigate through those issues Mobile computing faces challenges which form key issues in its success. These challenges include wireless communication facing challenges such as signal blockage among others, privacy is hindered as eavesdropping is possible, disconnections, security risk, low power, small user interface among many more (Mannade & Bhande 2013, p. 3110-3114). Hackers have hacked and obtained information in fact stealing vital data from companies. This has been a major stumbling block in the rolling out of mobile computing services. These challenges among others can be navigated by having effective strategies. Low bandwidth results to disconnections and interruptions. This can be improved by logging and compressing data before transmission. The small user interface challenge has been navigated by the creation of smart mobile devices with enhanced screens. Caching mechanisms have also been used to enable mobile devices to self-cure themselves by storing data across other devices. Devices that consume less power with powerful batteries have been invented to save on power of mobile devices. Mobile computing networks have also been made in a way that unauthorized users cannot access confidential information of any particular user (Goswami 2013, pp. 853 & 854). 3.0 References B’Far, R 2003, Mobile computing principles: Designing and developing mobile applications with UML and XML, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. Cai, Y 2005, Past, present and future of mobile computing, University of Colorado, Colorado. Dasbit, S & Sikdar, B 2009, Mobile computing, 2nd edition, PHI Learning, New Delhi Goswami, D 2013, Mobile computing, International Journal of Advanced Research in Computer Science & Software Engineering, vol. 3, no. 9, pp. 846-855. Lim, J, Klein, R & Thatcher, J 2005, ‘Good technology, bad management: A case study of the satellite phone industry’, Journal of Information Technology Management, vol. 16, no. 2, pp. 48-55. Liu, TC 2007, Teaching in a wireless learning environment: A case study, Educational Technology & Society, vol. 10, no. 1, pp. 107-123. Manmade, RB & Bhande, AB 2013, Challenges of mobile computing: An overview, International Journal of Advanced Research in Computer and Communication Engineering, vol. 2, no. 8, pp. 3109-3114. Talukder, A, Ahmed, H & Yavagal, RR 2010, Mobile computing: Technology, applications and service creation, 2nd edition, Tata McGraw Hill, New Delhi. Zaslavsky, A & Tari, Z 1998, mobile computing: Overview and Current status, Australian Computer Journal, pp1-11 Read More

The satellite phones are endowed with adequate infrastructure enabling compatibility across networks hence no roaming fees are charged as one can use the same handset anywhere in the world to access services. This network compatibility capability is due to its global spanning infrastructure (Lim, Klein & Thatcher 2005, p.49). 1.3 The advantages and disadvantages of LEO compared with GEO LEO and GEO are acronyms standing for Low Earth Orbit and Geo-synchronous Earth Orbit respectively. The two types of satellite systems are differentiated in terms of the distance they orbit from the earth’s surface, The LEO system orbit at a maximum of 1,800 miles from the earth’s surface whereas the GEO system orbits at a maximum of 22,300 miles from the earth’s surface (Lim, Klein & Thatcher 2005, p.50). 1.3.1 Advantages LEO satellites offer strong signal strength compared to GEO satellites which offer weak signals (Lim, Klein & Thatcher 2005, p. 50). This is because this system of satellite orbits at a shorter distance from the earth’s surface.

Because of the strong signal, LEO satellites are capable of utilizing phones that use small omni-directional antenna (Lim, Klein & Thatcher 2005, p. 50). 1.3.2 Disadvantages Because of their relatively shorter distance from the earth, LEO satellites move more rapidly hence require systems that could constantly switch users’ signals from one satellite to another (Lim, Klein & Thatcher 2005, p. 50). This presents more technical expenses. LEO satellites have a shorter lifespan of 5 years compared to the longer lifespan of 15 years and thus degrade faster compared to the GEO satellites.

LEO are expensive since they wear out too quickly than GEO satellites and thus are replaced more often compared to GEO satellites (Lim, Klein & Thatcher 2005, p. 50). 1.4 What the terrestrial mobile phone companies did to cope with their narrow service region They started offering phone packages that included unlimited minutes and stopped charging roaming fees (Lim, Klein & Thatcher 2005, p. 49). They lowered call rates making it cheaper to communicate compared to when one is using a satellite phone (Lim, Klein & Thatcher 2005 p. 49). 1.

5 What market did Iridium try to target? It tried to target large corporate customers who included oil and aviation companies. Iridium ignored small businesses and residents of remote regions (Lim, Klein & Thatcher 2005, p. 53). 1.6 How mobile phone companies developed “substitute services” for Iridium They lowered costs incurred by customers through introducing low air-time fees and reducing start-up costs for the customers. Mobile phone companies also addressed the challenge of poor signal quality (Lim, Klein & Thatcher 2005, p. 53). Customers were no longer subjected to roaming fees as it was abolished.

(Lim, Klein & Thatcher 2005, p. 53). 2.0 Part 2 (Essay). 2.1 Mobile Computing 2.1.1 Introduction Mobile computing can simply be defined as computing in an environment that has the capability of physical mobility. The user of mobile computing in this case has access to information from any gadget in any network while on transit (Talukder, Ahmed & Yavagal 2010, p. 5). It entails using computing systems that can be easily relocated physically and their computing abilities can still be utilized while they are being relocated.

Mobile computing systems exhibit wireless network connectivity, small sizes, mobility in nature and suitability for use by users in transit (B’Far 2003, p. 3). Mobile computing enables individuals to effectively communicate and share organizational information without being barred by physical location. This communication and interaction has been made possible by use of mobile computing devices such as smart phones, laptops, tablet PCs, personal digital assistant among others. These portable devices are able to interact with non-mobile information systems at the work place while the user is away from the workplace (Talukder, Ahmed & Yavagal 2010, p. 9).

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