The social effects caused by the phone and the mobile phone on society

Cell phones are without a doubt one of the most explosive developments that have taken place in the telecommunications industry. By the end of 1990, there were only 11 million cellular subscribers worldwide; Eight years later, that number has jumped to 320 million, and the International Telecommunication Union now expects it to pass 550 million by the end of next year. Penetration rates in the Nordic countries were close to 60% by September 1999, led by Finland (63%), Norway (58%), Iceland (56%) and Sweden (53%).

The growth of mobile around the world has been nothing short of amazing. China recorded a combined annual growth rate of 87% from 1995 to 1998, with other major economies such as Brazil (82%) and South Africa (67%) not far behind.

For the world’s poorest countries, cellular phones and wireless local ring systems represent the best opportunity yet to bring the power of communications to economically disadvantaged or isolated communities. Cambodia, for example, is one of only six countries in the world where cellular subscribers actually outnumber fixed-line subscribers.

There is no doubt that the mobile phone provides tremendous benefits, additional convenience, greater personal security and the ability to take advantage of “dead” time to conduct business on the go. But the picture is not all rosy. Like most modern technologies, cell phones face their share of teething problems, including concerns about environmental impact, health and safety, and of course, the social changes brought about by technology that makes us perpetually connected have a profound impact on our personal interaction.

Many cities around the world have become infested with an array of unsightly mobile antennas, which spoil once-pleasant scenery, detract from the authenticity of historic areas, and exacerbate the often overwhelming presence of intrusive urban infrastructure such as power poles, telephone lines, traffic management equipment, and signage.

Predictably, environmental complaints have been loudest in developed countries, where zoning laws, property rights and environmental obligations are often enforced more strictly, and where reliable access to a range of communication services is, however, largely a foregone conclusion. Conversely, societies in developing countries are often so grateful for modern communication infrastructure that they are happy enough (for now at least) to turn a blind eye to environmental aesthetics.

In order to avoid problems with environmental groups and local communities — which can be costly in terms of legal fees and delays in network deployment — many equipment manufacturers and operators are now working on ways to reduce the environmental impact of cellular antennas.

In the central business districts of large and modern cities, the problem can be solved relatively easily by integrating a large number of small antennas on the facades of high-rise buildings. On the other hand, in suburban and semi-rural areas, the large steel-gray structures needed to support larger cells are difficult to conceal – yet some operators have come up with innovative solutions.

In South Africa, for example, at least one operator has camouflaged GSM towers in tropical palm trees, with surprisingly successful results. Elsewhere, the tall spiers of churches and cathedrals are used to hide antennas, representing a positive solution for both the general public and religious organizations that suddenly find themselves with lucrative antenna site leasing on their hands.