Final answer:
Mobile phones, also known as cell phones, have changed communication patterns, with users now favoring messaging over calling. Technological developments have led to more choices and cheaper services, but also challenges in disconnecting from work and maintaining attention. Shared-phone programs highlight mobile technology's role in connecting services with users worldwide.
Step-by-step explanation:
Various terms are used to describe mobile communication devices, such as cell phone and mobile phone. These devices have evolved drastically with technological advancements, impacting how individuals communicate and access services. For instance, a survey conducted in October 2020 highlighted that 54 percent of users preferred messaging over making calls, which only 40 percent of respondents did. This shift in communication preferences can be attributed to the natural progression of technology and societal changes. Cell phones are equipped with a radio receiver and a weak radio transmitter that allows them to connect to broadcast towers and switch connections seamlessly between cells for mobile use.
The dependency on smartphones has increased over the years. Changing norms around mobile phone usage encouraged quieter forms of communication like texting. Moreover, improvements in technology such as microwave transmission, communications satellites, and other wireless innovations have resulted in more consumer choices, cheaper and better-quality phone services. The impact of these changes is prevalent in daily life, wherein 67% of users check their phones for messages or calls even when the phone didn't ring. However, at the same time, Smith (2012) reports that cell phone use has made it difficult for some users to disconnect from work and maintain focus on single tasks without distractions.
Furthermore, the rise of mobile phones has opened new opportunities in various regions, as seen with shared-phone programs funded by companies like Vodafone and initiatives to provide mobile banking services to those without bank accounts. This global connectivity emphasizes the critical role of mobile technology in innovation and entrepreneurship across nations.