Cellular and PCS telephones will be the predominant mobile communications technologies for the foreseeable future. This does not mean to imply that cellular is superior to other technologies, only that it is more prevalent. With nearly 1 billion users worldwide, there is no close second. These mobile technologies are currently facing a major evolution in many areas, however, including the technical and business sectors, because they provide the economical means for realization of not only mobile computing, but also many other applications ranging from financial and retail communications to remote control and signaling.

Recent technology, whether it’s TDMA, CDMA, or GSM has experienced severe physical layer and user interface constraints. Wireless data transmission is limited to relatively low speeds, 19.2 Kbps or less. Cellular display applications for data are limited to text messaging through SMS or WAP. There is a wide disparity  between  browser  applications.  Some  simple graphics can be accomplished with WAP applications on some phones, whereas i-Mode in Japan offers extensive graphics including color displays on PDC phones,* even though the data rates are similar. As GPRS is launched on GSM networks, users will finally be able to access data at speeds superior to traditional dial-up Internet service, approaching 115 Kbps.

With the launch of next-generation cellular systems and 3G systems, users will have greater choice for data communications.  New modems will be commercially available to take advantage of higher bandwidth networks, and packet data will replace circuit-switched data. Choices will include either SMS or a wireless modem using packet data at higher speeds. New high-speed  data  capabilities  will  provide  the  platform  for mobile multimedia services, access to corporate LANs, and financial transactions from a mobile terminal. The type of service will determine the best data service to use. Many applications will find SMS satisfactory even if a modem is available for high data-rate service. And those that must use analog cellular will still have CDPD.

Some cellular-based products will bear little resemblance to a cellular phone at all, such as PCMCIA modems that incorporate a cellular phone without voice capabilities. In addition to standard products, custom products will be available for wireless remote data and control applications.

* PDC in Japan is very similar to North American TDMA.