Mobile Networks

Mobile Network Technology

In terms of infrastructure, mobile networks are understood as networks that provide service for wireless devices like cell phones, smart phones, and laptop operations. Several mobile network service providers offer consumers 3G networks, or the third generation of mobile technology standards. Due to the increased robustness and speed of 3G networks, users are more likely to engage in activities like downloading and searching data from the Internet, transferring data between devices, streaming multimedia, playing games, and engaging in location-based services. Some network providers and telecommunication companies are experimenting with 4G, or fourth-generation networks (such as WiMax and Long-Term Evolution–based services). These 4G networks utilize distinct network standards in order to function (for example, 802.16e for WiMax and 802.16m for Long-Term Evolution). Increased network speed and the preferred practices on these networks have also led to technological convergence in regard to mobile devices. Mobile network users rely on their cell phone as a media player, interpersonal communication device, daily planner, alarm clock, gaming console, and Internet portal. The convergence of social networks [Page 545]also tends to occur through the use of mobile devices as work and personal contacts, various forms of information, and multiple performances of identity are accessed and expressed through a single device.

A Scramble to Establish Standards

Mobile networks have been an object of concern for consumer groups, government organizations, and service providers. Some issues with networks include inadequacy of coverage, encroachment of privacy, and calls for affordability and even faster speeds for data traffic. At present, the United States lags behind other developed countries in terms of mobile broadband connectivity and 3G network penetration rates. Policy initiatives are being discussed and instituted, including the National Broadband Plan released by the Federal Communications Commission in 2010. India and China are also actively making efforts to increase their mobile network penetration and network speed in order to reach levels more equivalent to countries like Japan, South Korea, and Sweden. Researchers have been documenting and analyzing differences in mobile network infrastructure and activities in developed and developing countries. Recent findings and fieldwork show that developing countries often leapfrog technologies like the personal computer in favor of cell phone adoption. In developing countries, low-cost cellular phones are used for a variety of mediated activities like interpersonal communication, banking or wiring funds, business exchanges, and accessing information. Mobile networks and technologies, therefore, are not implemented universally or at the same rate everywhere; discrepancies of activities, infrastructure, and adoption rates exist globally.

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