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The core ideas for mobile phone networks (cells of radio towers, switching networks, etc), were explored in the 40s through the 60s and the first mobile phone p
by reportingsjr 6y ago
The core ideas for mobile phone networks (cells of radio towers, switching networks, etc), were explored in the 40s through the 60s and the first mobile phone prototype that kind of matches what we think of was created in the early 70s.
Mobile phones didn't gain popularity until the mid 90s, twenty years after the prototype and about 50 (!) years after the first rough tests. Mobile phones didn't gain widespread use until the 2000s even.
To say they only took 7 years to be adopted is ridiculous and ignores a ton of work that went it to developing them and making them useful.
- petra 6y agoWhat factors held mobile phones from adoption ?
- tossAfterUsing 6y agoI'm sure there are many, but cellular network coverage (industrial) and products to connect easily to it (consumer) both seem like limiting factors.
- virgilp 6y agoInitially? Size, cost of the hardware, cost of the service, coverage. Size became a non-issue relatively quickly, but it took quite a while for the service to be affordable & have good coverage.
- detritus 6y agoI'm thinking OP is conflating smartphone uptake with mobile phones generally, perhaps belying their age...