cell phone

A mobile telephone that uses wireless technology, it is considered indispensable for road warriors, modern mothers, teenagers, and those who work in the industry. Also known as a handy (short for handheld), many cell phones are capable of receiving text-based messages (such as texting and e-mail) in addition to incoming calls. A friend may say to you, "Call me on my cell." Note: A pager is not the same as a cell phone ;-)

Figuring out all of the specific jargon as it relates to the cell phone carriers can be baffling! For example, Verizon and Sprint refer to their high-speed capability as "EVDO" and Cingular calles their "HSDPA." T-Mobile doesn't have a network in this speed class so instead you will hear about "EDGE."

Cell phone technology continues to get cheaper, faster, better. The first commercial cell phone service was activated on October 13th, 1983. In 1987, the monthly average of a U.S. cell phone bill was $96.85; in 1998, it was $39.43. In honor of the 25th anniversary of the cell phone, CTIA-The Wireless Association in conjunction with Harris Interactive released a study on cell phone use by teenagers called "Teenagers: A Generation Unplugged." The survey polled U.S. teenagers aged 13-19 about cell phones, texting, perceptions, and attitudes. The full study is below, here are a few highlights:

• 57% agree or somewhat agree that the cell phone has improved their quality of life.
• 18% agree or somewhat agree that the cell phone has positively influenced their education.
• 35% have used their cell phone to reach out to someone in need (good Samaritan)
• 41% are concerned about privacy and security issues when using my mobile.
• 57% of Smartphone users and 29% of regular cell phone users said they carry their cell phone because it is how they stay connected to their "world".
• 59% of Smartphone users and 37% of regular cell phone users said they carry their cell phone because it is an indicator of their personal style.
• Overall a teenagers cell phone ranked 2nd only to clothing, in determining their social status.
• 42% of teenagers said they could text message blindfolded!
• The younger the teen, the more likely they are to choose text messaging over talking on the phone to someone.
• The #1 reason why teens liked text messaging was because it allowed them to multitask.
• Teens are not selecting text messaging to save money.
• Females are much more likely to text messaging than males, and find the ability to text message to be more significant in their lives than males.
• 66% want cell phones to provide the freedom to get an education from any location on earth.
• 63% want cell phones to bring the world closer by better understanding global issues.
• 28% of teens are browsing the web on their cell phones.
• 59% of teens are willing to provide their profile information to businesses that advertise on cell phones!
• The ideal cell phone for teenagers would include; mp3 player, GPS, Desktop/Laptop computer, portable video player, and access to your desktop/laptop computer files from anywhere!

Historical perspective: In 2007, in the U.S. there were 255.4 million total cell phone users or 84% of all Americans. Worldwide there were 1.2 billion cell phone users and that number was projected to reach 3.6 billion by 2010.

For the largest list of Internet acronyms and text message jargon, click on "more info" below!