Once cell phones became capable of doing more than just managing phone calls, consumers knew exactly what they wanted next – internet browsing capabilities. Businesses were actually the first major purchaser of phones with technology that provided much more than merely being able to provide a means of keeping in touch with their sales force while on the road. They wanted, and demanded, a cellphone internet connection.
The original phones used what was called Edge technology. Very slow, very unreliable, but better than nothing. It not only allowed users to check their email on the run, it did allow some simple albeit fairly archaic (related to newer technological advances) web browsing and internet connections.
As technology improved, web pages became easier to read. More graphics were introduced as opposed to being forced into viewing what had become known as “mobile pages” – typically nothing more than text taken from the original web page and shown on the cell phone.
Once speeds increased, 3G was introduced. Although certain carriers tend to have better coverage and more reliable connection speeds, the phone itself has a lot to do with what you are actually seeing once you get to the web page or email your want to view. For instance, a cell phone with internet and email capabilities has a more simplistic technology to allow you to view these pages, in comparison to smart phones that present a much more computer-like user experience.
Even with the recent introduction of 4G, nothing is guaranteed. Certain locations will always have spotty reception, and there will always be the occasion where the more you need to find something on the internet, the less likely you’ll be able to do it because of the weather, location, or possible problems with the carrier’s own network.
If you really need and want quality internet on the go, choose a smart phone over a regular cell phone.
Tags: edge technology, internet connections, phone with internet, smart phones