Smart phones have become an invaluable part of modern life. Every day, the average citizen in the United States of America spends 44 minutes talking on a cell phone. While people still use cell phones to make verbal calls, communication is changing in several exciting ways. The following guide explores the future of voice communication and cell phones.
In 2006, the average person spent 44 minutes talking on his or her cellphone. Less than 20 years earlier, the 1985 average was 24 minutes. While people did have access to cell phones in 1984, they were only used for important business and political phone calls. Since the cost per minute of an early cell phone call could be several dollars, many people restricted their use to only very important communications. Up to 2006, cell phone usage in the United States continued to increase. However, the rise of the iPhone and Android smart phone have changed the way that many people communicate with each other. With a verbal phone call, it’s only possible to speak to one person at a time.
With texting and chat applications, it’s possible to communicate with an unlimited number of individuals. In addition, text messages and chat programs are often more convenient than a traditional phone call. While there are few statistics available after 2006, several preliminary reports have shown that cell phone minute use has been on the decrease. However, the average data use in the United States has increased significantly. The average smart phone user in the United States uses 442 megabytes of data every month.
Since many smart phones allow an individual to stream video and music, this number is expected to increase in the future. Some cell phone users may have data plans that are as high as 20 gigabytes per month. While this is out of many people’s budgets, new cell phone technologies like multicasting and 4G communication will allow for increased bandwidth usage in many areas. Many developing nations like India and Pakistan use cell phones in a way the United States did in the 1980s. Since many developing nations have limited cellular infrastructure, it’s usually not possible to use large amounts of data.
However, basic phones can be a great way to enhance verbal communication. Many people in developing nations use cell phones for less than 100 minutes a month. Since many developing nations have a very low per capita income, it’s not possible for most people to afford expensive cell phones or expensive cell phone plans. Cell phones play a valuable role in developing nations. For example, they can be used by farmers to alert them to upcoming weather conditions and droughts. In addition, it’s possible to spread helpful advice to people who have limited access to information. For example, this can include information on how to combat crop pests and some types of diseases.
Verbal cell phone use is expected to grow in developing nations over the next 20 years. While smart phones have changed the way people communicate in developed nations like the United States and most of Europe, developing countries only have access to basic phones. While data usage is up in the United States, verbal calls are expected to decrease in the future.
