What Did We Do for Portable and Mobile Telephones Before Cell Phone Service Providers?

Before the advent of cell phone service providers, the landscape of portable and mobile telephones was quite different. In the absence of dedicated cell phone service providers, various methods and systems were utilized to provide communication on the go.

Early Mobile Telephone Service: The IMTS System

Before the cell phone service providers we know today, the mobile telephone service was primarily through the Inter-range Mobile Telephone System (IMTS). During this period, the local telephone companies constructed large towers equipped with radio systems, which were connected to the phone network. Users could communicate using two-way duplexed radio transmitters and receivers installed in their vehicles. This system was available in most parts of the United States, and similar services existed in other parts of the world.

Limited Capacity and Cost

The IMTS system was limited in capacity, with only 2-3 radio channels available per county. This meant that the service could support very few customers at a time. For instance, doctors had priority in these systems due to their need for mobile communication during travel. It often took two to three years to get service, highlighting the limited availability and long wait times.

Expensive and Monopolistic

Using the IMTS service was quite expensive. Installation of gear in a car typically cost over $1000, and usage was often charged at a rate of $43 per minute. Additionally, due to the monopolistic control of the telephone companies, private radio companies had significant difficulties in offering their services.

Private Radio Companies and Monopoly Breaking

Later, after negotiations with the telephone companies, private radio companies obtained permission to install repeaters on tall towers and connect them to the phone system. This allowed for mobile users to access the conventional phone network. However, before the breakup of ATT, the telephone companies had a virtual monopoly on what could be connected to the phone system.

Control and Breakup of the Telephone Monopoly

The government eventually realized the need to break this monopoly and forced ATT to separate into several smaller entities, including the Bell System companies. This opened up opportunities for alternative service providers to emerge and innovate in the field of mobile communication.

The Emergence of Modern Cell Phones

After the breakup of ATT and the liberalization of the phone market, new cell phone systems with advanced radio technologies emerged. These systems allowed for radio towers to cover smaller areas, creating many cells in a small area to support a larger number of users simultaneously.

Advancements in Technology

The new systems used bands around 800 MHz, which were not available in earlier systems. This led to the addition of many more channels, significantly expanding the capacity of the mobile communication network. Additionally, the transition from analog to digital systems allowed for six to eight calls to be transmitted simultaneously on one channel, making it more efficient.

Smartphones and Internet Connectivity

The development of smartphones, which could be small, portable, and capable of internet connectivity, was a significant leap forward. These advancements allowed the integration of mobile communication with digital technologies like the internet, creating the infrastructure we rely on today.

The Continued Evolution: From 2G to 5G

While the initial cell phone systems were limited, with only a few hundred customers in a few counties, the technology has continued to evolve. The transition from 2G to 3G, 4G, and now 5G has further expanded the capabilities of mobile communication, making it more reliable and efficient than ever before.

So, while we may take our smartphones for granted today, it is important to recognize the evolution of mobile communication from the early IMTS systems to the sophisticated networks we now enjoy. The journey from trunk-mounted two-way radios to handheld smartphones is a testament to the incredible progress in technology and telecommunications.