It’s incredible to believe that it has been four decades since we saw the first mobile wireless network in Canada. Today, mobile wireless networks are ubiquitous, and we rely on them heavily for our day-to-day communications, entertainment, productivity, and more. They’re ultra-fast with portable devices we take with us 24/7 that are far more that full-sized computers we used decades ago.
In celebration of the 40th anniversary of when the first mobile wireless networks were launched in Canada, the Canadian Telecommunications Association has launched a new website to commemorate the various milestones and show how far we’ve come.
Of course, the hardware itself has gone from brick-sized phones to sleek and slim all-screen devices we can slide into a pocket. Coverage is more expansive, covering even rural areas, while networks are blazing fast. While it was a challenge before to download a single song (or ringtone!), now, you can stream entire movies and music playlists on the go, play games as you would on a console at home, and even conduct video calls.
“In 1985, mobile phones could only make voice calls on analog networks, with coverage primarily in urban centres” says Robert Ghiz, President and CEO of the Canadian Telecommunications Association. “Now, mobile connectivity is the backbone of our digital economy, our social lives, and our emergency response systems. It’s hard to imagine life without it.”
Consider that back in the day, mobile phones were used primarily to make and receive calls. Today, phone calls are arguably the least popular way to use them, or even communicate. Now, it’s all about video calls, instant messaging, and social media.
Here’s a look back at how far we’ve come.
1G
The first wireless network launched was 1G, based on analog protocols and it enabled only limited phone calls from a phone that could last for about 30 minutes of talk time before it needed recharging. Speed was a measly 2.4 kbps. Coverage was limited and owning one of these devices meant you were a member of the elite (or an early adopter who saved up) since they were extremely expensive.
2G
Adding thr GSM and CDMA digital standards, 2G networks enabled SMS and limited data in addition to voice calls. Speed was up to 64kbps.
3G
The first mobile broadband network, you could now engage in web browsing, e-mail, and basic video calling from your phone. I recall attending a Rogers press event at the time when William Shatner was on hand to make the first video call on the carrier’s network. Speed? Up to 2Mbps, which was groundbreaking for the time.
4G
Now, IP-based protocols (LTE) were brought into the mix, offering true mobile broadband for the first time. This meant you could stream HD videos from your phone, game, and even participate in VoIP calling. Speeds increased dramatically to up to 100Mbps.
5G
Today, technology like millimetre waves, massive MIMO, and beamforming is used to enable speeds as fast as 2Gbps or more. This means you can enjoy activities like streaming 4K videos, participate in AR/VR entertainment, and even control autonomous vehicles from these networks.
How Has Mobile Technology Impacted Our Lives?
Mobile technology has impacted our lives in so many ways. Family and friends can remain connected, even when they live in different countries. Communicating with someone as if they’re only a few houses down is no issue. Work is easy to keep up with from anywhere, so parents no longer have to be in the office to accept that important call: they can watch their kids soccer game, even pick up the call on the way home from the car. Remote work is possible in a way it never was before. Entertainment is also more easily consumed on the go, whether it’s on the train to work or downtime in the doctor’s office waiting room. Finally, public safety is a huge benefit of mobile technology, providing emergency and disaster-based alerts, quicker access to emergencies services when needed, and greater peace-of-mind.
“As we celebrate this incredible milestone, we also look to the future,” adds Ghiz. “Canada’s continued leadership in wireless requires a policy environment that supports investment, innovation, and inclusive connectivity for all Canadians.”
Want to have some fun? Take the quiz on the website that polls you about your first-ever cell phone to see if CTA can guess what it was.