By
Steve Jackson
Telstreet
It used to be that everybody asked themselves, "Should I get a
wireless phone?" Now, there's an added question: "Should I get a
digital phone?"
Increasingly the answer to both questions is "Yes." Millions
have realized the convenience offered by wireless phones. And many people
are realizing that digital phones do offer many advantages over
traditional analog phones. From better sound quality to advanced features
like wireless Internet access, digital phones are prepared to dominate the
wireless industry.
Clearer sound
While the traditional analog phones were convenient, they were also
frequently annoying. The sound was scratchy and full of static, and the
signal frequently faded in and out. Digital phones offer crystal-clear
sound that is as good as or better than the sound you get from any
land-based phone.
Improved security
A few high-profile news stories, such as the time when tape recordings of
private conversations between Newt Gingrich and his political advisers
were released, highlighted some of the security risks associated with
analog phones. Anyone with a scanner could pick up an analog phone's
signals, and identifying serial numbers could be stolen and used to place
fraudulent calls.
Those concerns are no more with digital phones. Digital signals are
scrambled - the method depends on the particular digital format a
particular phone uses - so that the calls are unintelligible to anyone
listening in. Identifying codes that allow the cellular network to
recognize your phone are encrypted as well, meaning that someone trying to
intercept your phone's ID code would get nothing but gibberish. Because of
these security enhancements, the incidences of wireless fraud have dropped
dramatically.
Increased battery life
With analog phones, a battery that provided more than a couple hours of
talk time and 24 hours of standby time was pretty hefty. Digital phones
are capable of lasting much longer between recharges. Digital signals
require significantly less power to transmit than analog phones, meaning
batteries last considerably longer. Some digital phones will provide up to
four hours of talk time and eight days of standby time.
Enhanced features
The most advanced analog phone can't measure up to even the most basic
digital phone when it comes to features. Analog phones are good for making
phone calls, and that's about it. Some analog phones do include a few
basic call management features, such as call waiting, voice mail access, a
small phonebook and perhaps Caller ID. Almost all digital phones contain
these features, plus others such as alphanumeric paging, expanded
phonebooks and even personal organizers and data capabilities that let you
exchange information between your phone and your computer. The latest
digital phones even offer wireless Internet access.
A promising future
Considering all that today's digital wireless phones are capable of, it's
important to remember that they hit the market only a couple of years ago.
The possibilities for the future are astounding. Wireless Internet access
has become a reality and is destined to turn the digital phone into the
ultimate communications device. Advanced phones equipped with a special
"mini-browser" can access certain Web sites, and they can
receive updates from Internet news and information services. These phones
can also serve as a wireless modem for laptop computers and other PDA-type
devices.
In addition to this new capability, some digital phones are now
combining the features of a PDA (personal digital assistant) with a phone,
allowing you to get more done with less equipment.
As exciting as all of this new technology sounds, it is hard to realize
that we are just seeing the beginning of what digital phones have to
offer. Beyond this, who knows?
