We live in a society where information technologies regulates our societies. The use of technology has rapidly grown in the world around us and continues to grow. One of the biggest and rapidly developing concepts is Mobile and wireless technology. As poverty still exists in many parts around the world, many people thought mobile and wireless technology would not spread to the deepest pores of the world. But it did. We live in a generation where technology plays a huge role in our societies therefor I don’t think mobile and wireless technology is a concept that will fade away, it is here to stay.
According to Pinola.M (2013) a network society refers to the many different patterns of work such as social, political, economic and cultural changes are triggered by the spread of networked, digital information and communication technologies. This implies that a network society deals with information being sent between and across different frames of social groups, linking them together using certain communication technologies such as mobile and wireless technologies. Network societies grow larger the more people use mobile and wireless technologies all over the world. So what exactly are mobile and wireless technologies?
Mobile technology refers to devices which enable communication to occur on te go. They are developed mobile devices which are transportable and contain software, network operating systems and applications (Rosen, A 2007). Examples of this are mobile phones, I pads, laptops, GPS, PDA’s and many more. Mobile technology has advanced the world in many ways. People are able to communicate with people who are many miles away and are able to use technology where ever we go. Mobile phones are very easy to get hold of these days as they have become cheaper and easier to use. According to Price Check (2013) the cheapest phone in South Africa costs about R400, which is very affordable even for the individual who earns the minimum wage. Most mobile technologies require a wireless technology to aid their programs to function such as the mobile phone.
A wireless technology refers to communication of sending and receiving information/data without the use of wires or cables. Wireless communication travels through electromagnetic waves, radio frequencies, satellites and radio towers. Wireless has surely been one of the greatest inventions concerning technology. In many homes today you are able to find at least one wireless device. Remote controls, printers, Laptops, mobile phones, even the mouse for a laptop. These are all devices which have wireless technology and easier to use. One is able to print a picture from their phone onto a printer without even connecting to it to a cable.
Wireless technology can also be seen on the rise in rural areas in Africa. According to All Africa an online journal (2001) Remote wireless telecommunications LTD was seeking a license from the communications Authority of Zambia to develop Zambia’s rural areas concerned with wireless communications solutions in areas that lack landlines and cellular networks. We can already see how far and wide Mobile wireless technology can grow and many people are seeing the benefits of it.
Mobile wireless technology plays a big part in our network society. It can be used in many various institutions and this has help make procedures not only efficient but also quicker. For example many hospitals use mobile wireless technology to send information quicker instead of relying on files of papers. And doctors can interact with their patients quicker and make diagnosis easy with the help of wireless technologies. Educational facilities also make use of mobile and wireless technologies as methods for teaching and also marking information. Students are now able to send their work directly to the lecturer at the comfort of their home (Chris, J. 2013:13).
Societies are able to get information faster which means they can also react quicker. For example if catastrophe were to occur people would be able to tell the world what is happening just by writing a message or sending a video via the internet and people around the world can immediately send aid. Business communications run smoothly as many transactions can happen via wireless and mobile communications. One may be able to attend a meeting in India while he is in South Africa just by video chatting through Skype. This also applies when news reporting and many more institutions.
In conclusion using mobile and wireless technology in a network society creates freedom, opportunities, transforms our society and makes it easier to find solutions to some of the greatest challenges facing our planet. As technology usage is spreading through even the scarcest places in our societies, everyone can benefit from having a mobile and wireless technology and very soon everyone will. Imagine a world connected in real time without resorting to cables or wires, all of us will be able to open opportunities beyond our imagination.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
All Africa .2001. Zambian Rural areas targeted for wireless technology. Available:
http://www.allafrica.com/stories/200107070040.html [accessed: 4 April 2013]Chris, J. 2013.p.g13. How wireless changed the world. Chronicle Newspaper. Houston Texas
Fox. K. 2011. Pg 15. Technology in Uganda. The Guardian. British press
Jimenez. A.2013. Smart Phones aid Ugandan farmers. Available:
http://www.e-agriculture.org/news/al-jazeera-video.smartphones-come-ugandanfarmers-aid [accessed: 4 April 2013]Pinola.M .2013. The network society and wireless technology. Available:
www.mobileoffice.about.com/od/glossary/g/wireless.htm [accessed: 4 April 2013]Price Check 2013. Mobile phones in SA. Available:
www.pricecheck.co.za [accessed: 4 April 2013]Rosen, A. 2007. Mobile technologies. Available:
www.askjim.biz/answers/mobile-technologies-definition. [Accessed: 4 April 2013]
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