SECOND GENERATION PHONES.

The 1990’s brought with it a drastically improved trend in the quality of mobile phones; known as the ‘second generation’. The early decade signalled a decline in the ‘brick’ image, and a move to a much more aesthetically pleasing device – ending the ridicule that many endured when publicly using their phones. The development of smaller and higher energy batteries meant the exercise of ‘charging’ phones in an independent ‘docking’ panel became redundant. However, the main aberration from the mobile technology that preceded it, was that second generation phones used a digital signal rather than an analogue one, which gave a clearer and more lucid communicative experience.

In 1992 mobile phone users were introduced to ‘SMS’ text messaging, in which individuals could send short typed messages to each other via their mobile phones. However, the early technology meant friends wanting to exchange messages had to be on the same network – this held back the technology for some years, until, in 1999, the restrictions on same-network-messaging were lifted and the phenomena began to grow. This new way of communicating left individuals, especially youngsters, feeling that their weekly or monthly ‘top-ups’ were lasting longer then if they used the credit to ring a friend multiple times. This second generation of mobile phone became extremely popular with a youth audience as it offered extra functions, including downloadable ringtones, games such as the infamous ‘Snake’, calendars and calculators. Nokia released the ‘5210’ model which was greeted with acclaim, yet it was the company’s sleek and rounded ‘3210’ model that became incredibly sought after, fashionable, and trendy. In 1998, more mobile phones were sold in Britain then cars and computers, and in 1999, users could switch networks without having to change numbers.