Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
must be in geosynchronous orbit, which means it moves around the earth at the
same rate that the earth turns, so that the satellite appears to be stationary. Mead-
ow (2006, 84) describes a communication satellite as being “like a very tall tower
that can receive radio signals and retransmit them.” Most satellites are about
22,300 miles above the earth.
Wireless Telephone
The wireless telephone or cell phone was invented in 1947 as a mobile radio
connected to a telephone system. Range for use was very limited, but the first cel-
lular phone system was initiated in 1979 in Tokyo. The U.S. government approved
the use of cellular phones in the United States in 1982. Cell phones provided the
capability to connect with the Internet, send and receive text messages, download
software, receive and send pictures, and play recorded music, as well as providing
telephone service.
Currently the cell phone has evolved into a multipurpose information receiver,
recorder, and disseminator. Most smart phones have the capability of taking still
photographs and video motion pictures. They can send and receive text messages
as well as telephone calls. Cell phones can access the Internet as well as send and
receive e-mail. It is now possible for people to communicate with others wherever
they are able to receive radio signals and to receive and transmit oral messages,
photographs, and motion pictures. As noted above, television programming can
also be received via the Internet on cell phones.
Information Infrastructure Evolution Summary
The information infrastructure includes a wide array of technologies, personnel,
and conveyances. The transfer of documents and printed resources requires ef-
ficient transportation systems. The transfer of digital information requires soph-
isticated technologies to transmit information instantaneously worldwide. Informa-
tion transfer dates from the primitive drawings by prehistoric humans and was en-
hanced immeasurably by the invention of the printing press in the 15th century.
Since then, the improvement in transportation and communication technologies
has resulted in a proliferation of media.
The merging of communication technologies has provided easier access to
information consumers. For example, through the capabilities provided by com-
munication satellites and wireless telephone technologies, people throughout the
world have access to the Internet via their cell phones. Smart phones combine the
telephone with computers, photography, radio, television, and audio/video record-
ings. Furthermore, through these communication technologies, individuals may
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