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Wireless Telecommunication Facilities Master Plan - Town of Morrisville, NC – Adopted July 23, 2013
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1G 1984 Mobria Cell Phone
(Image: J. Bundy)
The Telecommunications Industry
Introduction
Telecommunications is the transmission, emission and/or reception of radio signals,
whether it is in the form of voice communications, digital images, sound bytes or other
information, via wires and cables; or via space, through radio frequencies, satellites,
microwaves, or other electromagnetic systems. Telecommunications includes the
transmission of voice, video, data, broadband, wireless and satellite technologies and
others.
Traditional landline telephone service utilizes an extensive network of copper
interconnecting lines to transmit and receive a phone call between parties. Fiber optic
and T-1 data lines increase the capabilities by delivering not only traditional telephone,
but also high-speed internet and, in some situations cable television, and are capable of
substantially more. This technology involves an extensive network of fiber optic lines
situated either above or below ground locations.
Wireless telephony, also known as wireless communications, includes mobile phones,
pagers, and two-way enhanced radio systems and relies on the combination of landlines,
cable and an extensive network of elevated antennas most typically found on
communication towers to transmit voice and data information. The evolution of this
technology is known as first, second, third, fourth and fifth generation (1G through 5G)
of wireless deployment.
Wireless handsets
During the early 1980’s, the first generation (1G) of 800
megahertz (MHz) band cellular systems was launched
nationwide. The 1G portable cell phones were boxy in
shape and operated much like an AM and FM radio
station. The 800 MHz frequency allows the radio signal
from the base station to travel between three and five
miles depending on topography and line of site between
the base stations. Customers using a cell phone knew
when they traveled outside of the service area because a
static sound on the phone similar to the sound of a weak
AM or FM radio station was heard through the handset.
The signal either faded or remained crackling until the
subscriber was within range of a transmitting base
station.
Originally, the 800 MHz band only supported an analog radio signal. Later technological
advancements allowed 800 MHz systems to also support digital customers which allows
for an increased number of subscriber transmissions per base station.