How cell phones have changed communication

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How cell phones have changed communication
Introduction
Advancement in communication technology has been one of the greatest success stories of the world. Handheld cell phones were introduced by Motorola Company in 1973 (Maggie N.p). The phone was big, heavy and expensive which made it difficult for people to access them. Through investment in research, their sizes and cost have been reduced. Smartphones with computer features have been developed in the recent times. The presence of cell phones has changed people’s lives through various ways for the better.
Connecting the World
The world is a global village lately which makes it necessary for ease of communication. Cell phones have filled this gap by providing a platform through which people communicate efficiently. According to reports by World Bank, three-quarters of people access mobile phones in the world. People from different continents can now interact and exchange ideas without necessarily meeting face to face. People can now talk with each other anywhere, any time and place.
Improved Access to Financial Services
Access to financial services had been a challenge to many people, particularly in the developing world. Banks used to charge exorbitant fees for their services which made it hard for people to save their income and access loans. The aftermath of the cell phone revolution enabled access to financial services by communication companies through giving of loans and sending money through their services.

This cheap credit has helped poor people start small businesses and build homes. M-PESA is a mobile banking service that was introduced in Kenya and has enabled more than sixty percent of Kenyans access financial services (Jack, Adam & Tavneet 357).
Assisting Farmers and Communities
Studies have shown that access to cell phones have had a positive effect on economic development mostly in rural areas. Farmers have subscribed to short message services which have made them receive professional services. This information helps households obtain information which allows them to decide on what to plant and harvest which has helped increase yields and market their products.
Saving Lives
Cell phone based health services have been developed lately. These services have allowed communities in remote areas access services and expertise of doctors using cell phones (Kannisto, Marita& Maritta 220). It has helped reduce the cost of obtaining medical assistance since field officers in rural areas use mobile phones to communicate with doctors by identifying critically ill patients. Other services provided is in the form of messages whereby patients receive text messages reminding them of when and how to take medicines. These services have been of great assistance in the prevention and treatment of HIV/ AIDS.
Access to the Internet
More sophisticated mobile phones with access to the web have been introduced lately significantly lowering the cost of internet service. The internet service has been crucial in research and studies in schools. The internet allows people to interact through sending emails and social network sites. People used to access these services through computers which were expensive due to the cost of computers.
Conclusion
The world is entirely connected through quick communication and access to information. It would be tough for people to survive without cell phones due to their impact on life. People spend a lot of time going through their cell phones to access the internet, chat with friends and entertainment. As the development of more powerful mobile phones is being carried out, more uses of the devices are being discovered thus showing their future importance.
Works Cited
Jack, William, Adam Ray, and Tavneet Suri. “Transaction networks: Evidence from mobile money in Kenya.” The American Economic Review 103.3 (2013): 356-361.
Kannisto, Kati Anneli, Marita Hannele Koivunen, and Maritta Anneli Välimäki. “Use of mobile phone text message reminders in health care services: a narrative literature review.” Journal of medical Internet research 16.10 (2014): e222.
Shiels, Maggie (21 April 2003). “BBC Interview with Martin Cooper.” N.p., 2016. TV programme.