MONTREAL 0 Pierre Robitaille, at 86 years old, reflects on his experiences as one of Canada's early adopters of cellular technology, recalling his initial embarrassment in 1985 when he used a cumbersome mobile device that required its own carrying case. Robitaille signed up for a wireless plan soon after they became available on July 1, 1985, motivated by his profession as an electrician, which necessitated constant communication with colleagues and clients at various job sites.
His journey into mobile communication began with a car phone, eventually transitioning to early handheld devices that came in suitcase-like forms. Robitaille describes these early mobile phones as “not very heavy but big and embarrassing,” conveying the contrast between then and now. The first wireless call in Canada was made by Toronto's mayor, Art Eggleton, using a 10-pound mobile phone to contact Montreal's mayor, Jean Drapeau, marking a milestone in telecommunications history.
Initially, telecommunications company Rogers reported that mobile networks in Canada managed about 100 calls per day in their first month of operation. This number has drastically increased over the years, with current statistics indicating that it has escalated to 100 million calls daily, alongside 6.5 billion megabytes of data usage on Rogers’ network alone.
Another early adopter of mobile technology, Peter Kent from Oakville, Ontario, was introduced to the concept through his employer. He vividly recalls the professional installation of his car phone, which came with a hefty cost of approximately $3,500. Initially hesitant about the new technology, Kent later appreciated having the ability to make calls while on the move. He shares a personal anecdote of a phone call made from his mother-in-law's driveway, which astonished her to see him talking from within his car.
Eric Smith, a senior vice-president for the Canadian Telecommunications Association, explains that early commercial cellular services were confined to voice calling in urban settings and relied on large, bulky devices with limited battery life. Users faced per-minute charges for calls. Smith notes the evolution of mobile technology over the past 40 years, highlighting that today’s smartphones function as pocket-sized computers capable of much more than voice communication. Presently, approximately 99 percent of populated areas in Canada have some form of mobile coverage.
Smith reflects on initial skepticism regarding whether cellular services would gain widespread acceptance, emphasizing the massive investments required by companies to establish this infrastructure across Canada's vast geography. Despite the challenges, the success of cellular technology has far exceeded early expectations as devices transitioned from simple calling to multifaceted smartphones offering myriad features, including photography and GPS functionality.
However, challenges still loom over the Canadian telecommunications landscape, such as inadequate connectivity in rural locations and regulatory hurdles that discourage investment. Recent years have sparked debates regarding cellphone usage among children, resulting in bans in various educational institutions, including a statewide prohibition in Quebec on elementary and high school premises.
Robitaille recognizes the duality of cellphone use, acknowledging both its advantages and disadvantages in society. He notes the potential issues surrounding children’s access to sensitive content while underscoring the importance of his phone for maintaining contact with family and friends as a senior living alone. Kent believes that despite the pressure to be constantly connected, cellphones have significantly streamlined life in Canada, expressing contentment with acquiring a device only in adulthood.
Smith indicates that the mobile industry continues to evolve, pushing boundaries beyond traditional phones. With increased connectivity extending to various devices, from vehicles to appliances, the Internet of Things is embracing a wider array of applications in sectors like agriculture and mining. As we look to the future, the advancements in technology driven by enhanced computing capabilities and innovation remain uncertain, with Smith expressing excitement about the potential developments yet to come.
