Ever wondered why recent adverts for the latest smartphones make little or no mention of basic communications such as making a phone call or sending a text?
For those relying on smartphones for business, knowing that your brand new state-of-the-art mobile phone – complete with curved edges and a full metal jacket – gives you the power to view documents, share calendars, surf the web, engage with social media and stream video on the move, isn’t as good as your old mobile phone from 10 years ago when it comes to making and receiving calls and texts, may come as a surprise.
New research by Ofcom, the UK telecoms regulator, suggests today’s cutting edge smartphone technology may amount to a more powerful personal computer in your hand than you had on your desktop 20 years ago, but leading companies like Apple and Samsung are neglecting the quality of mobile connection and basic communication like phone calls and texting by concentrating on the thrills, bells and whistles. It’s a bit like buying an amazing 4G Smart TV that allows you to surf the web, send emails, play games across the internet with friends on the other side of the world, but isn’t able to tune in TV channels as good as the old black & white portable you had in your bedroom!
Under laboratory conditions, the research concluded, when popular high-end smartphones using 4G networks and cheaper non-smart phones currently on the market using a 2G network were tested, the cheaper handsets were much better at picking up weaker signals. While some smartphones require as much as a signal 10 times stronger than the best non-smart phone before they can make or receive a call.
The study has been published at a time when there is a call for mobile operators to offer better UK coverage and service. Some rural areas are completely cut off because the distance between masts offer weaker signals; and I still find it surprising whenever I lose a signal in central London.
While pressure is rightly being applied to telecoms operators to improve network coverage and infrastructure investment, maybe consumers need to play their part and consider applying pressure on mobile phone manufacturers too.
It appears design and style over quality and substance is what is leading today’s smartphone technology. This argument would back the arguments that glass and metal cases used in high-end smartphones attribute to a loss of connection, and a signal can be effected by whether you hold your smartphone with your left or right hand.
However revealing, Ofcom have refused to name and shame the worst offenders. In its defence it stated the report was to highlight broader issues and argued that the number of mobile phones tested was not sufficient to gather enough data on specific smartphones.
One of the core reasons for having a smartphone for business is to make and receive calls, texts and emails on the move. I would not like to go without my smartphone. But equally I am shocked with the findings of this report.
MF Communications can supply your business with everything it needs to communicate effectively, both internally and with your customers. The advantages of having all your business telecoms solutions with one supplier, is the savings in both time and money.
For free and impartial advice on how MF Communications can provide, maintain and support your business telecom solutions, call +44 (0)1892 514687 or visit www.mfcomm.co.uk.
