Yesbob012345 said:If Ma Bell had not been broken up would we have smartphones today?
I know this is the GD forum, but can you please provide some supporting links for this type of debate?bob012345 said:If Ma Bell had not been broken up would we have smartphones today?
It's a question for thought so I do I have to have a firm position? If you require one I would guess no, but we would have very small high tech landlines.berkeman said:I know this is the GD forum, but can you please provide some supporting links for this type of debate?
(Disclaimer -- I went through Graduate School on a Bell Labs scholarship and worked for Bell for a few years...)
It doesn't strike me that one thing has anything to do with the other. Can you explain why you might think there could be a connection?bob012345 said:If Ma Bell had not been broken up would we have smartphones today?
I suppose radio telephones could have independently morphed into modern smartphones competing with Ma Bell.russ_watters said:It doesn't strike me that one thing has anything to do with the other. Can you explain why you might think there could be a connection?
I think you're looking at the question backwards. Look at my next post...bob012345 said:I suppose radio telephones could have independently morphed into modern smartphones competing with Ma Bell.
A car phone is a mobile radio telephone specifically designed for and fitted into an automobile. This service originated with the Bell System, and was first used in St. Louis on June 17, 1946.
How do you suppose Ma Bell would have reacted to computer companies pushing to make phones an add on to digital devices? Embrace or hinder? Or, would a wireless internet be independent of Ma Bell's reach allowing independent internet phone technology?russ_watters said:Imo, the important thing to recognize is that smart phones are not primarily phones, but mainly computers. The computer is the primary component, the phone is the add-on. That's why they came from a computer company, not a phone company.
Without looking into the details of the history, the iPhone was first released in partnership with a baby bell. I don't see why or even how they would/could hinder.bob012345 said:How do you suppose Ma Bell would have reacted to computer companies pushing to make phones an add on to digital devices? Embrace or hinder?
Ma Bell tried to suppress the development of MCI by refusing to interconnect with it. MCI sued and won. This led directly to the breakup of Bell Telephone.bob012345 said:If Ma Bell had not been broken up would we have smartphones today?
The breakup of Ma Bell, also known as the Bell System, had a significant impact on the development of smartphones. Prior to the breakup in 1984, Ma Bell had a monopoly on telecommunications in the United States, which limited competition and innovation. After the breakup, the telecommunications industry became more open to competition and new companies began to emerge, leading to advancements in technology such as the development of smartphones.
It is difficult to say for certain, but it is likely that smartphones would not have been invented without the breakup of Ma Bell. The monopoly held by Ma Bell stifled competition and limited the incentive for companies to invest in new technologies. The breakup opened the door for new companies to enter the telecommunications market and fostered an environment of competition and innovation, which ultimately led to the development of smartphones.
The breakup of Ma Bell had a significant impact on the telecommunications industry. It led to the development of new companies, increased competition, and advancements in technology. It also paved the way for the deregulation of the telecommunications industry, which allowed for more rapid innovation and growth. Today, the telecommunications industry is much more diverse and dynamic because of the breakup of Ma Bell.
The main reasons for the breakup of Ma Bell were concerns over the company's monopoly and its impact on competition in the telecommunications industry. The government argued that the breakup would promote competition and innovation, and ultimately benefit consumers. Additionally, there were concerns over the high prices and poor service provided by Ma Bell, which also contributed to the decision to break up the company.
The breakup of Ma Bell had a significant impact on consumers. It led to increased competition, which resulted in lower prices and improved services. It also opened up the market for new companies to enter and offer innovative products and services, such as smartphones. Overall, the breakup of Ma Bell benefited consumers by providing them with more choices and better telecommunications options.