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What is PHS (Personal Handyphone System)?
PHS (Personal Handyphone System) is a mobile phone technology that was initially developed in Japan in the 1990s. Also known as Personal Access System (PAS), it provided an alternative to traditional cellular phone systems. PHS was designed to offer affordable and convenient wireless communication services to a broad range of users.
The Basic Concept of PHS
The basic concept of PHS revolves around the use of a small base station, known as a Personal Base Station (PBS), that is installed at the user’s home or office. This base station allows for wireless communication within a limited range, typically around 100-300 meters.
PHS operates in the 1880-1930 MHz frequency band, with each base station providing a specific coverage area, called a Personal Area. As users move within the Personal Area, the PHS handset automatically connects to the nearest base station, ensuring seamless communication.
Unlike traditional cellular systems that require large infrastructure and coverage areas, PHS relies on the proliferation of these small Personal Area networks to provide coverage in specific locations.
A Brief History of PHS
PHS was first introduced in Japan by NTT (Nippon Telegraph and Telephone) in 1995. It quickly gained popularity due to its affordability and the ease of setting up small Personal Area networks.
Initially, PHS technology was limited to voice communication. However, with technological advancements, data transmission capabilities were added, allowing for basic internet connectivity and messaging services.
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, PHS faced strong competition from emerging cellular systems, such as GSM and CDMA. These systems offered better coverage and data speeds, which posed challenges for PHS adoption. Despite this, PHS continued to be widely used in Japan, particularly in urban areas where the compact Personal Area networks provided reliable connectivity.
Over time, the PHS technology evolved, and more advanced versions were introduced, offering improved data speeds and additional features. However, with the advent of 3G, 4G, and now 5G mobile technologies, PHS has significantly declined in popularity and usage.
Today, PHS systems are mostly utilized in specific niche markets, such as remote rural areas and some IoT (Internet of Things) applications where low-cost wireless connectivity is required.
In conclusion, PHS, also known as Personal Handyphone System, is a mobile phone technology that allows for wireless communication within a limited range using small base stations. Introduced in Japan in the 1990s, PHS provided an affordable alternative to traditional cellular systems. While its popularity has declined with the advent of newer mobile technologies, PHS continues to find niche applications in certain areas.
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