[EAS]Cell Phone Ecology

[pjk]

Subject:   Cell Phone Ecology

Two somewhat poignantly juxtaposed items.  --PJK
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(from Edupage, May 08, 2002)

AMERICAN UNIVERSITY MAY END WIRED PHONE SERVICE
Officials at American University in Washington, D.C., are
considering phasing out the wired phone service currently offered in
student dormitories. Because so many students have cell phones, and
because a new wireless network being installed this summer can
support cell phone signals as well as other data transmissions,
administrators question whether they need to continue providing
wired phone service for students. The university solicited student
comments, which included concerns about hardware compatibility,
cost, and portability of phone numbers. Unlike a voice-over-IP phone
network, for which the phones only work on that network, American's
service would work with cell phones that work on public networks.
Chronicle of Higher Education, 8 May 2002
http://chronicle.com/free/2002/05/2002050801t.htm

STUDY RAISES ISSUE OF POLLUTION FROM CELL PHONES
Inform, an environmental research organization, has produced a study
that warns of the environmental and public health implications of
the disposal of cellular phones. Similar to PCs, cell phones include
parts that contain toxic metals and other harmful materials,
presenting a challenge for disposal. Industry sources estimate the
number of cell phone users at 135 million, growing to 200 million by
2005. According to the study, most cell phones are kept an average
of 18 months, and within three years Americans will be throwing away
130 million cell phones a year. The study recommends that efforts,
such as "take back" programs that keep cell phones out of landfills,
be instituted to manage the disposal. Some states have proposed
legislation requiring manufacturers to pay for the disposal of
electronic devices.
Wired News, 7 May 2002
http://www.wired.com/news/technology/0,1282,52375,00.html