Shinas college of Technology

English Language Center

2017-2018, Semester-2
Project and Presentation

The Use of Smart

Phones in Oman
A requirement in the course of

Foundation program Level-4

Submitted by: Buthaina Salim Al-Salami

ID: 66J173226

Group: 2

Submitted to: Mr. Johnny Kwashie Lanyon

Date of submission:
 Table of Contents

Contents Pages

1. Cover Page ……………………………………………………………………… 1

2. Table of Contents ……………………………….……………………………….2
3. Introduction……………………………………………………………………....3

3.1. Background…………………………………………………………………...3

3.2. Purpose of study……………………………………………………………...3

3.3. Objectives……………………………………………………………………3

4. Body……………………………………………………………………………….4

4.1 Literature Review…………………………………………………….……….4 – 8

4.2 Methodology

4.2.1. Data Collection Method

4.2.2. Interview and Questionnaire Design

4.2.3. Sampling

4.3. Anticipated problems

4.3.1. Proposed Solutions

4.4. Data Interpretation and Analysis

5. Conclusion

6. Recommendations

7. References

8. Appendices

3. Introduction

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3.1. Background

Currently, everyone is trying to catch up with modern technology. Even nations are doing every

possible to be abreast modern trends when it comes to technology. The revolution of technologies have

seen many developments in field of Information Technology, Agriculture and many more. If my

memory serves me well, one of the best technologies that has come to make things very simple is the

development of Smart Phone also known as Mobile Phones. The development of this device have

made communication extremely easy and fast. Here in Oman, majority of Omanis use this device for

different purposes. Some people use for educational, businesses and entertainment purposes.

According March 31, 2014 issue of Times of Oman, the user of smart phones or mobile phones in have

outnumber the population of Oman. Which is a positive indication that Oman is going totally mobile

and it now has 1,625,426 more mobile subscriptions than the number of people in Oman, according to

the latest statistics from the Telecom Regulatory Authority (TRA). However, the statistics show that by

the end of 2013, the total number of mobile subscribers was 5,617,426 whereas the population of

Oman stood at 3,992,000 at the end of February 2014, according to the National Centre for Statistics

and Information (NCSI). For example, a family of four in Oman handles around at least six mobile

phones in their homes.

3.2. Purpose of study

The purpose of this project study work is to find out about the use of smart phones in Oman. The study

will also focus on other important areas as indicated in the objectives below.

3.3. Objectives
a) To give a brief history of the development of mobile phones.
b) To make known some samples of mobile phones used over the years.
c) To find out the use of mobile phones in Oman.
d) To discover the effects of mobile phones in Oman.
e) To outline some solutions to reduce the use of mobile phones
4. Body

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4.1. Literature Review

(a) A brief history mobile phones.

Although most of us feel like we couldn't live without our mobile phones, they've not really been in

existence for very long. In fact, mobile phones as we know them today have only been around in the

last 20 years.

https://www.uswitch.com/mobiles/guides/history-of-mobile-phones/

When were mobile phones invented?

Mobile phones, particularly the smartphones that have become our inseparable companions today, are

relatively new. However, the history of mobile phones goes back to 1908 when a US Patent was issued

in Kentucky for a wireless telephone. Mobile phones were invented as early as the 1940s when

engineers working at AT&T developed cells for mobile phone base stations. The very first mobile

phones were not really mobile phones at all. They were two-way radios that allowed people like taxi

drivers and the emergency services to communicate. Instead of relying on base stations with separate

cells (and the signal being passed from one cell to another), the first mobile phone networks involved

one very powerful base station covering a much wider area. Motorola, on 3 April 1973 were first

company to mass produce the first handheld mobile phone.

(b) Samples of Mobile Phones

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The first mobile phone invented for practical use was by a Motorola employee called Martin Cooper
who is widely considered to be a key player in the history of mobile phones. Handsets that could be
used in a vehicle had been developed prior to Martin Cooper’s phone, but his was the first usable truly
portable mobile telephone. Cooper made mobile phone history in April 1973 when he made the first
ever call on a handheld mobile phone.

https://www.uswitch.com/mobiles/guides/history-of-mobile-phones/

(c) The Uses of Mobile Phones in Oman

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As mentioned above, mobile phones are used for different purposes in Oman. Therefore, there is this

assertion that every Omani has two or three mobile phones. In this part of our world, mobile phones

are something that we cherished so much that we can’t do away with it. The mobile phones are used

for the following purposes:

Keeping in touch with family members, conducting business, event of an emergency, address book,

communication tool, digital camera, audio recorder, video recorder, multimedia messaging, email

client, gaming platform, documents viewer, and music player

(d) The Effects of Mobile Phones in Oman

In many countries, over half of the population use mobile phones and the mobile phone market is

growing rapidly. Saudi Arabia rank first among the countries of the gulf region with highest proportion

of mobile users, a study conducted by United Nations Conference on Trade and Development

(UNCTAD). Mobile phone has become necessity of every human being. One can’t imagine the life

without it. Being a part of today’s technological world, chances are quite high that you also own a

mobile phone. Just like everything, mobile phones have both positive and negative effects. Have you

ever taken time to think about those effects?

Bad Impact on Families

Some Omanis have become addicted to mobile phones. They can be seen playing games, chatting, and

talking to their friends on their mobile phones most of the times. This is the reason why they don’t get

time for their families. In fact, Omanis are more interested in wasting their time on mobile phones,

rather than spending with their families.

Accident and Health Issues

Most of the accidents that happen daily arise because of mobile phones. The mobile phones have

resulted in dangerous driving, whose direct impact can be seen in increasing no. of accidents. Apart

from accidents, mobile phones have bad impact on health as well. Several researches conducted by the

health experts have proved the bad impact of mobile phones on health.

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These are the positive and negative impacts of mobile phones on our lives. These is no doubt mobile is

a necessity these days, but we should take care of the negative points too and use this technology

accordingly.

Increases Stress Levels

The high frequency of mobile phone use can have negative effects on our stress levels. The constant

ringing, vibrating alerts, and reminders can put a cell phone user on edge. In a study conducted at the

University of Gothenburg, Sweden, researchers examined if there is a direct link between the

psychosocial aspects of cell phone use and mental health symptoms in young adults. The participants

of the study included 20 to 24 year olds who responded to a questionnaire, in addition to a one-year

follow-up. Researchers found high mobile phone use was associated with stress and sleep disturbances

for women, whereas high mobile phone use was associated with sleep disturbances and symptoms of

depression in men. Overall, excessive cell phone use can be a risk factor for mental health issues in

young adults.

Increases Risk of Eye Vision Problems

Staring at your mobile device can cause problems in your vision later in life. Screens on mobile

devices tend to be smaller than computer screens, which means you are more likely to squint and strain

your eyes while reading messages. According to The Vision Council, more than 70 percent of

Americans don't know or are in denial that they are susceptible to digital eye strain.

(e) Solution to reduce the use of mobile phones

Mobile phones have now been classified as “possibly” carcinogenic by the World Health Organization,

following a report from an international group of experts. The real dangers involved are far from clear

– but if you’re worried, there are steps you can take to cut the risk.

It’s generally agreed that if mobiles do pose a danger, it’s because they emit radiation – in a form

similar to microwaves and radio waves – which is absorbed by the body. Reducing the amount of

radiation you are exposed to will similarly reduce any untoward health effects. Here are eight simple

ways to dodge the rays:

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1. Get a hands-free set and use it.

2. Talk on speakerphone.

3. Stay in high-reception areas.

4. Buy a lower-emissions phone.

5. Talk less on mobile phones.

6. Don’t sleep with your phone inches away.