Experiences with mobile data

Many users of mobile communication systems are dissatisfied. Access to the radio system and traffic congestion are increasing problems. An alternative to using voice only communications is to supplement or replace these systems with mobile data which offers the potential of much greater throughput of messages and more efficient use of radio channels. Early data system developments were thwarted by technical difficulties as well as high equipment and development costs. The advantages of data communications has grown. Despite initial high expectations, there are already strong indications to suggest that many of the potential benefits have not been realised in practice. When the functionality of the system results in changes to the tasks and responsibilities of the mobile user, resistance and misuse of the system is often the result. The authors describe human factors considerations necessary for the introduction of a successful system and highlight some of the potential pitfalls which must be avoided