Telecom Trends

Newfoundland has banned the use of hand-held cell phones and you may be surprised to hear me say it isn't a bad idea.

I'm not against driving and talking; we haven't seen any government ban kids in the back seat. But there is a difference between just talking over your shoulder and having one less hand on the wheel.

My favourite is a neighbour with her oversized SUV, navigating in the subdivision with her knees as she has a phone in one hand, coffee in another with a cigarette dangling from her mouth. It's an insurance claim waiting to happen.

Bluetooth has enabled a kind of universal car kit for handsfree - whether built into the car's entertainment system, or a headset.

Mobile carriers should embrace these initiatives - it'll take some heat off industry for the collective unsafe phone practices of some users. Besides, it can help drive accessory sales.

I'm travelling overseas this week and the entire country has required handsfree kits if they drive. It hasn't hurt mobile sales - the country has well over 100% cell phone penetration. .

Maybe the next step is a combination universal charger and hands free kit. I vote for mini-USB as the standard.