Cell phone technology today is a big asset to the RVer

Cell phones have come a long way. The telephone part on some has become just a small segment of what the instrument can do.

Most folks who travel in their RV either have an existing cell phone or are interested in finding a carrier that is reasonably priced while providing good coverage. A number of travelers also want the flexibility of also having web access without cumbersome laptop or other types of computers.

Modern day cell phones do everything from chasing away mosquitoes via an ultrasonic sound wave application called Sonic Mosquito to providing free commercial-free news and music without having to subscribe to a satellite radio service.

There are several good RV-related applications such as Android's Allstays Camp & RV that lists virtually all campgrounds in the United States and Canada. For a minimal one-time fee you can find a KOA or a Good Sam park, a national park, public lands parking, dump stations, RV dealers and even bridge clearances.

Technology has advanced the mobile phone industry to the point where the phone is a mere commodity for vendors, while the real money is in service plans that usually require two-year commitments. Companies like Verizon and T-Mobile use the revenues to enable the cycle of technology innovation and marketing to continue.

While the downside of cell phones have focused primarily on the annoyance of public conversations and the small possibility of brain damage due to cellular coverage near the ear, these pale in comparison to the benefits derived from cellular technology. It's hard to imagine life before cell phones, writing down numbers in a paper directory or having to locate public pay phones.

As technology matures, ringtones, cameras, GPS features, music, and multiple other features have been added to the hardware. And the software on phones will progress to include easier web access, advertisements, news downloads, and easier chat and email features.