Internet radio is the newest version of the traditional radio, but the concept of transmitting radio signals has not changed. When you are texting, for instance, you are still making use of radio waves.

In this blog, we will tell you about a couple of fun facts that will give you more insight in the uses of radio and the impact of radio on the things we do today. Keep on reading to learn more!

1. From transmitting telegrams to downloading video games

With a Playstation, Nintendo Switch or game computer, you have access to videogames every day at every given moment. However, did you know that you can download videogames from a radio broadcast? In the Netherlands in the 1980s, news station NOS found out that data could be transmitted through radio. By recording a video game played on the radio on a cassette, it was possible to download video games. Not only could the radio now be used for sending telegrams or playing music, but also for the downloading of video games.

2. The multipurpose of the Eiffel Tower

When you visit Paris, you cannot leave before you have climbed the Eiffel Tower. The tower was presented by Gustave Eiffel at the World’s Fair of 1889. Even though it was supposed to be a futuristic object for temporary uses, the tower became a symbol of Paris and was never removed from its site. However, the Eiffel Tower is not only a tower that can be climbed for a view over the city of Paris today. During the First World War, the military started using it for transmitting radio signals, and the first public broadcast was being done at the top of the tower.

3. Texting is made possible by radio waves

Transmission towers are becoming more and more important today, because we use radio waves to send and receive text messages. If you send a text message to your friend, it leaves your phone, and is transmitted by a tower to the phone of your friend. Likewise, radio signals are transmitted from a radio station to its listeners. This is why every radio station mentions the frequency at which you can listen to their radio station, as the frequency determines which radio waves you will receive.

4. Radio and the sinking of the Titanic

Have you ever watched the film Titanic? Then you know about the sinking of the ship. However, what you did not know was that the sinking of the ship in 1912 had important consequences for radio at sea. Radio at sea is namely used to communicate with ships that are nearby a ship in need. This was also done when the Marconi company became aware that the Titanic was sinking. Because of radio signals, people were rescued from the ship. This iconic historical moment led to the establishment of the Radio Act of 1912, in which it is stated that radio at sea is mandated.