One thing is that different people have different views about what is a good climate to work in.

Another thing is that a mobile phone isn't just a device where teenage girls can walk around chatting with their friends all day.

Many people don't have a wrist watch. They use the mobile phone.
Many people don't have a calendar/time planner. They use the mobile phone.
Many people don't have an alarm clock. They use the mobile phone.
Many people don't have a phone directory. They use the mobile phone.
Many people don't have a pocket calculator. They use the mobile phone.
Many people don't use a traditional mail program. They use the mobile phone.
Many people don't ...

So forbidding someone to bring their phone is enough of a show-stopper for lots of people.

I don't spend my day SMS:ing or talking with friends. But the phone is a very major information hub - if I go to work and forget it at home, I'll have lots of real problems infront of me. Without calendar, todo lists, contact lists, ... I would be very much hampered.

Lots of companies have thrown out stationary PC machines and POTS phones. Using mobile phones and laptops, it's possible to do lots of work while on an airport, in a car or while visiting a customer.

Different people and different companies are at different positions on this sliding change in how we work. People at one end of the spectra may not interact well in a company that are at the other end of the spectra. But when working with information technology, we can't ignore the fact that new IT solutions can help us.