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600
Early Acoustic Devices
Acoustic devices meant to better transmit sound over distances have been used for centuries. A version of the string telephone has been around since at least the 7th Century. -
Development of the Telegraph
The first electric telegraph is created. It used separate wires for each letter of the alphabet and could only transmit signals one room over -
Period: to
Refinement of the Telegraph
The telegraph is improved and is able to be used commercially across distances of up to 13 miles -
First Telephone Is Invented
Antonio Meucci creates the first telephone that can transmit sound via wires. -
First Commercial Telephone Exchange
Using a switchboard allowed people to make calls to a variety of other users, instead of only being able to call phones that were directly wired to theirs. -
Transcontinental Telephone Line Is Completed
The ceremonial first call is made in 1915, from San Francisco to New York. -
Transatlantic Telephone Line Is Completed
The first call is made from New York City to London. -
The Model 102 Telephone Is Created
The first phone with a single received for both speaker and microphone is created. It also included a rotary mechanism for dialing that would be used for many years to come. -
First Cordless Phone Created
It would not be commercially available until 1980. -
Touchtone Phones Become Commercially Available
The Bell Company made these available to customers in Pennsylvania. -
First Cellular Phone
The Motorola DynaTAC 8000x is used to make the ceremonial first cellular phone call. -
The Cellular Phone Becomes Commercially Available
The Motorola DynaTAC 8000x finally becomes available to the public for $3995. (almost $12000 adjusted for inflation)