First Cell Phones

October 12, 2009

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Profile America — Monday, October 12th. Look around and they’re everywhere — in cars, supermarkets, business meetings and on the street. They’re a boon to convenience and safety, and at the same time, their users can be rude and even dangerous. What else but the cell phone — an integral part of today’s lifestyle. As long ago as the late '60s, Amtrak offered a version of cellular technology, using payphones on its metroliners. The first modern cell phone was introduced this week in 1983 in Chicago. Now, there are more than 255 million cell phone subscribers across the country, paying an average monthly bill of some $50 to carry their conversations and text messages around with them. You can find these and more facts about in America from the U.S. Census Bureau online at <www.census.gov>.

Sources: American Speakers Calendar of Events
Statistical Abstract of the United States 2009, t. 1112
http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/2009edition.html