The Analog Telephone

Early Acoustic Devices

600

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

1774

The first electric telegraph is created. It used separate wires for each letter of the alphabet and could only transmit signals one room over

Refinement of the Telegraph

Period: 1838 to 1839

The telegraph is improved and is able to be used commercially across distances of up to 13 miles

First Telephone Is Invented

1854

Antonio Meucci creates the first telephone that can transmit sound via wires.

First Commercial Telephone Exchange

1878

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

1914

The ceremonial first call is made in 1915, from San Francisco to New York.

Transatlantic Telephone Line Is Completed

1927

The first call is made from New York City to London.

The Model 102 Telephone Is Created

1928

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

1956

It would not be commercially available until 1980.

Touchtone Phones Become Commercially Available

1963

The Bell Company made these available to customers in Pennsylvania.

First Cellular Phone

1973

The Motorola DynaTAC 8000x is used to make the ceremonial first cellular phone call.

The Cellular Phone Becomes Commercially Available

1983

The Motorola DynaTAC 8000x finally becomes available to the public for $3995. (almost $12000 adjusted for inflation)