History of Wireless Communications
From Building the Wireless Future® to Expanding the Wireless Frontier™

1800's | 1900's | 2000's

1990

  • RAM Mobile Data Network brought online. CDPD packet networks begin         deployment. GSM cellular systems support circuit-switched data.

1990

  • Nextel Communications, Inc. files a series of waivers with the FCC to set up low power, multiple transmitter networks in six of the top U.S. markets. Cellular subscribership surpasses 5 million.

1992

  • The FCC allocates spectrum in the 2 GHz band for emerging technologies,           including Personal Communications Services (PCS). The number of cellular        users pass the 10 million milestone. 10,000 cell sites across America.
  • World’s first commercial text message sent by employees of Logica CMG.

1993

  • Bell Labs develops the DSP1616 chip, a digital signal processor used in           millions of handsets. 

1994

  • iDEN network technology, a packet-data network that integrates paging, data communications, voice dispatch and cellular capabilities, is unveiled.

1996

  • Bell Atlantic Mobile launches the first commercial CDMA network in the U.S.
  • The Telecommunications Act of 1996 becomes law, in part designed to open other communications markets to competition. 38 million cell phones in use in the U.S.

1997

  • Subscribership in the wireless industry—cellular, PCS and ESMR—surpasses 50 million.
  • Industry benchmark reached: 100,000 direct carrier employment
  • 50,000 cell sites across America
  • Delivery of digital wireless data and voice networks (2G)

1998

  • The average consumer used his or her phone for 122 minutes per month.
  • Ericsson, Motorola, Nokia and Unwired Planet create WAP Forum.
  • WAP 1.0 specifications published on the web.

1999

  • Congress passes Wireless Communications and Public Safety Act.


MyWireless.org is a non-profit consumer advocacy organization giving wireless consumers a powerful and unified voice to protect the freedom, value, security and mobility they enjoy with wireless services.


MyWireless.org brings together consumers from across the country to protect their wireless rights in their cities, states, and nationally to keep them connected, and to ensure their voices are heard.

For more information click here.