From ₹8.40 Calls To Digital India: The Telecom Journey That Began This Day
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On 31 July 1995, India stepped into a new era of communication with its first-ever mobile phone call. This historic exchange between West Bengal's then Chief Minister, Jyoti Basu, and the Union Minister of Communications, Sukh Ram, marked the formal launch of mobile telephony in the country. Though the devices were bulky and services costly, that single call lit the fuse for India’s telecom revolution, one that would eventually connect even the remotest corners of the country.
Representative Image/ Credit: Meta AI
This symbolic act was more than ceremonial; it heralded the arrival of a new communication era for a country on the cusp of digital change. The call was placed using an AMPS (Advanced Mobile Phone System) network, which preceded the widespread adoption of GSM in India.
Representative Image/ Credit: Meta AI
Representative Image/ Credit: Meta AI
The handsets used were among the early-generation mobile phones, likely models such as the Nokia 2110 or Motorola MicroTAC, both popular globally during that period. These devices were large by today’s standards and offered only basic calling and texting features.
Representative Image/ Credit: Meta AI
With limited coverage and expensive plans, mobile connectivity remained restricted to a niche segment of the population for several years after its launch.
These handsets relied on analogue AMPS technology, which would later be replaced by digital GSM networks that allowed for better coverage, data services, and enhanced voice clarity.
Representative Image/ Credit: Meta AI
Suddenly, mobile phones were no longer a symbol of wealth—they became an everyday tool for millions. From video calling and social media to mobile banking and digital payments, the mobile phone had embedded itself in nearly every aspect of Indian life.
And yet, all of it began with a single phone call on a bulky handset in a quiet government office.
As India continues its digital journey, the historic mobile call of 1995 stands tall as a defining moment—one that bridged the past with the future.
The Call That Began It All
It was a landmark moment when Jyoti Basu and Sukh Ram spoke over mobile phones in 1995, initiating India’s mobile communication journey. The call was facilitated via the Modi Telstra network—a joint venture between Indian industrialist BK Modi and Australia’s Telstra—and it connected Kolkata with New Delhi.This symbolic act was more than ceremonial; it heralded the arrival of a new communication era for a country on the cusp of digital change. The call was placed using an AMPS (Advanced Mobile Phone System) network, which preceded the widespread adoption of GSM in India.
A Milestone Built Through Global Collaboration
Modi Telstra was the first to commercially launch mobile telephony services in India. Though other operators had received licences and would follow soon after, it was Modi Telstra that made the nation’s first mobile call possible. The service was operational in Kolkata, and the event represented a culmination of technical preparation, policy approval, and strategic foreign partnership.The handsets used were among the early-generation mobile phones, likely models such as the Nokia 2110 or Motorola MicroTAC, both popular globally during that period. These devices were large by today’s standards and offered only basic calling and texting features.
High Costs and Limited Reach
At the time, mobile phones were a luxury reserved for the affluent. The cost of using a mobile service was prohibitively high—₹8.40 per minute for both incoming and outgoing calls. During peak hours, this could shoot up to ₹16.80 per minute. Mobile ownership was not just a financial investment but a status symbol in mid-1990s India.With limited coverage and expensive plans, mobile connectivity remained restricted to a niche segment of the population for several years after its launch.
Technology That Defined Early Mobile Use
While the precise models used during the first mobile call are unverified, the Nokia 2110 stands out as one of the most probable candidates. Released in 1994, it featured a small monochrome screen, a straightforward user interface, and a sturdy form factor. The device also supported SMS, which was a revolutionary feature at the time.These handsets relied on analogue AMPS technology, which would later be replaced by digital GSM networks that allowed for better coverage, data services, and enhanced voice clarity.
The Turning Point: Entry of Affordable Data
India’s mobile journey saw moderate growth during the late 1990s and early 2000s. But the real transformation came in 2016 with the entry of Reliance Jio. By offering free voice calls and data plans at unprecedentedly low prices, Jio forced the industry to slash tariffs and rethink business models. Competitors followed suit, leading to a massive surge in mobile usage.Suddenly, mobile phones were no longer a symbol of wealth—they became an everyday tool for millions. From video calling and social media to mobile banking and digital payments, the mobile phone had embedded itself in nearly every aspect of Indian life.
From Inaccessible to Indispensable
India today boasts one of the world’s largest mobile user bases. Even remote villages have mobile towers, smartphones have become common, and services like 4G and 5G are expanding rapidly. The sharp contrast between 1995 and today’s ultra-connected India is a testament to how far the telecom industry has evolved.And yet, all of it began with a single phone call on a bulky handset in a quiet government office.
Looking Ahead: A Future Driven by Mobility
The future of mobile connectivity in India is promising. With innovations in 5G, edge computing, and AI-integrated networks, the scope of what mobile phones can enable is expanding rapidly. Digital healthcare, remote education, and smart agriculture are just a few examples where mobile networks will play a central role.As India continues its digital journey, the historic mobile call of 1995 stands tall as a defining moment—one that bridged the past with the future.
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