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Private Line covers what has occurred, is occurring, and will ocurr in telecommunications. Since communication technology constantly changes, you can expect new content posted regularly.

Consider this site an authoritative resource. Its moderators have successful careers in the telecommunications industry. Utilize the content and send comments. As a site about communicating, conversation is encouraged.

Writers

Thomas Farely

Tom has produced privateline.com since 1995. He is now a freelance technology writer who contributes regularly to the site.

His knowledge of telecommunications has served, most notably, the American Heritage Invention and Technology Magazine and The History Channel.
His interview on Alexander Graham Bell will air on the History Channel the end of 2006.

Ken Schmidt

Ken is a licensed attorney who has worked in the tower industry for seven years. He has managed the development of broadcast towers nationwide and developed and built cell towers.

He has been quoted in newspapers and magazines on issues regarding cell towers and has spoke at industry and non-industry conferences on cell tower related issues.

He is recognized as an expert on cell tower leases and due diligence processes for tower acquisitions.

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October 14, 2003

Posted by Tom Farley & Mark van der Hoek at 03:16 AM

Commercial AMPS service turns 20 years old

Sam Omastsye reports in October 13th's RCR Wireless News (external link, now dead) that the ceremonial first American AMPS cellular call was made on Oct. 13, 1983 at Soldier's Field in Chicago. AMPS had been working since 1978 but not in full commercial service. The October date marks when the general public could start using cellular. Omastsye quotes Scott Erickson, who attended the event, as saying Bob Barnett, Ameritech Mobile's president, placed the first ceremonial call. It went to Alexander Graham Bell's grandson in Berlin, Germany. I'm trying to find out if this was Edwin Grosvenor, an excellent Bell biographer. Chicago Cubs announcer, Jack Brickhouse, announced that first call to the crowd on a cold, bright day in a ceremony including balloons and a band.

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