The First Mobile Phone in India: A Landmark Moment in Telecom History
India’s journey into the world of mobile telephony began on July 31, 1995, marking a significant milestone in the country’s communication history. This was the day when the first mobile phone call in India was made, signaling the dawn of a new era that would eventually revolutionize how Indians connect, communicate, and conduct business.
The First Call
The premier mobile phone call in India was made by Jyoti Basu, the then Chief Minister of West Bengal, to Sukh Ram, the Union Communications Minister, in Delhi. This historic call was made using a Nokia mobile phone on a network operated by Modi Telstra, a joint venture between India’s Modi Group and Australia’s Telstra.
The call was made on a 2G GSM network in Kolkata (then Calcutta), which became the first city in India to get mobile phone services.
The First Mobile Phone in Use
The first mobile phones used in India were bulky and expensive by today’s standards. Early adopters used models like the Nokia 2110 and Motorola MicroTAC, which were popular globally in the early 1990s. These phones were large, had limited features (monochrome display, basic call and SMS), and were mostly used by business executives and high-income individuals due to their high cost.
The Cost of Mobile Telephony in 1995
In 1995, owning a mobile phone was a luxury. The initial cost of a handset could exceed ₹30,000, and call charges were steep—₹8 to ₹16 per minute, both for incoming and outgoing calls. Mobile services were seen as a premium offering, accessible only to the affluent.
The Impact and Evolution
From that first call in 1995, India’s mobile industry has grown exponentially. The market liberalized over time, with new private players entering the scene, leading to reduced tariffs, affordable handsets, and widespread accessibility.
Today, India is one of the largest mobile phone markets in the world, with over a billion subscribers and some of the lowest data costs globally. Smartphones are now an integral part of everyday life, supporting everything from digital payments and education to healthcare and entertainment.
Conclusion
The first mobile phone call in India was more than just a technological event—it marked the beginning of a communication revolution. In just a few decades, mobile phones have evolved from luxury items to essential tools for millions, bridging the digital divide and transforming the socio-economic landscape of the country.
