Ireland Marks 40 Years Since Its First Mobile Phone Call
Ireland marks a significant technological milestone this week, celebrating four decades since the country’s first mobile phone call. The call, made on 11 December 1985, saw the then Minister for Communications, Jim Mitchell, ring broadcaster Pat Kenny for a light conversation that happened to signal the beginning of a new era in Irish telecommunications.
Ireland had already taken its first steps into mobile technology a year earlier, when Telecom Éireann secured a licence from the Department of Communications in 1984. This paved the way for the launch of Eircell in 1985, the network on which the first call was made. At the time, Ireland was navigating a difficult economic climate, yet the decision to invest in a completely new communications market proved to be an ambitious and ultimately transformative move.
Reflecting on the anniversary, Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick O’Donovan highlighted the scale of the achievement. He noted that committing to such innovation during a recession underscored Telecom Éireann’s confidence in Ireland’s technological future and set the foundation for the thriving sector we see today.
The telecoms industry has since become a central driver of Ireland’s economic and social development. Telecommunications Industry Ireland, the representative body for the sector, reports that €5 billion has been invested in network infrastructure over the past eight years alone. The industry also spends €2.7 billion annually with Irish suppliers and now supports 24,000 direct jobs.
Beyond the economic contribution, the sector plays a pivotal role in enabling modern life. From business connectivity and digital services to national communications infrastructure, Ireland’s telecoms industry continues to shape how people live and work throughout the country.
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