Constant Touch: A Global History of the Mobile Phone

by Jon Agar

Until not very long ago the mobile phone was expensive and the preserve of a rich few. Today the cellphone is everywhere―so common it goes unnoticed. Jon Agar tells the fascinating story behind the rise and rise of this incredible little device.

Genres: Nonfiction, History

192 pages, Paperback

First published December 15, 2000

About the author

Jon Agar is Professor in Science and Technology Studies at University College London. Agar earned his BA in mathematics from the University of Cambridge in 1990 and a Ph.D. in the History of Science from the University fo Kent in 1994. From 1994 to 2001 he directed the UK National Archive for the History of Computing.

Reviews

[Chris Turner · Rating 2 out of 5]

The content of this book is broad and piqued my interest. The author has a history in the UK, so a lot of the stories felt familiar of things that I had forgotten (Do you remember when happy slapping was a thing?). However, there was not much depth, and looking at the references, very few of which are referred to properly, I noticed a lot of references to BBC new articles. The grammar is also poor and needs a good edit. The sentence structure is informal and as my wife said, more appropriate for young adult fiction. There were too many sentences starting with "But" or "And" and I just rushed through it, keen to get the overview that was being supplied.

Of that overview, some really interesting under reported points are made, such as the establishment of mobile networks in Iraq and Afghanistan. Not sure I can recommend it though, as I feel a Wikipedia article on the history of the mobile phone would have given me as much to chew on.

The whole first edition is available for free here: http://www.ucl.ac.uk/sts/staff/agar/d...

[Dani Ollé · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brief account of mobile communications, with several interesting insights regarding different countries. Obviously 200 pages are not enough for this topic but this is a useful very short introduction.

[Greg · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really good short introduction to the history of mobile phones. Very well written, easy to read - jargon explained. Originally written in 2003. I read the 2014 edition which is now (2021) becoming dated - needs a third edition.

[dejah_thoris · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've checked a few times and Agar really should publish a third edition. Most of the book is interesting, especially because it is told from a non-American perspective with a focus on international examples. I have to take away a million points though for omitting Heddy LaMarr.

[James Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really enjoyed this history of the mobile phone. I really enjoyed reading about the differences around the world. However, I wish the narrative had been a little bit more flowing in the middle, and the technology's development explored a bit more.

[Matas Petrikas · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great overview of the mobile history and different usage patterns across the globe. Recommended reading to all who work in the industries related to the mobile media.

[Laura Zachary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting history of the cell phone.