The Motorola DynaTAC 8000X.

In April of 1973, the first private cell phone call was made by Martin Cooper during his time as general manager of Motorola. But 10 years later, the first commercial cell phone call made from Soldier Field by Ameritech executive Bobb Barnett marked the rise of the cellular industry and the creation of the $143 billion industry it is today.

Barnett, an Ameritech executive, made the first commercial cell phone call to the grandson of Alexander Graham Bell on October 13th, 1983, exactly 25 years ago. The call was made from a Motorola DynaTAC 8000X, a phone that carried a price tag of $3,995 and weighed nearly two pounds. The phone went into commercial production soon after.

I’m sure Bell’s grandson loves all the attention. Living in the wake of your grandfather? Must be a party.