It can connect you to anybody anywhere. Through a network that spans the globe, steeped in controversy when invented, it's now a lifeline, an entertainment hub and an unparalleled tool for human interaction. But privacy isn't assured. Undeniably essential to modern life, the telephone is the most important, influential, and effective communication tool ever developed. Witness this invention's unbelievably dramatic true story - one of false starts, close calls, and a bitter rivalry. The development of the telephone has changed the way we live, and how we communicate with each other. This documentary takes a look at the history of Alexander Graham Bell's remarkable innovation, offering some startling insights into how the telephone became such a commonly used object. Among the revelations are facts and figures about Bell's original design, and how he almost lost out in the race to patent his invention. Also included is a look at how the use of the telephone has developed over the years, especially in relation to the internet. All his life, Alexander Graham Bell was driven by a desire to create a machine that would make it easier for the deaf to speak and hear. Using an actual human ear from a cadaver to understand the nature of sound, Bell even enlisted a young Thomas Edison to help invent what would become the telephone. Exploring how one man's speaking device has grown into the technological web that links humankind, this thrilling program also revisits the race between Bell and rival Elisha Gray - who was building a similar design but ultimately filed the history-changing patent just two hours after Bell. Some of the historical developments of the first telephone, as well as the continuing innovations that have become the cellular phone systems that we use today. More than just history of telephone technology, this program examines a wide variety of contemporary aspects of telephone communication. There is an interesting chronology of mobile or portable phone designs as they have become increasing smaller in size, lighter in weight and equipped with more advanced features of larger memory, pictures, video, MP 3 players, and text messaging. 'Re-Cellular', one of the largest cell phone recycling facilities in the world is visited and the process by which cell phones are made ready to be used again is demonstrated. Another interesting aspect of this program are the examples of how cellular networks have developed, with computer generated models showing how cell phone towers and cellular networks function. There is also a discussion of GPS, or Global Positioning Systems, and how GPS chips function when they are inside a cell phone. Historical events surrounding the earliest forms of electromagnetic speech devices and the eventual patent by Alexander Graham Bell for the first telephone are also included. Some of the details surrounding this first patent, and the debate over what other inventors' actually contributed to the development of the first telephone is examined. The eventual creation of American Telephone & Telegraph (or AT&T;) and the advances that lead to the creation of a telephone network throughout the country and long distance phone calls in nicely presented. The development of coaxial phone lines, transatlantic telephone cables, fiber optics, and finally the creation in 1962 of AT&T;'s first Telecommunications Star Satellite, is also included. Alexander Graham Bell wanted people to answer the phone by saying "Hoy-Hoy." Thomas Edison argued for the commonly used "Hello." Edison won. In the 11th century BC, the Greeks lit hilltop bonfires to send news. Now, just three satellites are enough to link any two places in the world at the speed of light.

• published: 20 Nov 2014
• views: 1