Hand-held phones go on sale
Tuesday, 16th August 1988
The first hand-held phones also know as Mobile Phone went on sale this day. Orders had to be placed and there was a waiting time of up to two weeks. The telephones cost between $2,900 and $3,400 each. In addition, buyers had to pay Singapore Telecoms a first payment of $210 for registration, subscription and licence fees. Subsequently, they were charged a $50 monthly subscription fee. About 2,500 people placed their orders for the hand-held phones (weighing between 600g and 700g - the weight of two thick paperback novels) when they were announced in June 1988.