Happy Birthday Cellular! To think, you came into this world just 25 years ago this month. Like most your age, you've come so far yet have a lifetime of possibilities ahead of you. You're an adult but have a ways to go before you’re grown up.

Born October 13, 1983 in Chicago. That's when the first commercial cell phone call was placed from the parking lot of Soldier Field. Like many newborns, you came into this world chubby and relatively immobile. The first "mobile" phones were so large (25-30 pounds) and clunky, they were mostly planted in the trunks of cars or placed on user's backs, similar to a backpack. Also, like most newborns, they needed a lot of rest. The first phones only had about 10 or so minutes of talk time. But slowly, cell phones began to grow. In its teenage years, cell phone began to face an identity crisis. Handsets got smaller while cellular networks grew. Cell phones were gaining in popularity but not everyone could afford one. Calls cost upwards of 50 cents a minute. This didn't even include long distance charges or roaming rates. Then flat rate calling plans were introduced and suddenly, for the first time, cell phones became mainstream, with affordable options for just about everyone.

Like most it's age, it was soon time to head off to school to become "smarter". Cell phones were maturing, featuring the ability to more than just talk. Users could text, take pictures and listen to music. After a few years of learning, cell phones graduated and became smartphones. Users could go online, check email and navigate the world.

Happy birthday cellular! It's been a great 25 years. You've come a long way in a short period of time but there still remains a long way to go. The world is yours and the possibilities over the next 25 years are endless!