The switch from the old analogue cellular technology to new digital networks in the early 1990s allowed European handset manufacturers to flourish, as the fact that the EU had accepted the GSM standard across Europe meant they suddenly had one vast market on their doorstep. In 1992 Nokia launched the Nokia 101, the first so-called "candy bar" phone – though it still had a small external aerial just for show. Compared to Motorola's preference for "flip" phones, the 101 was to define the standard shape of Nokia phones to this day.
Photograph: Salford University
The Guardian
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