Telecommunication milestones
1844 - Samuel Morse
Following Samuel Morse's discovery that signals can be transmitted by wire and his subsequent invention of Morse code, the first telegraph line officially opens between Washington and Baltimore with a message sent by Morse code - a new era of communications dawns.
In 1866 the first operational telegraph line between Europe and America is successfully finisched after previous attempts had failed or, as in 1858, the transmission broke down after initial success.
1861 - Philip Reis
The German physicist Johann Philip Reis builds the first device that is capable of electrically transmitting the human voice. He names his invention the "Telephon." This development follows in the footsteps of the first concrete voice transmission theories laid down by the Belgian-born Charles Bourseul in 1854.
1876 - Alexander Graham Bell
Alexander Graham Bell, a Scottish inventor living in Canada, patents the first telephone - a somewhat "accidental" invation while he was trying to develop a telegraph capable of sending multiple signals simultaneously. Thwo months after his discovery, the first long-distance telephone message is sent between Europe (Paris) and North America (Brantford, Canada).
The first telephone call in Germany takes place in Berlin in October 1877. In 1880 Bell's "Photophone", a device that transmits voice using light beam, produces what could be considered the first voice radio-telepone call and is a first step towards wireless voice communications.
1878 - Telephone exchange
The first commercial telephone exchange starts operation in New Haven, USA, connecting eight lines and 21 subscribers. In 1879 the first exchange in the UK (London) commences operation, and in the early 1880s German telephone exchanges are set up in six major cities.
1921 - One-way radio communication
The Detroit Police Department commences regular one-way radio communication between its patrol cars. Following this, the Bayonne Police Department in News Jersey initiates regular two-way communications with its patrol cars in 1931, a major advance over previous one-way systems and a first step towards mobile communication.
1950 - Deutsche Bundespost
In West Germany, the German federal postal service (Deutsche Bundespost) is established as legal successor of the existing German postal service (Deutsche Reichspost). In East Germany, after the end of WW II and the division of Germany, the complete communications network is placed under the jurisdiction of the postal ministry.
1958 - Germany's first mobile communications network
Germany's first mobile communications network, the A-network, is launched. It combines all existing communications networks into one central network, but can only operate with a maximum of 10,000 customers. The first mobile car phones are everything but compact - the main device, extremely expensive and weighing 16 kilograms, has to be placed in the car boot and all calls are operator-connected.
1960 - First communications satellite
oThe first communications satellite, "Echo 1 A", is launched by the USA. In 1962 the first television images and telephone calls, only lasting a few minutes due to the satellite's orbit, are trasmitted between the USA and Europe via the TELSTAR1 satelite. "Early Bird", the first global communications satelite, starts operation 1965 and transmit a maximum of 240 calls between Europe and the USA - continious commercial transmission has now been achieved.
1966 - Glass fibers
The first telephone calls are transmitted using optical glass fibers by Chinese-born scientist Charles Kao - a single fiber (diameter 0.001 mm) can transmit 30,000 to 40,000 phone calls, a cable of glass fibers can transmit one billion phone calls or 200,000 television programs simultaneously - compared to 63 phone calls using standard copper cables. This is a major development and a key example of broadband technology.
1969 - ARPANET
A computer network commissioned by the US Department of Defense commences operation. It enables communications between different institutions and people in different places with a host of specialized functions such as file transfer and electronnic mail (e-mail) using the now-familiar "@" symbol. If communication lines are destroyed, the system can autimatically switch to another intact line ("dynamic rerouting") - the beginning of the internet.
1972 - B-network
The improved wireless B-network commences operation in Germany - the caller is now able to dial directly, though this is only possible if the area code of the target mobile phone is known. Dr. Martin Cooper from Motorola is considered the inventor of the first modern portable mobile phone and he makes the first phone call using a cellular phone in april 1973.
1977 - Btx
The German federal postal service (Deutsche Bundespost) presents one of the first online services, Bildschirmtext or Btx for short (screen text) - a screen text application that connects TVs with computers via telephone networks. This product is the foundation of online services within the German federal postal service.
1985 - C-network
The mobile communications C-network commences operation in Germany. Its cellular network structure enables customers to be contacted under one telephone number nationwide and presents seamless transition from one transmission area to the next instead of having to re-connect under a different area code.
1990 - Deutsche Bundespost Telekom
The first phase of the national postal and telecommunication reform leads to the division of the German federal postal services (Deutsche Bundespost) into three independent state-owned entities: a traditional postal services company, the Post Bank and a telecommunications company (Deutsche Bundespost Telekom). Its first foreign office is opened in Tokyo, Japan, in June.
1992 - Global System for Mobile communication
The launch of the digital mobile communications "D-Network", based on the Global System for Mobile communication (GSM) standard, starts the meteoric rise of mobile communications in Germany. Mobile phones continually decrease in size, weight and price. By 1994 the number of T-D1-Mobile communication customers reaches the half million mark.
1992 - Trans Atlantic Telephone cable
The first transatlantic optical fiber network, TAT 10 (Trans Atlantic Telephonecable), commences operation between the USA and Germany. Europe's five largest network operators, including Deutsche Bundespost Telekom, construct a Europe-wide network infrastructre based on the broadband technological standard ATM.
1993 - Matav
The first major international share acquisation in Matav, the former Hungarian national telecommunications company, enables Deutsche Telekom to strengthen its position in Central Europe. Deutsche Telekom is able to provide its expertise gained through its own historical development and technology. Matav's stock market debut in 1997 is the largest in Central Europe. It is also the first company from the region to be listed on the N.Y. stock exchange. In 2000, Deutsche Telekom becomes the sole majority shareholder. This is a first major step and classic example of Deutsche Telekom's stronger and continuing international presence.
1995 - Deutsche Telekom AG
On January 1, the second phase of the national postal and telecommunications reform marks the transition from Deutsche Bundespost Telekom to the initially state-owned stock company Deutsche Telekom AG.
1996 - T-share
November marks the launch of Deutsche Telekom AG on the stock market in Germany. The initial public offering, the largest ever seen in Europe, uses the abbreviation DT 1; more than 714 million initial shares are released. In Germany these shares, known as T-shares (T-Aktie), become the first widely bought "peoples' share". Further share emissions occur in 1999 (around 286 million shares) and 2000 (200 million shares).
1997 - Digital telecommunication
Completion of digital telecommunication networks throughout Germany. By December, all local telephone exchanges in Germany are digitized. Deutsche Telekom completes its development program for the former East German states. Seven years after reunifivation, Germany has the world's most modern telecommunication network.
2000 - Four strategic divisions
Deutsche Telekom's corporate restructuring centers around the four strategic divisions reflecting the stratetic growth markets. T-Online is launched on the stock market as T-Online International AG. The mobile communications division is also launched as a separate company T-Mobile International AG. The fixed-line division, T-Com, concentrates on telecommunications for private customers and mid-sized companies. The systems house division is strengthened as Deutsche Telekom buys a mjaority stake in debis systems house from DaimlerChrysler.
2001 - T-Mobile International
T-Mobile International becomes the world's first transatlantic mobile communications provider using the GSM standard. This is achieved through the acquisition of the U.S. mobile service providers VoiceStream and Powertel.
2001 - T@School hits classrooms nationwide
Deutsche Telekom provides 34,000 schools in Germany with the internet access - in just 20 months. T@School is based on a cooperation between the German federal government and Deutsche Telekom. eSlovakia is a similar project in which Deutsche Telekom's subsidiary, Slovenské Telekommunikácie, together with the Slovak government, connects schools to the Internet.
2002 - T-Mobile goes global
On April 18 "T-Mobile Day" marks the launch of the "T-Mobile" brand name in the UK, Austria and the Czech Republic. In the fall, VoiceStream is also rebranded to T-Mobile. The Deutsche Telekom Group, including its subsidiaries and affiliates, is now represented on six continents and in over 60 countries around the globe.
2002 - UMTS world premiere
T-Mobile, together with other partners, presents the first UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) car - combining the newest generation of mobile communication with the newest generation of cars. The Mercedes S-class car is equipped with a vast array of mobile information and communications services - from an off-board navigation system to traffic video camera access.
2003 - T-Com launches independent brand
The fixed-line division of Deutsche Telekom presentes itself as an independent brand in Germany. Along with the other three divisions (T-Mobile, T-Online and T-Systems) that already have a public presence with coustomers, T-Com is now getting its own individual profile as the specialist for fixed-line solutions and services. Many products and offers formerly associated with "Deutsche Telekom" will now carry a new brand name: T-Com.
2005 - Future Camp for children
Deutsche Telekom invites 100 school children from all over Germany to Berlin for the first Future Camp. Together with educators and experts from the worlds of showbiz, transport and communication, the 11 to 13-year olds develop visions and ideas for the world of tomorrow.
2006 - T-Online merger
The merger between T-Online International AG and Deutsche Telekom AG is finalized. It becomes legal with entry in the commercial registry on June 6, 206. The organizational business units T-Com and T-Online form Deutsche Telekom's strategic business area Broadband/Fixed Network.
2006 - FIFA World Cup (TM)
Deutsche Telekom is one of the winners of the 2006 FIFA World Cup (TM). For instance, as the best-known sponsor of the event in Germany, the Group transforms Berlin's TV tower into a World' Cup with a whole range of services and solutions: stadiums are equipped with state-of-the-art IT technology, T-Systems faciliates TV transmission around the world and at T-Mobile, the ball "rolls" into the world of mobile TV.
2007 - Second brand launched in Germany
Deutsche Telekom fills a market gap in Germany by launching "congstar." The new brand aimed at a younger, cost-conscious target group offers a one-stop shop for mobile telephony and broadband Internet with no minimum term of contract.
2007 - Friedrichshafen becomes T-City
On February 21 the waiting ended: The winner of Deutsche Telekom's competition to become "T-City" was decided. Friedrichshafen, by Lake Constance, beat nine other cities in the final round to take the title. In total Deutsche Telekom will invest up to EUR 115 million in the coming years in personnel, assets and financial services to provide a state-of-the-art-fixed-network and mobile communications broadband infrastructure in the city to act as a "public laboratory of the future." First projects like cellphone tickets for the ferries on Lake Constance, mobile doctor's visits in Friedrichshafen's clinic and the interactive learning platform Edunex for school students and teachers have already been implemented.
2007 - New brand architecture
Deutsche Telekom simplifies its brand identity: Within Germany, the company will offer consumers products primarily under the two brand names "T-Home" for their communication needs at home and "T-Mobile" for on the move. The focus is on improving the customer's sense of orientation of Deutsche Telekom product offerings in future.
2007 - Telekom presents new strategy
"Focus, fix and grow - that will be our way," said CEO René Obermann on March 1, 2007, as Deutsche Telekom announced its new strategy with the goal to covince its customers and establish itself as a service provider enabling personal and social networking. The four focal points of the new strategy: safeguarding competitiveness in Germany, growth abroud with mobile communications; growth via news Internet trends; and further developing ICT business for key account customers. The Board of Management also announced that the brand architecture is to be radically simplified in Germany for better customer orientation: T-Home will offer services for the home and T-Mobile for on the move.
2008 - iPhone sales launch
T-Mobile has been the exclusive distributor of the Apple iPhone in Germany since July 11. The sales of the iPhone in Austria and the Netherlands started at the same time. Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia will follow over the course of the year.
2008 - Commitment to disabled sports
For two years, Deutsche Telekom has sponsored disabled sports and the international paralympic movement. Thanks to the Deutsche Telekom and Allianz support program, over 50 athletes of the "German Paralympics Top Team" were able to prepare for the 2008 Paralympics in Beijing in an optimal way.
2008 - New Board of Management Data Privacy
Since October 22, Manfred Balz is the new Board member responsible for the new Data Privacy, Legal Affairs and Compliance. This department was established a week before, and is aimed at firmly embedding in particular the topics of data privacy and data security at the top management level. Dr. Balz was previously General Counsel at Deutsche Telekom.
2009 - Extraordinary shareholders' meeting
Deutsche Telekom has reached another milestone on its way towards One Company: A clear majority of shareholders gave the go-ahead for establishing the planned Germany company by spinning off the fixed-network business. The newentity will bundle fixed-network and mobile business in Germany. The merger of the two business areas, T-Home and T-Mobile, is not the only element, "but certainly a key element in our response to the most important challenge facing our industry: How can we operate effectivley in our fiercley competitive domestic market while developing groth initiatives at the same time?" said Deutsche Telekom CEO René Obermann to 2,600 shareholders.
2010 - Deutsche Telekom transforms business
Deutsche Telekom is aiming to restructure its business and drive up revenue from growth areas through investments in intelligent networks and its portfolio of IT, Internet and network services. "The industry is changing and we are transforming Deutsche Telekom," said Obermann at the presentation of the Group stratey "Fix - Transform - Innovate". Deutsche Telekom expects the revenue mix to have shifted markedly by 2015, with higher revenues being generated in the new growth areas. With its new strategy, the Group intends to leverage its investments in broadband infrastructure more effecitvely. "Our goal is to expand our important business with fast connections by adding a broad portfolio of IT and Internet services. This will ensure our long-term growth," Obermann explained.
2010 - Merger of
T-Mobile UK and Orange UK
Deutsche Telekom and France Telecom conclude their UK merger and the establishment of a new joint company. With a joint customer base of around 29.5 million customers, the new company, consisting of T-Mobile UK and Orange UK, will be the market leader in the British mobile communications market. By pooling its resources, the joint venture is in a better postion to invest in innovative services and to use new technologies.
2010 - Launch of the new mobile service
Deutsche Telekom has secured a total of 95 MHz of spectrum in what is up to new the largest German auction of frequencies. This latest dvelopment will drive forward the mobile network expansion and provide customers with even better broadband coverage. These capacities are required primarily as a result of significantly rising demand for mobile Internet. The acquisition of frequencies and the corresponding network expansion means Deutsche Telekom can now propare the ground for rolling out LTE (Long Term Evolution) and thus bandwidths of more than 100 MBit/s
2010 - Television in the third dimension
For the kick-off of the 2010 Internationale Funkausstellung (IFA) trade fair, all customers were able to view 3D content via the Videoload online video library, giving them round-the-clock access to Hollywood's biggest 3D blockbusters. Since every Entertain media receiver is capable of transmitting 3D signals, Entertain subscribers need no new hardware. The only requirement fo calling up and viewing 3D content via Entertain is 3D-compatible TV set and the appropriate 3D glasses. Entertain's online video library, Videoload, contains the latest blockbuster movies. Customers can browse the TV archive and watch sporting events at no extra charge. As an innovation leader in the German TV market, Telekom has long been committed to the future of television.
2011 - Internet in the skies
Fly, surf, e-mail: Commercial marketing of the broadband Internet service that Lufthansa offers on intercontinental routes in partnership with Deutsche Telekom, and Panasonic Avionics began in February. In the short time since this phase started, air passengers have continued to display a high level of interest in the service, and they have been impressed by its technical capabilities and reliabitlity. With this "celestial" expansion of its hotspot service, Deutsche Telekom is reaffirming its objective of enabling connected life and work just about anywhere, anytime. Many passengers now enjoy seamless mobile Internet coverage on major international routes, allowing them to check e-mails or access the corporate network via a VPN (Virtual Private Network), for example.
2011 - Deutsche Telekom merges networks
Deutsche Telekom continues to expand the growth field of mobile Internet. Merging the mobile and fixed networks and bringing new services to the network are the aims of the Group's new "Telco plus" strategy. Board member for Technology and Innovation Edward R. Kozel presented a whole host of new products and services for this area at the Mobile World Concress (MWC) in Barcelona. The focus here is on the optimum customer experience. With its "Travel & Surf" data romaing service Deutsche Telekom offers Internet access in all European Union countries.
2011 - Cologne first LTE City
Since June, Cologne has had another reason to be pleased: Not only can it boast 763 kilometers of the best developed public transport system in Germany but it is also to receive the fastest mobile surfing connections in the country. Just 12 months after the public auction, Deutsche Telekom will launch the first LTE high-speed network (Long Term Evolution) in a major German city. After Cologne, more than 100 other cities throughout Germany will be provided with the next-generation mobile communications.
2011 - Cloud for all
Access to my data, any time, anywhere. Deutsche Telekom's online services open up the cloud for all customers at no cost. The services can be accessed from all compatible devices – be it PC, laptop, tablet, smartphone or TV. The Media Center is a central component of TelekomCloud and can also be accessed from all screens.
2011 - Two new Board members appointed
The Board of Mangement of Deutsche Telekom is to be strengthened by two new female members. René Obermann presented Claudia Nemat (left) and Marion Schick (right) to the public one day after the Supervisory Board meeting. Claudia Nemat will take over the Europe Board department the beginning of October. Marion Schick will take over the Human Resources Board department from Thomas Sattelberger in May 2012. Ulrich Lehner, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Deutsche Telekom AG, said of the appointment of the new Board members. "In Ms. Nemat and Ms. Schick we have found two proven experts to head these two units. I very much look forward to working with them."
2012 - Interface to the future
Deutsche Telekom accelerates its partnering campaign. The hub:raum incubator program is opened in Berlin to back young enterprises in the start-up phase. Aspiring young teams of entrepreneurs are given specialized support from an experienced team and room to incubate their business ideas.
2012 – Quality from the cloud
Deutsche Telekom launches its Business Marketplace. The new cloud platform means small and medium-sized enterprises can afford highly professional, secure software solutions for typical business applications from the cloud without having to invest in hardware or software. All selected services are paid for based on consumption.
