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Push Button Phone Day is celebrated annually on November 18. Almost everyone owns a mobile phone in this digital era, and there have been numerous advancements since the launch of the telephone, leading to the smartphones we use today.
The push-button phone was the first significant alternative to rotary dial phones. It featured electronic buttons or keys for dialing telephone numbers. Over the years, the push-button phone has undergone several improvements, eventually evolving into the smartphones we now rely on, filled with various apps. This day celebrates the official introduction of push-button phones to the public.
“There was a time when nails were high-tech. There was a time when people had to be told how to use a telephone. Technology is just a tool. People use tools to improve their lives.” – Tom Clancy
Push Button Phone Day Observance
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | November 18 | Monday |
| 2025 | November 18 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | November 18 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | November 18 | Thursday |
| 2028 | November 18 | Saturday |
History of Push Button Phone Day
The history, origin, and founder of Push Button Phone Day are not precisely known. There is no specific mention of the year this day has been celebrated. However, it is believed that the founder created this celebration to mark the anniversary of the introduction of push-button phones by Bell Systems in the United States. Push-button phones were first introduced to customers in some areas of Pennsylvania on November 18, 1963. The phones were designed by Henry Dreyfuss.
The concept of using pushbuttons in telephony originated around 1887 with the micro-telephone push-button. Push-button phones replaced rotary dial phones and were considered a more advanced alternative. These phones featured buttons for dialing numbers, allowing users to connect with others more easily. Initially, there were no * or # buttons on push-button phones; they were introduced later, in 1968, with the Model 2500.
Other Celebrations on November 18
November 18 is also celebrated as
How to Celebrate the Day
Learn more about Push Button Phones, their history, and the developments that have taken place over time. If you have a Push Button Phone in your home that you’ve kept in a cupboard, consider this day as an opportunity to showcase it to your family and friends. You can even use it if you still have a landline connection. Share pictures of your antique telephone on social media using the hashtag #PushButtonPhoneDay.