Once beyond the reach of most mortals, mobiles really took off
in 1996, becoming fashion accessories for all.
Although pre-pay vouchers were still around the corner, the cost
of monthly subscriptions was finally within most people's grasp.
The phones were bulky, there was no SMS, and reception wasn't brilliant
- but at least now you could call a taxi from the pub without having
to take out a second mortgage.
And for schoolkids (who wouldn't be able to afford a mobile phone
for another year or so) a new range of flashy transparent pagers
was all the rage.
Mobiles
