Celebrating the Inventor Alexander Graham Bell – Here’s How He Changed Our Lives

3 March 1847, and 7 March 1876, may not mean much to many of us.

What if we were to tell you that we all benefit from events that occurred on those two days. Yes, you read correctly. Events that transpired over 100 years ago on today’s date and 7 March continue to impact our lives today.

At this point, you’re probably eager to learn what they were. On today’s date, 3 March, Alexander Graham Bell was born in Edinburgh. At 29, the Scottish-born inventor changed the world, and our lives, when he secured the first patent of the telephone.

Of course, there has been much remodelling of the telephone since. However, life would not be what it is today without the genius of Alexander Graham Bell. The 19^th century was a time rife with innovation. It saw the invention of several now-familiar objects, including the camera, sewing machine, paperclip, typewriter, telegraph and the telephone.

The race to establish telegraphic communication was competitive. There was much rivalry between Bell and American electrical engineer and inventor Elisha Gray. While Bell is known for advancing the capability of telegraph messages, his focus was voice transmission. On 17 February 1876, he won the race to patent his telephone invention. His design for transmitting the human voice beat out Elisha Gray’s by a few hours. While working independently on a harmonic telegraph, the men advanced their telephone concept. However, 7 March saw Bell being awarded the patent for his design.

Of course, over 100 years later, we benefit from their rivalry and, ultimately, the invention. Neither Gray nor Bell could anticipate the long-lasting impact of the telephone. Over the years, we’ve continued to see the evolution of its design and functionality from top boxes to rotary dials and now smartphones. We’ve even seen the shift in its accessibility. It has transitioned from being solely owned by elite families to one in every household, and now to everyone! One thing that has not changed is its importance to the business community.

While the advantages presented by the digital landscape are vast, they have not diminished the need for what Bell first sought to create—a human connection. Businesses have learnt that there is significant value in ensuring their customers hear a human voice on the other end. Though we live in a highly digitalised climate, brands know that providing phone support enhances their customers’ experience by creating a personal connection. Customers can access responsive and personalised assistance with a voice on the receiving end of a call.

Well, that’s where we come in. Whether in print or online, Yello creates that bridge between customers and the human voice with which they want to connect. The telephone directory is your source for a comprehensive list of local business numbers. 

So, be sure to grab a copy of your recent print telephone directory or visit them online at findyello.com—like Bell’s telephone, we’re evolving too.

Whichever you choose, it’s time to stop searching and start finding!

Sources: Britannica, World Atlas and TechTarget.