0Ericsson
MOBiDEM
Announced
1991
Weight
474 grams
Features
The Ericsson MOBiDEM was a revolutionary device that played a key role in the development of mobile computing. It was the world's first commercial packet radio modem and was released in 1991 by Ericsson GE Mobile Communications Inc., a joint venture between Ericsson and General Electric.
It was called a MOBiDEM because it was compatible with the Mobitex packet radio data-only wireless network. This technology was conceived in Sweden but later spread to other markets such as North America (BellSouth) and the UK (RAM Mobile Data). It supported speeds of up to 2400bps. When the MOBiDEM was launched in the US in 1991 it retailed at $1,795 (approximately $4000 in 2024).
The MOBiDEM could be plugged into the serial port on a computer or PDA. This allowed the computer or PDA to connect to the packet radio network enabling the transfer of data from fixed locations or on the move.
Typical applications included collecting data from sensors to measure traffic flows, weather metrics, water quality and more. The Mobidem device could also be used to send and receive text messages, and applications were developed for service engineers, delivery companies and other vertical markets solutions where appropriate.
