Taking an important call in a traffic jam is an everyday occurrence. In 1990 a company from Barcelona was already offering this service

In a fascinating glimpse into the early days of mobile connectivity, a Barcelona-based company in 1990 offered a pioneering service for drivers needing to make important calls while stuck in traffic. This initiative predated the widespread adoption of smartphones and even early mobile data services, highlighting an early attempt to bridge the gap between professional communication needs and mobile limitations. The service aimed to cater to busy individuals who couldn't afford to be disconnected during their commutes in the city's congested business districts. The service operated with a small team of five individuals, identifiable by their distinctive white jumpsuits and scooters, patrolling the busiest traffic zones in Barcelona. Users in need could flag down one of these operators to borrow a handset for their call. If the user was stationary, they could use the operator's handset, but if they were moving, the operator would provide the device and follow along until the call was completed. This unique approach allowed for crucial business communications even when on the move, underscoring the evolving demands of the professional world. This early service, charging 25 pesetas for the request and a minimum of 300 pesetas for the call itself, offered a novel solution in a technological landscape dominated by landlines and public payphones. It represents an early European innovation in mobile services, focusing on practical problem-solving for professionals navigating urban environments. This initiative stands as a testament to the enduring human need for connectivity and the ingenuity demonstrated in early mobile technology solutions.