The first cell phones were not sold to the public, but were only used by the government. This was in 1974 and it wasn't until 1984 that cell phones were sold to the public.
sprint
One can purchase SHARP cellular phones from any carrier that has this phone available for purchase. For example, AT&T is one carrier that offers this phone.
I'm not sure of the context of your question, so I will assume you are asking if you can activate a cellular phone in the US, as opposed to activating a US Cellular phone (which is a wireless network in the US). Here are the different scenarios on activating a cellular phone in the US:Activating a carrier-based phone with the same carrier--you can activate a carrier-based phone with the same carrier, even if the phone has been inactive for a long period of time. It is functional provided it can connect to the current bands in that network.Activating a carrier-based phone with another carrier--if the phone is locked (tied to a particular carrier), it will not function if you attempt to activate it with another carrier. If you are able to get the phone unlocked (either thru the carrier, manufacturer, or on your own), it might work with another carrier provided the phone can run on that other carrier's network bands.Activating an unlocked phone with any carrier (traditional and pre-paid)--most unlocked phones, and this is assuming they are designed to be used in multiple bands in the US and/or elsewhere, can be activated on most carriers.Activating a carrier-based phone with a pre-paid carrier--it is possible to activate a carrier-based phone with a pre-paid wireless carrier, assuming that carrier has bands that match what the carrier-based phone had previously. An example is the pre-paid carrier Straight Talk, which utilizes bands from the four major wireless carriers (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint).
T-Mobile
Yes, Telstra is a popular phone service carrier in Australia. Actually, it is currently the leading phone provider in the country of Australia whether based on land lines or cellular devices.
If you already have a cellular contract you should first check with your carrier. If you do not know of a local carrier you can do an on-line search the phone and see who in your area sells that style or brand. Otherwise www.htc.com provide carriers that sell that phone as well as retailers in your area.
Online you can buy a cellular phone amplifier at Amazon. Offline or online try Best Buy or another electronics retailer. Also try a mobile phone store for a specific carrier.
Buying a used cell phone is a great way to save money. You will get a sim card when you activate the phone with your carrier.
Motorola
Pacific bell
An unlocked phone can be used with any cellular phone carrier SIM card making is transferable from carrier to carriers. Dealers keep their customers loyal to their wireless providers by "locking" the phone so only SIM cards from their systems can be used in their phones.
China didn't invent the cell phone. The US did.