[entee]

The first iPhone famously only had 2G cellular internet. At the time 3G phones were not ubiquitous but were readily available (had one as a mid priced Nokia flip phone), so I’ve always thought this was a fascinating aspect of the iPhone story. I bet the decision was made to go forward despite the product being slightly hobbled precisely because of timing.

[bombcar]

The iPhone was an iPod that could make phone calls in an era when phones didn't do much beyond making phone calls.

So it was a no-brainer for those already carrying an iPod and a phone, even if it didn't do anything beyond being an iPod that could receive calls and texts!