America were one of the last countries to get cell phones actually. We created the technology then sat on it for a while before we actually were able to use it (FCC lol). Meanwhile while we weren't creating a cell phone network, other countries across the globe were. Even third world countries got cellphone networks before us. Then there's the problem of standardization. The America doesn't have any. Other countries have a standard when it comes to cell phones and the way they operate. We don't. There are two or three major types of cell phones out in America right now if I remember correctly. Anyway, I'm sure you could find more information on the subject on Wikipedia or something.