1854 witnessed the birth of Egypt's telecommunications industry. The first telegraph line connecting Cairo and Alexandria was inaugurated early in 1854; forming the company that was later to become Telecom Egypt.

Ferdinand de Lesseps granted the concession to build the Suez Canal to Said Pasha.

Thomas Watson, the assistant of Alexander Bell (inventor of the Telephone) was born on Jan 18th.

George Eastman, inventor of the Kodak Camera was born on July 12th.

Elisha Graves Otis launched his Safety Elevator on May 30th.