Achievements and Honors
New Jersey State’s Outstanding Patent (1972)
IEEE Alexander Graham Bell Medal (1976)
“For the conception and development of Electronic Switching Systems and their effective introduction into a nation-wide telephone system.”
The Franklin Institute’s Stuart Ballantine Medal (1981)
“For his achievements in the bringing into being of the electronic telephone switching systems, and for his contributions toward the many functions it makes possible for modern telecommunications.”
National Academy of Engineering (1981)
The Columbian Medal (Genoa, Italy) (1983)
International Institute of Communications Columbian Gold Medal Issued by the City of Genoa, Italy
ITU Centenary Prize (1983)
“For contributions to the development of telecommunications,” issued by the International Telecommunications Union at the 4th World Telecommunication Exhibitions, TELECOMON 83, unanimously selected by a jury representing Brazil; France; Germany; Kenya, and Indonesia.
Father of the International Switching Symposium (1987)
This was a special award given by the International Switching Symposium (ISS), which was officially formed in 1972. However, Mr. Joel was instrumental in the formation of a “Switching Committee” in the 1940s through AIEE, which eventually merged with IEEE.
The Kyoto Prize (1989)
“For Pioneering contribution to the Electronic Switching Technology for telecommunications, especially that based on the concept of “Stored Program Control.” Mr. Joel “opened the door to upgrading and freely modifying electronic switching to meet public needs, by combining new switching technology with computer technology. He has been a leader in the development and introduction of highly advanced modern electronic telecommunication networks throughout the world.”
New Jersey Inventor of the Year (1989)
IEEE Medal of Honor (1992)
“For fundamental contributions to and leadership in telecommunications
switching systems.”
The Charles E. Scribner Trophy-AT&T Patent Award (1992)
“For the basic technology of cellular telephony, which allows mobile callersto move from one region, or cell, to another without losing their connection. The patent was issued in 1972.”
National Medal of Technology (1993)
“For his vision, inventiveness and perseverance in introducing technological advances in telecommunications, particularly in switching
that has had a major impact on the evolution of the telecommunications industry in the U.S. and worldwide.”
National Inventors’ Hall of Fame (2008)
Mobile Communication System-US Patent # 3,663,762 “Amos Joel pioneered the system for cell phones of switching communication links from one cell region to another in response to movement, while maintaining continuity of service. His invention allows for convenient cell phone usage, making them a part of today's society.”
Marconi Society-Lifetime Achievement Award (Posthumously-2009)
Wireless Hall of Fame (Posthumously-2012)
Pioneer Honoree “AT&T Bell Labs engineer and inventor who designed and patented automated mobile switching that revolutionized mobile communications and made cellular telephone service possible.”