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- <text id=90TT0660>
- <title>
- Mar. 19, 1990: World Notes:Spain
- </title>
- <history>
- TIME--The Weekly Newsmagazine--1990
- Mar. 19, 1990 The Right To Die
- </history>
- <article>
- <source>Time Magazine</source>
- <hdr>
- WORLD, Page 36
- World Notes
- SPAIN
- What's Next? Call Waiting?
- </hdr>
- <body>
- <p> To Eduardo Molet, Madrid's traffic jams were not merely an
- irritation, but also an inspiration. As the capital's gridlock
- slowed cars to an average speed of 6 m.p.h. and frustrated
- drivers, the Spanish businessman saw an opportunity. Why not
- provide stalled motorists with portable telephones so they
- could call ahead and explain why they were delayed?
- </p>
- <p> Every day from 8 a.m. until 9 p.m., two dozen young men and
- women bearing mobile phones weave through the traffic. About
- 1,500 callers have already used the service, which costs a
- steep $2.77 for 30 seconds, to reach out and touch concerned
- spouses and angry bosses. Some have even used the phone to call
- the police and report--what else?--auto accidents.
- </p>
-
- </body>
- </article>
- </text>
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-