How did "Hello" become the universal greeting around the world for picking up a phone?

by moumouren

Obviously it wouldn't be something like "BAZINGA", but how did "hello" become so ubiquitous?

reximhotep

In Germany you actually say your name if you answer your phone.

Mictlantecuhtli

I wouldn't say "Hello" is the universal greeting for picking up the phone. In Mexico, for instance, the common greeting is "bueno" or "good" in English.