at a guess

a mobile phone is for entering strings of digits which could just as easily be 0123456789 as 0987654321. 9 is not a 'higher' number than '1' in a phone number, so the numbers are just arranged 'in order' so you can find them quickly. computer keyboard numberpads are often used as calculators where the numbers have a 'meaning', and therefore the highest number is at the top on the right because when you do sums and s**t that's where you expect them or something.

furthermore, it's a good idea to put 9 a long way from the 'send' button so you don't call the emergency services by mistake (indeed, historically the 9 was at the far end of the dial so that it wasn't called by accident) .

Posted By: Dave in France, Feb 13, 11:25:56