An Australian cellular phone tycoon plans to build an office and apartment tower in the shape of a cellular phone.

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The Melbourne Herald Sun reports that John Ilhan has not submitted plans for his cellular tower yet. But he received permission several years ago for a more conventional high-rise on the same site and does not see that the shape makes any difference.

"Every country has a building of some sort. Sydney has got the Opera House -- why not this for Melbourne?" he asked.

Ilhan, owner of the Crazy John's chain of electronics shops, plans conference facilities in the building for telecommunications industry meetings, retail space and luxury apartments on the upper floors. The building's facade would feature a large keypad and an aerial.

Jason Camenzuli, the architect working on the design, says there are some challenges but "nothing that can't be solved."

"What it will end up being is a very nicely detailed building," he said.