Private Line covers what has occurred, is occurring, and will ocurr in telecommunications. Since communication technology constantly changes, you can expect new content posted regularly.
Consider this site an authoritative resource. Its moderators have successful careers in the telecommunications industry. Utilize the content and send comments. As a site about communicating, conversation is encouraged.
Thomas Farely
Tom has produced privateline.com since 1995. He is now a freelance technology writer who contributes regularly to the site.
His knowledge of telecommunications has served, most notably, the American Heritage Invention and Technology Magazine and The History Channel.
His interview on Alexander Graham Bell will air on the History Channel the end of 2006.
Ken Schmidt
Ken is a licensed attorney who has worked in the tower industry for seven years. He has managed the development of broadcast towers nationwide and developed and built cell towers.
He has been quoted in newspapers and magazines on issues regarding cell towers and has spoke at industry and non-industry conferences on cell tower related issues.
He is recognized as an expert on cell tower leases and due diligence processes for tower acquisitions.
« December 2002 | | September 2003 »
There's too many wireless technologies to keep track of! True. But they can be broken down into two broad divisions, cellular radio and non-cellular radio. Click here for a very simple diagram. Does this help you keep the technologies organized? Please note, the chart does not describe the transmission types or access technologies, if you will, of the various non-cellular radio schemes.
I've set up a page for Narain Gehani's important new work: Bell Labs: Life in the Crown Jewel.(internal link) I've read and reviewed it and I recommend it very much. I wish it included photographs but the publisher is considering an on-line photograph gallery to complement the title. That would be a great addition to the book.
Tom: My name is Paul McCoy. I have been with C&P Telephone/Bell Atlantic/Verizon since 1966 in a variety of jobs. When I hired on, the safety motto said something to the effect of "No job is so important and no TASK is so urgent...." Somewhere along the line, the word task got changed to "service". Do you have access to a likenes of the old motto that contains the word "task" ? Nobody I tell this to remembers this or they don't believe me. You have a great web site! I just installed the Lineman painting as wallpaper on my computer. Regards, Paul
Paul: Thanks for the e-mail. The only Bell System safety handbook I have (Pacific/Nevada Bell) is from 1976. On the title page is what looks to be a photograph of a plaque that has the word service, not task. :-( Perhaps an older manual might contain it? You can try looking for one on http://www.abe.com. Or get in touch with a telephone collector on ebay.com. Ever tried posting a question to one of the many telecom discussion groups on the USENET? Try http://www.deja.com. I bet someone remembers although they may not know of an image. And how about the Telephone Pioneers? Sorry I couldn't help and thank you much for the compliments. Best regards, Tom Farley
