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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.

Writers

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.

« Operator Services Today | | Cell Phones: A Leading Technology »

April 16, 2006

Posted by Tom Farley & Mark van der Hoek at 08:53 PM

AT&T Operator Before the Breakup

What was it like to be an international operator for AT&T before The Breakup? This internal Bell System newsletter gives you some idea (3 megs in .pdf) (internal link) It's from 1980 and I think Ronald Briggs submitted it. I thank him and everyone else who e-mails in these important contributions. A little tidbit from the newsletter: Back in 1980 connecting to Colombia from the States was a real problem. Only a radio link existed, not a hardwired cable connection. Very few calls, therefore, could go back and forth. Spelling was also a problem. Despite the Bell System's resources, they being the largest corporation on Earth, AT&T spelled Colombia "Columbia" at least three times. Sigh.

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