Baby Bells - Breakup of American Telephone and Telegraph
The breakup of Bell Telephone (and Bell Telephone Laboratories), which led to the creation of the "Baby Bells," was a significant event in the history of telecommunications in the United States. Here's an overview of the key points:
Background
Bell System Monopoly: Before the breakup, AT&T (American Telephone and Telegraph Company) operated a monopoly on telephone service in the U.S. through its Bell System. This system included the Bell Telephone Company and Western Electric, which manufactured telephone equipment. Government Action: The monopoly status of AT&T led to concerns about anti-competitive practices. The U.S. Department of Justice filed an antitrust lawsuit against AT&T in 1974, aiming to break up its control over the telecommunications industry.
The Breakup
Settlement: In 1982, AT&T reached a settlement with the Department of Justice. This agreement, known as the Modified Final Judgment (MFJ), required AT&T to divest its local exchange service operations. Divestiture: On January 1, 1984, the Bell System was officially broken up. AT&T retained its long-distance service, manufacturing arm (Western Electric), and Bell Labs, while its local exchange service operations were split into seven Regional Bell Operating Companies (RBOCs), commonly referred to as "Baby Bells."
The Baby Bells
The seven Baby Bells created from the breakup were:
Aftermath and Consolidation
Re-Consolidation: Over time, the telecommunications industry saw significant mergers and acquisitions among the Baby Bells and other companies. For example: