"The Western Electric 500 ruled the landlines for decades, becoming so ubiquitous that even those who never used a landline have encountered its design in modern technology."
"AT&T's monopoly status allowed it to dictate the phones in American homes, with the Western Electric 500 symbolizing the peak of its power and influence in the industry."
The Western Electric 500 was the quintessential landline phone in the United States, representing AT&T's monopoly over the telephone industry. Its design influenced modern phone apps, including the iPhone's Phone app. The episode recounts the history of the phone, detailing AT&T's rise to power and the challenges it faced. The 500 exemplified AT&T's peak influence and was recognized for its quality. This episode concludes the third season of Version History, promising new stories in the upcoming season.
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