AT&T in Dallas: A History of Innovation and Service
AT&T is one of the most iconic brands in the world, and its presence in Dallas is a testament to the company’s long and storied history. AT&T began operations in Dallas in 1882 as the Southwestern Telegraph and Telephone Company, a subsidiary of the American Telephone and Telegraph Company. Since then, the company has grown and evolved to become the largest telecommunications provider in the United States. Today, AT&T is a global leader in technology, communications, and entertainment, and it continues to be an integral part of the Dallas economy.
AT&T’s history in Dallas is marked by innovation and service. In 1885, Southwestern Telegraph and Telephone Company installed its first telephone exchange in Dallas, making it one of the first cities in the United States to have telephone service. In the years that followed, AT&T continued to expand its service offerings in the Dallas area, introducing long-distance telephone service in 1887 and dial-up service in 1888. By the early 1900s, AT&T had built an expansive network of telephone lines across the city, connecting Dallas residents to one another and to the rest of the world.
In the decades that followed, AT&T continued to invest in Dallas, building new switching centers, data centers, and other facilities to support its growing business. In the 1940s, AT&T introduced the first commercial microwave network in the United States, connecting Dallas to other cities across the country. In the 1950s, AT&T helped to launch the first commercial satellite communications network. In the 1960s, AT&T opened its first research and development center in Dallas, which was eventually expanded to become the company’s largest research facility.
In the 1970s and 1980s, AT&T continued to expand its network in Dallas, introducing cellular services in 1983 and high-speed fiber-optic service in 1985. In the 1990s, AT&T launched its first digital television service, which eventually evolved into the company’s current U-verse offering. In the 2000s, AT&T introduced its first high-speed wireless service, and in the 2010s, the company launched its first 5G network.
Today, AT&T is one of the largest employers in Dallas, employing more than 30,000 people in the city. The company operates multiple data centers and switching facilities in the area, and it is one of the largest providers of telecommunications services in the United States. AT&T’s commitment to innovation and service has made it an essential part of the Dallas economy, and its presence in the city continues to be a source of pride for its residents.