Telecommunications in Colorado
1953–1981
Operators switching calls
Step by Step - the first mechanical switch (Roach Photos, Inc.)
Crossbar - the second and last mechanical switch (AT&T Archives)
Electronic Switch similar to those used today
(top) Jerrold Starcom 36 cable television set-top box (Cable Center Technology Archive, Barco Library/The Cable Center; photographer Rob Stuehrk); (right) first Apple computer
The world was about to change. Colorado's first cable telephone system was installed in Trinidad in 1953, and cable television later began developing technology to connect people over cable lines. Cellular systems began to appear across the country, with the first public telephone call placed on a portable cell phone on April 3, 1973. Personal computers began to gain wide acceptance. Combined with the new internet protocol, our options for sending our thoughts would multiply. An explosive transformation had begun.
In 1984 you could complete a phone call by simply typing the desired number into your telephone. Computers in the central switching office would then automatically connect you to whomever you were calling.
The evolution of switching machines made it easier and quicker to reach your friends. You paid less when machines replaced live operators to connect your call.
Bell System served most families
In 1984 nearly everyone had a phone and could call almost anywhere in the world for a reasonable price. A single telephone company provided service to most families within a given area. For a majority of these families that company was AT&T, the "head" of the Bell System and the largest single company in the world.
In 1984 nearly everyone had a phone and could call almost anywhere in the world for a reasonable price. A single telephone company provided service to most families within a given area. For a majority of these families that company was AT&T, the "head" of the Bell System and the largest single company in the world.
What was different from today?
- The telephone was virtually the only option most people had to fly thoughts to others. Other choices weren't widely available.
- Your telephone was connected to a wire in the house, so you couldn't carry it around.
- Cellular, cable, and wireless phone service were in their infancy and not widely available.
- PCs were barely beginning to gain wide acceptance.
Why do we say "I'm dialing the number" when we make a call?
Online Exhibits
Telecommunications in Colorado
Allen Tupper True Mural, The Wings of Thought (THG file photo)
Throughout history, human beings have had an innate desire to communicate. This exhibit features a timeline from face-to-face communications of the mid-19th century to today’s instant, global communications, and invites the viewer to imagine what it must have been like to wait weeks or months for news from back home.
Using Allen True’s Wings of Thought mural as a motif, the exhibit highlights documents, directories, and photographs from Telecommunications History Group archives. This online exhibit is based on a 2011 THG exhibit at the Denver Public Library.
Note: Because the exhibit is based on a physical original, it doesn't currently work on a mobile phone in portrait mode (and will look very small in landscape as well). Please view on a tablet or larger device. We're working to get a version of this exhibit to be mobile-friendly.