For many years, almost everyone in the United States had the same phone, often referred to simply as The Phone. It was known as the Western Electric 500, a landline model that dominated during the era of landline telephones. So prevalent was this phone that even those who never used a landline have likely seen its design, notably in the Phone app icon on an iPhone.
In the latest episode of “Version History,” we delve into the story of the Western Electric 500 and the peculiar world it symbolized. Hosts David Pierce, Nilay Patel, and professor Tim Wu explore the origins of the phone, detailing how AT&T came to monopolize the telephone industry, gaining exclusive rights to choose the phones used in American homes. Although this power faced numerous challenges, the 500 model exemplifies AT&T’s peak dominance—and it was a quality phone.
This episode marks the conclusion of the third season of “Version History.” We appreciate everyone who has engaged with the show, and we’re excited to return in six weeks with fresh stories. Subscribers of “The Verge” can enjoy ad-free access to “Version History” and other podcasts by adjusting their account settings.
For those interested in further exploring the history of AT&T, landlines, and the Western Electric 500, additional resources are available to continue the journey.