"Ma Bell" referred to the old AT&T Bell System pre-divesture. It
> referred to the old system, somewhat negatively, of when Bell owned
> all equipment and long distance, and supplied 100% of customers needs.
> Once AT&T divested the local companies, it ceased being the old Ma
> Bell. It quickly evolved into other types of business. It even lost > the "Bell" name.
Except that AT&T fought for and succeeded in keeping the name: Bell Laboratories.
Not until AT&T spun off Western Electric and Bell Labs, soon renamed Lucent Technologies, did Lucent's managers manage to screw up Bell Labs.
Art Kamlet ArtKamlet @ AOL.com Columbus OH K2PZH