Part 7/11:
By establishing a solid manufacturing backbone, Bell began focusing on expanding its long-distance service. The establishment of a subsidiary, AT&T, laid the groundwork for nationwide service, despite challenges in overcoming the limitations of telephony technology at the time.
With pressure building for expansion, Vail launched strategic moves, knowing that 1893 and 1894 would bring patent expirations that could ignite fierce competition. Alarmed by the potential influx of new independent telephone networks, Bell accelerated the buildout of its own infrastructure by lowering rates and expanding its services across the U.S.