Part 9/11:
The Kingsbury Commitment in 1913 marked a pivotal moment, outlining AT&T’s future commitments while allowing continued acquisitions in non-competing areas. The regulatory environment began to shift, paving the way for greater controls over service provision and establishing a framework for a monopolistic telecommunication standard.
The Final Years of Consolidation and Universal Service
With renewed capital and a more streamlined organization, AT&T began acquiring independent companies, facilitating the integration of the burgeoning telecommunications landscape. Vail announced plans for "Universal Service," emphasizing the company’s readiness to deliver consistent quality across its network.