The AT&T Long Lines division featured a system of microwave relay towers that transmitted information across the United States.
The AT&T Long Lines network featured a system of microwave relay towers that transmitted information across the United States. Built in the early 1950s, the line-of-sight network conveyed analog data, such as phone conversations and television signals, through towers that were spaced 30 to 40 miles apart. 1 It was the largest network of its kind when it opened, and unique in that it relied on microwaves than above-ground transmission wires. It was also designed to be resistant to the pressure wave from a nuclear blast.
The Long Lines network was rendered obsolete with the introduction of fiber optic communication lines, satellites, and wireless Internet. 1
![Buckhorn AT&T Long Line Tower](https://i0.wp.com/abandonedonline.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/20050811-DSC_1079-1.jpg?resize=520%2C782&ssl=1)
![Buckhorn AT&T Long Line Tower](https://i0.wp.com/abandonedonline.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/20050811-DSC_1087-1.jpg?resize=520%2C782&ssl=1)
![Buckhorn AT&T Long Line Tower](https://i0.wp.com/abandonedonline.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/20050811-DSC_1083-1.jpg?resize=520%2C782&ssl=1)
![Buckhorn AT&T Long Line Tower](https://i0.wp.com/abandonedonline.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/20050811-DSC_1080-1.jpg?resize=520%2C346&ssl=1)
![Buckhorn AT&T Long Line Tower](https://i0.wp.com/abandonedonline.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/20050811-DSC_1086-1.jpg?resize=520%2C782&ssl=1)
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Sources
- Kohlstedt, Kurt. “Vintage Skynet: AT&T’s Abandoned “Long Lines” Microwave Tower Network.” 99% Invisible, 20 Oct. 2017.
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Add Yours →It was a very impressive national system.
You might enjoy this video, thought I’d share. Thanks,