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End of the Line for Ma Bell SBC Communications, one of the Baby Bells spun off from AT&T in the 1980s, agreed to buy its former parent Monday. The acquisition is subject to approval by shareholders. As yet, it's not clear what will become of AT&T. We recall the early days of Ma Bell.

Talk of the Nation

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End of the Line for Ma Bell

Heard on Talk of the Nation

End of the Line for Ma Bell

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SBC, one of the Baby Bells spun off from AT&T in the 1980s, agreed to buy its former parent Monday. The acquisition is subject to approval by shareholders. As yet, it's not clear what will become of AT&T. We recall the early days of Ma Bell.

Guest:

Sheldon Hochheiser, who served as corporate historian for AT&T for 16 years, is now a historical consultant.