Bell System Property

[tjmack99]

Just curious if anyone knows when Bell System phones ceased to be the property of Bell Systems, and how that was handled? Did they take back the phones, did customers have an option to buy the sets? I see on the WE 500 that came with my house, a sticker on the bottom with a purchase date from the early 1980's, so it looks like the original owner bought it from them.

[JorgeAmely]

Google is your friend. but bring a bucket of popcorn and a big soda:

http://www.porticus.org/bell/bellsystem_history.html

[HarrySmith]

Yeah, you aint kidding! Been there a few times and still have not made it all the way through

[tjmack99]

Whoaa...........(insert image of Homer Simpson drooling...)

[Greg G.]

Just curious if anyone knows when Bell System phones ceased to be the property of Bell Systems, and how that was handled? Did they take back the phones, did customers have an option to buy the sets? I see on the WE 500 that came with my house, a sticker on the bottom with a purchase date from the early 1980's, so it looks like the original owner bought it from them.

I also recommend reading "The Rape of Ma Bell".  Very educational and informative.