Symposium on Coordination of Power and Telephone Plant

Symposium on Coordination of Power and Telephone Plant* Introductory Remarks By R. F. PACK I U N D E R S T A N D I am expected to outline shortly what has led to the splendid cooperation between the Associated Companies of the American Bell Telephone System and the Power Companies of the United States in the matter of coordinating their facilities to avoid interference with the service of either. Previous to 1921 disputes of a very serious nature were constantly occurring between the Bell Telephone Companies and the Power Companies, the former claiming that the rapid construction of transmission lines by the latter was seriously interfering with telephone service. The Power Companies felt that they also had a duty to serve the public and resented the attempts of the Bell Companies to interfere with the Power Companies' growth and progress. These disputes were so acrimonious and the parties to them so bitterly disposed towards each other that the courts and public service commissions in the various states were more and more frequently called upon to adjudicate the differences. In the latter part of 1920 it was evident that the situation was becoming a serious menace to both great interests and suggestions were forthcoming from certain individuals representing both interests that attempts should be made to find a solution. Unfortunately, the names of those responsible for this constructive thought are not known and they cannot, therefore, personally be given their due meed of praise, nor assigned their proper places in history.