

The Great Task of Construction 



With the coming of peace the Bell System 

 faced an enormous construction program. 

 Conditions arising from war resulted in 

 the wiping out of reserve equipment nor- 

 mally maintained, and necessary to give 

 prompt connection to new subscribers. 

 The release of industry and accumulated 

 growth of population now makes tele- 

 phone demands almost overwhelming. 



Telephone construction, including build- 

 ings, switchboards, conduits, cables and 

 toll lines, must, from its inherent nature, be 

 undertaken in large units. A metropolitan 

 switchboard, with its tens of thousands of 

 parts, may require from two to three years 

 to construct and install. 



Only great extension can meet the present 



excess burden of traffic and provide for 

 future requirements. Extension which 

 cares for immediate demand, only, is un- 

 economical and calls for continuous work 

 of such a character as to be frequently 

 detrimental to the service. 



During the war the Bell System devoted 

 all its margin to the needs of the Govern- 

 ment. The great task of getting back to 

 normal pre-war excellence of operation 

 requires the reestablishment of an eco- 

 nomic operating margin capable of taking 

 care of a larger growth than has ever be- 

 fore confronted the Bell System. 



Construction is being pushed to the limit of 

 men and materials; while every effort is being 

 made to provide the best, present service. 



American Telephone and Telegraph Company 

 And Associated Companies 



One Policy One System Universal Service 



'Mention The Geographic — It identifies you' 



