Joybubbles Documentary
(Admin note: I actually talked to Joybubbles a few times before his passing in 2007.) Famous Phone Phreaker Joybubbles is now in a documentary that is being showcased at several viewings throughout the US. I do not know if or when it will be available for wide release. https://www.inverse.com/entertainment/joybubbles-documentary-rachael-morrison-interview
Does T-Mobile want to buy Windstream (Uniti Fiber)
April 4, 2026 – T-Mobile is thinking about buying Uniti Fiber, which just bought Windstream (marketing as Kinetic Fiber). So in essence, T-Mobile might own a “wireline” phone company after all. Just like Verizon and AT&T do (at least for the moment). https://www.fierce-network.com/broadband/t-mobile-might-buy-kinetic-fiber-assets-uniti-group
The End of Landline in Hitchcock, OK
December 24, 2025 – The inevitable has started. AT&T in Oklahoma (former Southwest Bell) is slowly turning off central offices. The first appears to be a small town called Hitchcock, OK, about an hour NW of Oklahoma City. This is a VERY small town that was served by a 5ESS… Read more »
The last 4ESS has been shut down
December 11, 2025 (Updated March 2026) – I heard from an industry contact that the Lansing, MI 4ESS switch (LNNGMIMN50T) is slated to be powered off tonight. Traffic through the switch has already been rerouted elsewhere. This is considered to be the last 4ESS in the lower 48 states. Only… Read more »
Phil McCarter’s collection to be preserved at new museum in Denver
March 14, 2025 – The entire collection of long time telephone collector Phil McCarter of Salem, OR (also known as SXSPhil) will be moving to the Connections Museum. Most fans of telephony know of the awesome museum in Seattle, WA with their collection of switching equipment (Panel, #1XB, #5XB, DMS-10,… Read more »