SBC Communications Inc.: Laurel Lane campaign
Kevin TeagueOVERVIEW
In the late 1990s broadband Internet service was becoming a much sought-after commodity in suburban areas. To expand its phone and Internet service to California, SBC Communications Inc. purchased California-based Pacific Bell in 1997 and then spent $6 billion retrofitting existing phone lines to support DSL (digital subscriber line) high-speed Internet by 2001. Soon SBC Pacific Bell became a leading DSL provider for California. Instead of using preexisting phone lines to provide Internet service (as done by DSL providers), cable Internet providers, such as Road Runner Holdco LLC, provided high-speed Internet...