New York Telephone Company formed

Background. Prior to 1896, local Bell operations in New York were consolidated under the Metropolitan Telephone and Telegraph Company. This entity succeeded earlier franchises, including the Telephone Company of New York formed in 1876, which initially rented instruments to users who provided their own connecting wires.

Consolidation. In 1896, the New York Telephone Company was formed by consolidating the Metropolitan Telephone and Telegraph Company with the Westchester Telephone Company. The latter served northern suburban areas, including parts of Westchester County that later became the Bronx. This consolidation established the company's control over local service.

Legacy. The New York Telephone Company, later known as NYTel, took over New York City operations from the American Bell Telephone Company. It eventually became part of the Regional Bell operating company NYNEX, though its name was restored after AT&T acquired a controlling interest.