This Day In New York Times History.

In a February 18, 1984 article, entitled "Omens for Phone Technology", the New York Times lamented that the break up of the government supported Ma Bell monopoly would lead to decreased quality in phone services and "increased busy signals." They did not trust the market then, just as they do not today.

Next time we receive a crystal clear call on our BlackBerry while overseas, we will think of the Times.