The World Series games in Boston could be televised only to the Eastern states; those played in Cleveland, only to the Midwest. But next year, the American Telephone & Telegraph Co. announced, things will be different. A new coaxial cable, under construction since October 1947, will tie the two regions together. * A coaxial extension to California will ultimately give TV a coast-to-coast hookup.
The new cable, which cost nearly $13 million, is about as thick as a rolled-up newspaper, and contains eight coaxial tubes, a pair of which can carry 600 simultaneous phone conversations or two TV programs. The final adjustments should be completed early in 1949. The first major event to be televised from the Atlantic coast to the Mississippi River will probably be President Truman’s inauguration in Washington on Jan. 20.
* Cities serviced in the East will be New York, Washington, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Boston, Schenectady, Richmond and New Haven. In the Midwest: Chicago, Cleveland, Milwaukee, Detroit, Toledo, Buffalo, St. Louis and Minneapolis. Other cities will be added as facilities are completed.
More Must-Reads from TIME
- Donald Trump Is TIME's 2024 Person of the Year
- Why We Chose Trump as Person of the Year
- Is Intermittent Fasting Good or Bad for You?
- The 100 Must-Read Books of 2024
- The 20 Best Christmas TV Episodes
- Column: If Optimism Feels Ridiculous Now, Try Hope
- The Future of Climate Action Is Trade Policy
- Merle Bombardieri Is Helping People Make the Baby Decision
Contact us at letters@time.com