<P> The entire network was nationalized during World War I from June 1918 to July 1919 . Following re-privatization , AT&T resumed its near - monopoly position . In 1956 , AT&T and the Justice Department agreed on a consent decree to end an antitrust suit brought against AT&T in 1949 . Under the decree , AT&T restricted its activities to those related to running the national telephone system , and special projects for the federal government . </P>
<P> The entire network was nationalized during World War I from June 1918 to July 1919 . Following re-privatization , AT&T resumed its near - monopoly position . In 1956 , AT&T and the Justice Department agreed on a consent decree to end an antitrust suit brought against AT&T in 1949 . Under the decree , AT&T restricted its activities to those related to running the national telephone system , and special projects for the federal government . </P>
under terms of the 1956 consent agreement at&t agreed to
under terms of the 1956 consent agreement at&t agreed to
restricted its activities to those related to running the national telephone system , and special projects for the federal government .
restricted its activities to those related to running the national telephone system , and special projects for the federal government .