Alexander Graham Bell applies for a patent for the telephone, as does Elisha Gray.

Alexander Graham Bell is granted a patent for an invention he calls the telephone beating Antonio Meucci by four hours.

Alexander Graham Bell makes the first successful telephone call by saying "Mr. Watson, come here, I want to see you."

Alexander Graham Bell installs the world's first commercial telephone service in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.

Emma Nutt becomes the world's first female telephone operator when she was recruited by Alexander Graham Bell to the Boston Telephone Dispatch Company.

Thomas Edison and Alexander Graham Bell form the Oriental Telephone Company.

Alexander Graham Bell inaugurates U.S. transcontinental telephone service, speaking from New York to Thomas Watson in San Francisco.