Definition: The term "Southwestern Bell" was coined in 1925 by Walter B. Haines, a pioneer in telecommunications industry, to describe the first telecommunications company established in Southwestern United States. The company became one of the pioneers of the American telephone and cable systems. At that time, there were two main telecommunication companies based in Texas: the Southern Bell Company (later changed to Bell Telephone and Telegraph Company) and the Bell Lighter Company. These two companies operated in different parts of the country and did not compete for dominance like their northern counterparts did. The "Southwestern Bell" refers to both the company's history, which started operating in Southwestern areas during its early years, and to the location or geographical region it operates in today - Texas. As an example of a well-known company that uses the term "Southwestern Bell", one might mention the San Antonio Bell Telephone Company (a predecessor of TELUS), established by George E. S. Rogers in 1925 with its main office at 3000 South Houston Street, San Antonio. The San Antonio Bell Telephone Company was one of the first telecommunications companies to operate in the United States and helped pioneer the development of long distance service in Texas and other parts of the United States. The company's headquarters were located at 3000 S. Houston St., San Antonio, Texas.

Southwestern Bell