Key Largo Microwave tower

Microwave towers were constructed prior to 1951 and were designed to transmit telephone and television signals nationwide (Wired). At a time when coax cables of the early telephone networks were sufficient, higher bandwidth was needed for the future. The towers were built across the country as a network of microwave relay stations. These microwave towers would carry hundreds of simultaneous telephone calls, but would also carry television signals.  In 1951 the long lines system was introduced with a televised address by President Truman. This system was built up as network television and national advertising made huge profits and Bell itself became a behemoth company.

With the break up of Bell in 1982, other phone companies seized on market opportunity with new technology. Fiber optic networks improved satellite relays. With the rise of digital communication, the end of the old analog microwave network was near. Many of the old towers have been converted to cell towers, like the one in Key Largo. Yet, there are many towers across the country sitting dormant and neglected. They are barely noticed. The microwave towers are a forgotten relic of the past.