Communications: Highlights include the AT&T divestiture, a new long-distance record in fiber-optic communications, local-area networks, and cellular radio

Developments in communications during 1984 are reviewed. These include the AT&T divestiture; further advances in fiber optics, both in the field and in the laboratory; and progress toward a complete definition of universal digital-communications standards for local area networks. In addition, cellular mobile radio went into commercial operation in nearly two dozen cities in the US.