Transatlantic telephone cable system: planning and overall performance

The transatlantic telephone cable system was designed as a connecting link between continent-wide communication networks on the two sides of the Atlantic. The technical planning of the system and the objectives set up so that this role would be fulfilled are the principal subjects of this paper. Typical performance characteristics illustrate the high degree with which the objectives have been realized. Optimum application of the experience of the British Post Office with rigid repeaters and the Bell System with flexible repeaters, together with close co-operation among the administrations, has played a large part in achieving the objectives.