SBCGlobal’s Role in America’s Broadband Evolution

Before the days of fiber-optic networks and 5G, getting online was a slower, more complicated process. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, millions of people still used dial-up internet, which tied up phone lines and offered modest speeds. Recognizing the need for faster, more reliable connections, SBCGlobal—the internet division of SBC Communications—stepped in to help lead the nation’s broadband revolution.

SBCGlobal invested heavily in DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) technology, a significant upgrade from dial-up. Unlike dial-up, DSL provided continual internet access that could run simultaneously with a telephone line.

This was a game-changer for households that wanted to browse the web without interrupting phone calls. SBCGlobal’s push to roll out DSL brought faster internet to millions of homes, particularly in suburban and rural areas where broadband options were limited.

In addition to expanding physical infrastructure, SBCGlobal focused on improving the user experience. One of its most notable moves was a partnership with Yahoo!, which provided customers with co-branded services such as SBC Yahoo! DSL and email. This collaboration not only provided internet access but also offered users personalized web portals, email accounts, and access to digital tools such as cloud storage and news feeds, a novelty at the time.

SBCGlobal’s efforts helped bridge the digital divide, giving more Americans the opportunity to participate in the emerging online world. By transitioning from traditional telephone services to broadband internet, the company played a critical role in shifting the U.S. toward a connected, digital future.

Today, although SBCGlobal’s name is no longer at the forefront, its legacy endures in the millions of people who first experienced broadband through its services.