Episode 217: Phone Phreaking episode artwork

EPISODE · Jul 11, 2026 · 24 MIN

Episode 217: Phone Phreaking

from Everything is a Primary Source · host Eric Salmonsen

America at 250 Episode 2: "Telecom Rebels: Phone Phreaking as a Document of the 1970s"Dave met with me at the New Hampshire Telephone Museum in Warner to discuss the "Phone Phreaking" trend of the 1970s.  Rebellious, technologically-minded youth used their know-how to work the monopolistic phone system to make free calls to telephones all over the world.  This at the forefront of the computer revolution, something that notable Phone Phreaks like Steve Jobs regarded as necessary for that movement to take place.**Be advised that telecommunications sounds are played from 8:50 to approximately 10:00**This is the second episode of a special season of the Everything is a Primary Source where, in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States, American pop culture is examined for historical value and for connection to the founding of the country in July of 1776.Teaching resources and supplements available soon at everything-history.com/america250This episode is brought to you by iCivics and their new educational game, Investigation Declaration.#history #popculture #phonephreaking #americanrevolution #america250 #1970s

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Episode 217: Phone Phreaking

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