Standard Telephones and Cables Company Overview and Products

Author

Reads 1.9K

Person Talking on the Telephone While Holding a Pen
Credit: pexels.com, Person Talking on the Telephone While Holding a Pen

The Standard Telephones and Cables Company was a British manufacturer of telephones and telephone equipment.

The company was formed in 1925 through the merger of several smaller companies.

One of its earliest products was the 1926 telephone, which featured a rotary dial and a receiver that hung from a cord.

The company's products were known for their high quality and reliability, making them a popular choice among consumers.

Take a look at this: What to Do with Old Telephones

History of Telecommunications

The 1950s were a pivotal time for telecommunications, marked by the establishment of television broadcasting, which was crowned by the coverage of Queen Elizabeth II's Coronation in 1953.

STC technology and equipment played a crucial role in the spread of TV transmission and availability across Britain.

The company's products also revolutionized ship-to-ship, ship-to-shore, and civil aviation communications, making international and intercontinental submarine telephone contact possible.

STC's production unit in Southampton was opened in 1956, and the company quickly became a major player in the field.

Credit: youtube.com, Standard Telephones - ARP

In the late 1940s and early 1950s, STC supplied signalbox train describer equipment to British Railways, which was a significant milestone in the development of telecommunications.

The 1949 installation of power signalling in the North and South boxes at Doncaster was a notable achievement, and STC's route setting panels for control of points and signals were a key part of this project.

STC's first PCM link was established in 1964, marking a significant shift towards digital technology, which had been made possible by the invention of transistors nearly 30 years earlier.

STC's acquisition of Submarine Cables Ltd in 1970 cemented its position as a world leader in telecommunications, with coverage extending from rivers and estuaries to the Pacific Oceans.

STC Overview

STC, or Standard Telephones and Cables, was a British manufacturer of telephone, telegraph, radio, and telecommunications equipment.

Their main office was located in London at Connaught House, 63 Aldwych, with a telephone number of Holborn 8765 and 20 lines.

Credit: youtube.com, Vintage STC Standard Telephones and Cables / Coles Electroacoustics 4033-A microphone, 1940-1965

STC was known for producing a range of equipment, including cables and related equipment.

In 1947, their contact information included the ability to send cables via "Relay, Telex, London".

STC was also involved in joint ventures, such as Enfield-Standard Power Cables Ltd, which they co-owned with Enfield Cables Ltd in 1959.

On a similar theme: SMART Cables

STC Stories

The Standard Telephones and Cables (STC) company had a humble beginning in 1930 with a single factory in Mumbai, India.

STC's first product was a telephone switchboard, which was a major milestone in the company's history.

The company's early success can be attributed to its innovative approach to telephone technology, which enabled it to expand its operations rapidly.

Standard PLC 1883-1991

Standard PLC 1883-1991 was a British company with a rich history. It was founded in London in 1883 as International Western Electric, an agent of American Western Electric.

The company's name changed to STC in 1925 when it was bought by International Telephone and Telegraph Corporation (ITT). This marked the beginning of a new era for the company.

For another approach, see: International Packet Switched Service

Two metal connectors placed against a clean white background.
Credit: pexels.com, Two metal connectors placed against a clean white background.

STC was established as a British limited company in 1910, and it was one of the founders of the British Broadcasting Company (later Corporation) in 1922. This was a significant milestone for the company, reflecting its growing influence in the industry.

During World War II, STC's factory at New Southgate conducted significant military work, leading to many developments in aerial warfare. The factory was relatively safe due to effective blackout measures and the strength of its buildings.

However, the factory was still at risk, and incidents did occur, including a flying bomb that killed 30 people and injured another 300 in August 1944. This incident highlights the risks faced by the company during this time.

In the 1960s, STC began focusing on submarine telecommunications cables, which became a key area of expertise for the company. By 1970, STC had become the world leader in submarine cables and the sole UK manufacturer.

Here's a brief timeline of STC's key milestones:

  • 1883: Founded as International Western Electric
  • 1898: Began manufacture
  • 1910: Established as a British limited company
  • 1922: Co-founded the British Broadcasting Company
  • 1925: Name changed to STC
  • 1970: Became the world leader in submarine cables
  • 1979: Largest UK manufacturer of telecommunications cable
  • 1991: Bought by Northern Telecom (Nortel)

Stories from IET

Vintage Typewriter and Telephone on the Table
Credit: pexels.com, Vintage Typewriter and Telephone on the Table

The IET Archives are a treasure trove of STC history, with stories waiting to be uncovered. Cataloguing of the collection will continue into 2017, with more images being added to the STC Pinterest board.

You can explore the personal papers of former STC employees by selecting 'STC' from the drop down list under the heading 'Subject Tags' at the bottom of the page. These papers offer a unique glimpse into the lives of those who helped shape the company's history.

The New Southgate factory STC photograph collection is part of the Standard Telephones and Cables Limited papers, which have been catalogued with an archive reference NAEST 211. This collection is available to consult by appointment at the IET Archive Centre in London.

The IET Archive Centre is located at Savoy Hill House in London, where you can access the collection by appointment.

Take a look at this: History of the Web Browser

STC Products

STC was a British manufacturer of telephone, telegraph, radio, telecommunications, cables, and related equipment. They were a significant player in the industry.

In 1959, STC formed a joint ownership with Enfield Cables Ltd to create Enfield-Standard Power Cables Ltd.

Their product line included a variety of equipment, but specific details about their range are not provided in the available information.

Digital Age

Credit: youtube.com, STC Webinar #16 - Digital Manufacturing: Trending or Transforming?

In 1966, Charles Kao demonstrated that light could be used to transmit speech and data accurately at very high speeds.

Materials technology took time to catch up, but by 1977 a commercial fibre optic link had been installed in England.

STC's plant at Wednesbury Street, Newport dominated the recabling of the UK public telephone system before the company's demise.

In 1971, STC installed a fully digital (PCM) controlled telephone exchange at Moorgate in the City of London.

The exchange was a tandem exchange, switching PCM multiplexes between several other exchanges.

STC's TXE4 analogue electronic switch was an early replacement for electro-mechanical systems, used until 1980.

The fully digital System X switch, developed by STC and its partners, is still in service in the UK as of 2005.

A fresh viewpoint: Ip Telephone System

Telephones and Cables

Standard Telephones and Cables Ltd was a British manufacturer of telephone, telegraph, radio, telecommunications, cables and related equipment. They were based in London.

Their main office was located at Connaught House, 63 Aldwych, London, WC2. You could reach them by telephone at Holborn 8765, which had 20 lines, or by cable at "Relay, Telex, London".

STC Ltd was also known as STC plc. They had a joint ownership with Enfield Cables Ltd in Enfield-Standard Power Cables Ltd, which was established in 1959.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of cable is used for telephones?

Telephone cables are typically grey, flat-looking cables made of twisted copper wire pairs, used for connecting phones and other devices to wall jacks

What is the standard telephone connector called?

The standard telephone connector is called a Registered Jack 11 (RJ11). It typically has four or six pins and is used to connect phones, modems, and other devices to a wall jack or phone line.

Rosemary Boyer

Writer

Rosemary Boyer is a skilled writer with a passion for crafting engaging and informative content. With a focus on technical and educational topics, she has established herself as a reliable voice in the industry. Her writing has been featured in a variety of publications, covering subjects such as CSS Precedence, where she breaks down complex concepts into clear and concise language.

Love What You Read? Stay Updated!

Join our community for insights, tips, and more.