Free Knowledge Culture Calendar/November 8

Today in 1956 the Hush-A-Phone v. United States case was decided. According to the decision, it is allowed to physically connect any device to the U.S. telephone network that does not interfere with its operation. In 1968 the FCC extended this privilege to electrical connections to the network. The ruling is considered a landmark for network neutrality, as it enables network use other than that intended by its operator, such as the use of answering machines.