Part 7/9:
Despite its groundbreaking innovations, the monopoly that allowed Bell Labs to flourish was ultimately its demise. Concerns over AT&T's monopolistic practices led to the government's intervention and eventual breakup of the company in 1984. This split not only reshaped the telecommunications industry but also fragmented Bell Labs, which was divided among various emerging companies. The irony lies in the fact that many of the technologies developed at Bell Labs helped nurture a more competitive telecom landscape, contrary to the monopoly it had enjoyed for decades.