The animosity between MCI and AT&T could almost be described as deep-seated hatred.
When MCI was established in 1963, its business was solely microwave radio relay stations, which had no relevance to telephone services.
But the telecommunications industry was closely linked, so as MCI grew, it began providing voice services to companies that couldn't afford AT&T's exorbitant fees.
Plainly put, MCI was poaching AT&T's market. A few years later, with its strengthened capabilities, MCI began to apply to the Federal Communications Commission for suggested approvals, which are commonly known as licenses.
The FCC approved, but now someone was unhappy.
You've been stealthily snatching my market share, and that was just the scraps.
But now with a license, are you planning to compete with me openly?
So, as the market behemoth, AT&T carried on its usual style and sued MCI!
