A look back: June 5, 1991

The Palmerton Telephone Company yesterday unveiled a state-of-the-art fiber-optic network switching system that will speed calls, ensure clearer connections and immediately reroute calls in the event of a cable cut.

Implementation of the new system, the first of its kind in the state, was announced in Kresgeville by the company and American Telephone and Telegraph, manufacturer of the DDM 2000 system.

Palmerton Telephone Company President Donald Reinhard said the $300,000 system would not result in a rise in subscriber rates, as the technology itself would actually keep rates stable due to the lower maintenance costs and easier software upgrades.