A party line (multiparty line, shared service line, party w…
A party line (multiparty line, shared service line, party wire) is a local loop telephone circuit that is shared by multiple telephone service subscribers.
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Party line systems were widely used to provide telephone service, starting with the first commercial switchboards in 1878.
A majority of Bell System subscribers in the mid-20th century in the United States and Canada were serviced by party lines, which carried a billing discount over individual service; during wartime shortages, these were often the only available lines.