[rob74]

> Elsewhere in the world, phones were modular. Handsets connected to their bases via small RJ-9 jacks, allowing devices like the VICModem to intercept the line between the handset and the base. Easy. But not in Canada.

I would beg to differ. Maybe in some places in the world, but definitely not "everywhere else but in Canada". That's why the acoustic coupler (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acoustic_coupler) was invented: a device where you placed your phone's handset, so you could connect your computer to it without having to physically tamper with the phone company's sacred device.

[Aardwolf]

Even the acoustic coupler seems to have had compatiblity issues, see timestamp 1:10 here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqJ159pngY8 ("1986: Email - the Perfect Tech for the Jet Set? | Micro Live | BBC Archive")

[contingencies]

Wait: wasn't it created because earlier telephones (before RJ socketed replaceable handsets) were by definition wacko analog things with rotary dial and no standardization of plugs, and therefore the only designed way to couple was mechanically?

Touched a nerve: I had a 300baud acoustic coupled modem in mint condition original box which I bought from a garage sale in ~1995 and my flipping mother threw it out before Y2K. Man I was livid. Imagine what it'd be worth now.

[kalleboo]

What's seems (increasingly less) crazy these days is the Bell system even sued over the mechanical coupling of a little plastic cup https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hush-A-Phone_Corp._v._United_S...

[kevin_thibedeau]

Couplers were necessitated because you weren't permitted to alter the wiring as it was all owned by the phone company. Prior to RJ you had screw terminals that could have been used for a modem if allowed.

[vessenes]

Much less than the 2 shares of apple stock you could have bought :)

I’d be upset too.