Even better, they predated digital computers by a long way, yet were an early application of digital data. A descendant of the original 5-bit Baudot code is sti

Even better, they predated digital computers by a long way, yet were an early application of digital data. A descendant of the original 5-bit Baudot code is still used today in RTTY applications. Automated teleprinter networks developed, with TWX and Telex [0] coming into service in the 1930s. In 1963, AT&T upgraded TWX to use 7-bit ASCII instead of Baudot code. But TWX and Telex stagnated and were far outstripped by later dialup modems, let alone ISDN, DSL, or cable modems. The TWX network in North America piggybacked on the telephone network, with special area codes designated for TWX service (now returned to use as voice area codes). Eventually, the courts took a dim view of TWX and forced it to be divested to Western Union. [0] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telex https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telex