Bell System Practices

The Bell System Practices is a multi-volume encyclopedia of technology information developed and formerly maintained by the Bell System's Bell Labs for use by its employees.^[1] Everything from accounting and human resources procedures to complete technical breakdowns of every product serviced by the Bell System is covered, with details specific to the best way to wrap a wire around a screw. Each Practice was designated by a nine digit number, divided into groups of three.

With sections regularly updated, printed and distributed, the "BSPs" were the key to the standardized service quality throughout the country, and allowed employees who had never met to easily work with one another in the event of a service outage disaster or merely when relocating. While publishing ceased with the breakup of the Bell System, many of the practices defined by the BSPs are still used today and many have been adopted as canon by the International Telecommunication Union.

See Also

• Telephone Set BSP Reference
• Telephone Booth BSP Reference

References