Fall River was the first city in the nation to have automatic telephones. The system drew widespread interest, with many people visiting the city for a firsthand look at the network in practical use. The Fall River Automatic Telephone Co. received its franchise on Dec. 18, 1899, eight years after a Kansas city undertaker patented the first dial instrument. In 1901 the firm was ready for business, with 500 telephones and enough cables and conduits for 950. By 1902, there were 900 automatics in use and by 1906, there were 1,200. The automatic was very popular among people who had difficulty with the English language, as they were able to dial relatives and friends directly, bypassing conversations with operators.