The first telephone lines in Macon County were a line from Franklin to Corundum Hill Mines and a line from Franklin to Dillsboro.  In 1890 service became available between Franklin and Highlands and Walhalla, SC.

Franklin's first telephone exchange was owned by Samuel Kelly who was also a lawyer.  He incorporated his new company as the Franklin Telephone and Electric Company.  The first rural line built out of Franklin was through the Cartoogechaye community and to Silver Burch Lodge, near Wallace Gap.

Below are links to transcriptions of news articles concerning the growth of this industry.