in 1938, after emerging from bankruptcy, united telephone company became united utilities. the company grew steadily through acquisitions and changed its name to united telecommunications in 1972, at which time it provided local telephone service in many areas of the midwest and south. united telecom also operated many other types of businesses. in 1980 united telecom launched a national x.25 data service, uninet. to enter the long-distance voice market, united telecom acquired isacomm in 1981 and us telephone in 1984.