Instead, they relied on tactics to disrupt state and company communications like wire cutting and the occupation of telegraph stations. During the Tobacco protests and bread riots in Iran in the early 1890s, telegraph lines were cut and British stations occupied by protestors.

The telegraph was an exclusive technology owned by large companies and states. Constructing and operating a covert network, similar to the network depicted in Andor, was not feasible for protest and revolutionary movements in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

This reminds me of the image from Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper of John Ammon, a union leader and supposed leader of the 1877 US Railroad Strikes. In fact, there is no evidence that Ammon directed or coordinated the national strike through the telegraph as depicted.

In the final episodes of season 2, Kleya, in hiding from imperials, resorts to a more rudimentary form of communication similar to a Morse Key. This device can receive and send a code resembling Morse. Unsure of the senders identity, the rebels on Yavin discuss a response.

Much of season 2 revolves around Luthen's and Kleya's Fractal radio, clearly inspired by a telephone operator's switchboard and WW2 listening and broadcasting devices.

Cassian relies on safe channels to coordinate cells across the galaxy. Season 1’s hidden relay stations showcase the need for one-time devices and rotating frequencies for the rebels in coordinating revolution across vast distances.

I would also recommend Aditya Ramesy's work on Indian rivers and 'productive works'. Lipokmar Dzüvichü coolies article, Rohan Deb Roy white ants article and Deep Kanta Choudhury on Indian Telegraph come to mind!

Shamelessly plugging my article on the Indo-European Telegraph Department, race and labour in Iran and the Gulf. The Department was run by the British government of India and involved lots of Indian labour. academic.oup.com/hwj/advance-...

It's changing things, but I think it's too early to tell how and to what extent. Lots of hype pushed by promoters and futurists that needs challenging as well. People like @leev.bsky.social putting in the work

This looks great, can't wait to read