Utility lines of all sorts were affected by this big ice storm which made history in the Northeast on February 17, 1909. Paired cable technology for telephone service certainly subsequently was enhanced/accelerated on account of costly events like this. As a result much telephone open wire added or upgraded through communities thereafter consisted of such cable with lead sheathing. The latter contained pairs of wires protected within their weatherproof lead covering. This new type of cable was physically simpler and stronger.