Historical clue formulations

• Half of a 1997 telecom merger — 2017-10-14
• A Verizon forerunner — 2015-10-03
• Old Baby Bell based in the Big Apple — 2014-05-04
• Former Baby Bell — 2012-07-12
• 1997 Bell Atlantic acquisition — 2009-10-16
• Part of a big 1997 merger — 2009-04-19
• Half of a 1997 telecom merger — 2004-09-11
• A Verizon predecessor — 2004-05-02
• Old telecommunications name — 2002-10-09
• One of the original Baby Bells — 2002-08-06
• Part of a 1997 telecommunications merger — 2000-02-17