[big American telecommunications companies are also helping]
Somebody long ago, maybe 2002-2003 told me this (way back then). This person was in a position to know, as well (telecom employee).
Of course, that’s about the worst-kept secret for a long time.
History lessons on telecom and how we got here [gov spying on all citizens]
https://freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/3032748/posts
By: Vendome