GTE, or General Telephone and Electronics Corporation, was a major telecommunications company in the United States. Founded in 1926, it grew through acquisitions and became one of the largest independent telephone companies. GTE provided various services, including local and long-distance telephone service, as well as data and internet services. In 2000, GTE merged with Bell Atlantic to form Verizon Communications, which is now one of the largest telecommunications companies in the world. The merger allowed Verizon to expand its service offerings and improve its infrastructure, ultimately enhancing communication services for millions of customers.