Alexander Graham Bell (/ ˈɡreɪ.əm / ⓘ; born Alexander Bell; March 3, – August 2, ) [4] was a Scottish-born [N 1] Canadian-American inventor, scientist, and engineer who is credited with patenting the first practical telephone. He also co-founded the American Telephone and Telegraph Company (AT&T) in [7] Bell's father, grandfather, and brother had all been associated with.