The paper explores the work carried out by Guglielmo Marconi and his assistants in the period culminating with the first transatlantic transmission in 1901. Their efforts focused on two main objectives: first, long distance communication, this being the trajectory chosen by Marconi for the development of the new technology he was pioneering; secondly, the design and construction of commercially reliable apparatus in order to attract much needed customers. It was a process that was to bear fruits in the 1910s, when the system became operative and orders began to flow in; in 1912 the rescue of the survivors of the Titanic disaster proved dramatically its value in emergency situations.

By the end of the century electromagnetic theory was a mature discipline, but it fell short of providing guidelines for the solution of the diverse problems encountered in the design of plants and apparatus for wireless telegraphy; at the same time, Marconi’s head-start was being challenged by rival system. Decisions could not be postponed awaiting theoretically sound guidance: relevant knowledge had to be developed on site.

The sites in this case were the numerous stations that were set up by the Wireless Telegraph and Signal Company (Marconi Wireless Telegraph Company from 1900) for demonstrations to potential customers; they were used as the stage for full-scale experiments in the course of which new apparatus and arrangements were tested and improvements were introduced. By 1898 two permanent stations were in operation at the Needles (Isle of Wight) and Bournemouth; two more stations on unprecedented size and complexity were established in 1899, in preparation for the transatlantic trial. These installations were described by Marconi as his laboratories: here he carried out research work with his team of engineers and advisors.

The aim of the paper is to examine the climate that permeated these establishments: it will analyse the criteria by which technical agendas were identified, the attitude towards problem-solving and the research practices that were implemented; the implications of full-scale experimenting will also be discussed. Finally, special attention will be paid to the tension that was engendered by the simultaneous pursuit of commercial and technological objectives.