Final answer:
The telegraph was the popular communications technology that enabled the creation of fire alarm boxes by 1870.
Step-by-step explanation:
The popular communications technology that enabled the creation of fire alarm boxes by 1870 was b telegraph, invented in 1830 by Samuel Morse, allowed for almost instant communication over long distances by sending electrical impulses in the form of Morse code. It revolutionized communication, making it faster and more efficient than relying on messengers or letters.