Switchhook and Recall

When you are on a call using an MLS- or MLC-model phone, pressing the switchhook disconnects you from the call. To access Centrex services when you are on a call, use the Recall feature to execute a timed switch hook flash (see page 6-12).You can program this feature onto a button on your telephone (see page 5-16).(Recall disconnects an intercom call.)

Using the Handset,

Speaker, and Microphone

Every MLS-model telephone has a speaker, which you can turn on by pressing [ Spkr ]. When the green light next to [ Spkr ] is on, the speaker is on.

MLS-34D, MLS-12D, and MLS-12 phones also have microphones. On these phones, pressing [ Spkr ] turns on both the speaker and the microphone. In addition, you can turn just the microphone on and off by pressing [ Mic ]. When the green light next to [ Mic ] is on, the microphone is on.

The call handling instructions in this chapter explain how to use the handset to make and answer calls. However, if you prefer to dial and conduct calls without lifting the handset, you can use the speaker and the microphone instead. Use the following techniques to make calls with the speaker and (if you have one) the microphone:

■To make a call without lifting the handset, press [ Spkr ] to `get a dial tone; then dial the number, and you will hear the call ringing. If you have a microphone, it is turned on automatically when you press [ Spkr ] (if it is not on already); when the other party answers, you can talk without lifting the handset. On MLS-6 phones (which have no microphone), lift the handset to talk when the other party answers.

■To turn off the microphone when you are using the speaker, press [ Mic ]. This will mute your voice so that the other party cannot hear you.

■If you are already on a call (on an MLS-34D, MLS-12D, or MLS-12 phone), you can switch from the handset to the speaker and microphone by pressing [ Spkr ] and hanging up the handset. Conversely, if you are using the speaker and microphone and want to switch to the handset, lift the handset and the speaker and microphone will turn off.

■Use the Hands-Free Answer on Intercom (HFAI) feature (on an MLS-34D, MLS-12D, or MLS-12 phone), to answer voice paging calls without lifting the handset (see Appendix B).

6-6Using Telephones

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AT&T II manual Switchhook and Recall, Using the Handset Speaker, and Microphone
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II specifications

AT&T II, a pivotal case in the landscape of telecommunications regulation, emerged from the expansive antitrust actions against the American Telephone and Telegraph Company (AT&T). Following World War II, AT&T had established itself as a telecommunications behemoth, monopolizing the market. The ramifications of this dominance spurred a significant shift in regulatory measures, leading to the dissolution of the Bell System in 1984, which consisted of AT&T and its regional operating companies.

One key feature of AT&T II is its emphasis on promoting competition in the telecommunications sector. The court's decision aimed to dismantle the monopolistic practices that had stifled innovation and restricted consumer choice. By encouraging competition among various service providers, the ruling paved the way for an environment where new technologies could flourish.

The technologies that emerged post-AT&T II significantly transformed the telecommunications landscape. The introduction of new digital switching systems allowed for improved call quality and increased network efficiency. The evolution of fiber-optic technology also played a crucial role, enabling faster transmission speeds and greater data capacity. Moreover, innovative services, such as mobile telephony and broadband internet, proliferated as competition increased.

Another characteristic of AT&T II is its focus on accessibility and consumer protection. The ruling mandated that telecommunications services be available to a broader swath of the population, ensuring that underserved communities had access to essential communication services. This shift not only democratized access but also laid the groundwork for the modern internet revolution, fostering the growth of the digital economy.

The impact of AT&T II can also be seen in the regulatory frameworks that followed. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted policies aimed at enhancing market transparency and ensuring fair practices among competitors. These regulatory changes helped to create a more equitable playing field, allowing smaller companies to compete against established giants.

In summary, AT&T II marked a turning point in telecommunications history, characterized by a focus on competition, technological advancements, and consumer protection. The dissolution of AT&T's monopoly allowed for the rapid evolution of technology and services, ultimately benefiting consumers and fostering an environment ripe for innovation. This ruling not only redefined the telecommunications industry but also set a precedent for how markets are regulated in the United States.
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