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AT&T II manual Switchhook, Limitations, Feature Phones

Models: II

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■Ringing Patterns. Your Centrex system determines the ringing pattern you will generally hear when calls ring at your phone. (For example, there may be different ringing patterns for inside and outside calls.) If someone makes an intercom call to your phone, you will hear a repeated pattern of two rings, one long and one short (RING ring . . . RING ring . . . RING ring . . .).

Switchhook

When you are on a call, pressing the switchhook connects you with Centrex, so you can access Centrex services. Pressing the switchhook down for 1/4 to 1 second sends Centrex a signal called a “switchhook flash.” If you press the switchhook quickly and nothing happens, try again, pressing a little longer. (If you are on an intercom call made to you from an MLS- or MLC-model phone, pressing the switchhook disconnects the call.

Limitations

Because some standard phones do not have line buttons, feature buttons, or dedicated function buttons, call handling is different than for MLS- or MLC-model phones. The actions below cannot be performed from those standard phones using equipment features. However, comparable Centrex features may be available for use by those standard phones.

■Because there are no line buttons, you can make calls only on your own Centrex line.

■You cannot make intercom calls.

■You cannot make a voice-paging call from a standard phone. If you use an MLS- or MLC-model phone to make a voice-paging call to a standard phone, the standard phone rings.

■You cannot enter program mode.

■If the standard phone has a message light, it will not work.

■You cannot use the equipment features (see pages 6-10and 6-11)or Speed Dial Numbers that are available for MLS- and MLC-model phones.

Feature Phones

A feature phone is a standard telephone that has feature buttons in addition to the regular 12-key dial pad. For example, there are feature phones that have built-in speakerphones, programmable auto dial buttons, last number redial buttons, hold buttons, and other dedicated feature buttons. Some of the features on these phones will work with your equipment controller, but many of the limitations above apply to feature phones as well.

Some feature phones include a “Recall” or “Flash” button that executes a switchhook flash. You can use this button to send a switchhook flash (described above) when you want to access Centrex services.

6-8Using Telephones

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AT&T II manual Switchhook, Limitations, Feature Phones
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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.