Answering Machines

You can use an answering machine to answer calls at night when you are not there, or during business hours when you cannot get to the phone. An answering machine can share an extension with a phone (via a bridging adapter) to answer calls to the extension. Figure 7-3 shows an answering machine set up for personal use at an extension.

If you own an AT&T answering machine with the Call Intercept feature, you can pick up a call that has been answered by the answering machine by joining the call from any MLS- or MLC-model phone. When you do so, the equipment controller sends the answering machine a signal that causes it to hang up.

Primary Line

Ext.

EQUIPMENT Jack X

CONTROLLER

267F2 Bridging Adapter

ANS

MACH

To Program:

1.The answering machine will answer any call that rings (the number of times a call rings at the answering machine’s extension before the machine answers is set at the answering machine itself).

2.Set Line Ringing for the answering machine extension according to your needs. If the machine should answer all calls, set Line Ringing to “immediate ring.” If the answering machine is a backup, set Line Ringing to “delayed ring.”

3.If you set Line Ringing for delayed ring and the line assigned to extension jack X is also assigned to other extensions as a secondary line, adjust the answering machine to answer on the sixth or seventh ring so that it does not answer calls before someone else can.

Figure 7-3. Personal Answering Machine

Using Auxiliary Equipment 7-5

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AT&T II manual Answering Machines, Personal Answering Machine

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.