Overview

1

 

Terminology

The following terms are used in this chapter. In addition, you may wish to review the “Terminology” section of “About This Guide,” which defines basic terms used throughout this guide, or the Glossary, which defines all terms.

Auto Dial

A programmable telephone button that lets you dial a series

button

of digits simply by pressing that button. An Auto Dial button

 

can be used to store a Centrex feature code or a telephone

 

number so that it can be dialed with one touch.

Auxiliary

Telecommunications equipment (other than MLS- and

equipment

MLC-model telephones) that can be connected to the

 

equipment controller. Auxiliary equipment includes

 

industry-standard devices that can connect directly to the

 

public telephone network (such as standard phones or fax

 

machines) as well as devices that require the interface

 

provided by the equipment controller (such as a loudspeaker

 

paging system).

Centrex

Telephone services that your local telephone company

 

provides from a Central Office (CO) located outside your

 

business premises, including Centrex lines connected to the

 

equipment controller and the features available on those

 

lines. (Your telephone company may call Centrex by another

 

name.)

Centrex

A short code (or “Centrex extension ID”) that can be used to

extension

dial another extension within the Centrex system. Typically,

number

this is the last digits of the Centrex telephone number.

Centrex system

The total block of Centrex lines you subscribe to—all or some

 

of which may be connected to the equipment controller for

 

your system—together with the Centrex services associated

 

with those lines.

Overview 1-1

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AT&T II manual Terminology
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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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