AT&T II manual Dial button and Programmable button, Without tying up primary Centrex lines, Line

Models: II

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Equipment Controller

The AT&T product that you purchased as part of your system. This product consists of a group of modules that connect Centrex lines coming into your building to the extensions in your system. The equipment controller also provides equipment features.

Equipment

A feature provided by your equipment controller (as opposed

feature

to a service provided by Centrex).

Equipment

A programmable telephone button on an MLS- or MLC-model

feature

telephone that enables you to access an equipment feature

button

with one touch, simply by pressing the button. See also Auto

 

Dial button and Programmable button.

Extension

Extension jack

Feature phone

A destination in the system that can be dialed.

The location on 206 modules that allows you to connect phones (or other telecommunications devices) to the equipment controller.

An industry-standard phone that includes programmable buttons or other built-in features.

Intercom call

A call that is made using the [ Intercom ] button on an MLS- or

 

MLC-model telephone, to call another system extension

 

without tying up primary Centrex lines.

Premises

The AT&T equipment controller and MLS- and MLC-model

equipment

telephones that you purchased as part of your system, plus

 

all other telecommunications devices that are connected to

 

your equipment controller. For purposes of this guide,

 

premises equipment does not include any equipment that

 

connects directly to Centrex lines without going through the

 

equipment controller. See also System and Centrex system.

Primary line

Programmable button

The main Centrex line assigned to an extension, generally used to place and receive all calls for that extension. When a caller dials a phone number, the call rings immediately at the extension where the line is assigned as a primary line (unless line ringing is changed to let another extension screen calls on the line). See also Secondary line.

A telephone button that can be set up to access a feature. On MLS- and MLC-model phones, programmable buttons can be used as Auto Dial buttons (for one-touch dialing of Centrex feature codes or telephone numbers) or equipment feature buttons.

Secondary line

A line assigned to an extension for call coverage purposes,

 

generally with delayed or no ringing. When a call comes in

 

on the line, it rings first at the extension where it is assigned

 

as the primary line; only if there is no answer does it ring at

 

the extension where it is a secondary line. See also Primary

 

line.

Standard

An industry-standard touch-tone or rotary phone such as you

phone

might have in your home. Some standard phones include

 

special feature buttons for frequently-used calling functions.

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AT&T II manual Dial button and Programmable button, MLC-model telephone, to call another system extension, Line, 2Overview

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.