System

Your premises equipment, in combination with the Centrex

 

lines that are connected to your equipment controller and the

 

Centrex services that are available on those lines. See also

 

Centrex system and Premises equipment.

Using Premises Equipment

to Complement Centrex Services

The system discussed in this guide consists of two elements: Centrex services (including Centrex lines and associated features) and premises equipment (including the equipment controller, MLS- and MLC-model telephones, and other telecommunications devices connected to the controller).

The Centrex services you receive from your local telephone company provide a unified telephone network for your business, even across different geographical locations, and give you services customized for your needs.

NOTE:

Your telephone company may offer Centrex services under a different name (for example, ESSX,® CENTRON,® or Plexar®). Also, you may be able to select different services for different lines. (For more information, see the Centrex documentation provided by your local telephone company.)

Your AT&T premises equipment is designed to complement the advantages offered by Centrex. All or some of your Centrex lines may be connected to the equipment controller. You can connect a maximum of 24 Centrex lines and 24 extensions to your equipment controller. Figure 1-1 shows an example in which some Centrex lines are connected to the equipment controller and some are not

Public Phone

 

 

 

 

 

 

Network

 

Centrex

 

 

 

Central

 

 

 

 

 

 

Office

Your Centrex System

Your System

Equipment

Controller

555-1000

555-1001

555-1002

555-1003

555-1004

555-1005

Figure 1-1. Your Centrex System

Overview 1-3

Page 14
Image 14
AT&T II manual Using Premises Equipment To Complement Centrex Services, Your Centrex System

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.