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. See also

 

Programmable button.

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

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

system

of which may be connected to the equipment controller for

 

your system—together with the Centrex services associated

 

with those lines. See also Premises equipment.

Centrex

The phone number that outside callers dial to reach an

telephone

extension within the Centrex system.

number

 

Inside call

A call made from an extension inside the Centrex system to

 

another extension inside the Centrex system, using the

 

Centrex extension number.

Outside call

A call made from outside the Centrex system to an extension

 

within the Centrex system, or from inside the Centrex system

 

to a number outside the Centrex system. If your Centrex

 

system uses a dial-out code (usually a “9”), you must dial it

 

before you dial an outside telephone number.

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 Centrex system

Programmable A telephone button that can be set up to access a feature.

button

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.

Recall

An equipment feature that sends a timed switchhook flash to

 

let you access a Centrex service. (Use Recall only on an

 

outside or inside call; using Recall on an intercom call

 

disconnects the call.)

3-2Using the Equipment

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AT&T II Number so that it can be dialed with one touch. See also, Programmable button, Extension within the Centrex system
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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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