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

 

Equipment feature button and Programmable button.

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).

Call coverage

An arrangement that lets a receptionist or a person at another

 

extension answer a call when the dialed extension is busy or

 

not answered. Call coverage may be provided centrally by a

 

receptionist (using default equipment settings), locally by a

 

person at another extension (requiring secondary line

 

assignments), or using Centrex coverage services (such as

 

call forwarding or voice mail). In addition, answering

 

machines may be installed at key extensions to take

 

messages when a person is not available to take calls.

Doorphone

An AT&T proprietary phone that can be wall mounted outside

 

your office or in a lobby, to allow visitors to alert up to five

 

system extensions by pressing a button. The doorphone

 

includes a speaker and microphone, to allow two-way

 

conversation between the doorphone and the phone that

 

answers.

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 button

telephone that enables you to access an equipment feature

 

simply by pressing that button. See also Auto Dial button

 

and Programmable button.

Hotline phone

A standard phone that rings another extension automatically

 

when the handset is lifted.

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.

4-2Customizing Your System

Page 49 Page 51
Page 50
Image 50
AT&T II Equipment feature button and Programmable button, Person at another extension requiring secondary line, Answers
Page 49 Page 51

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.
Top Page Image Contents