Call Coverage with Answering Machines

Personal answering machines are a call coverage option that can be used alone or combined with other call coverage solutions. An answering machine can be combined with a telephone at any extension, using a bridging adapter as described on page 2-5.With this setup, an answering machine covers all ringing calls on an extension (on both primary and secondary lines). For more details on connecting personal answering machines, see page 7-5.

Additional Options for Covering Extensions

The following equipment features can be especially useful when they are programmed onto equipment feature buttons for covering extensions. Programming procedures are explained in detail in Chapter 5.

■Fax Management. If you are connecting a fax machine to an extension in your system, first use Fax Machine Extensions (#601) to identify the extension where the fax machine is installed. Then, on the covering extension’s phone, program a one-touch Intercom Calling button with the extension jack number for the fax machine. This enables the person at the covering extension to see whether the fax machine is busy or not responding (for instance, out of paper). Use Line Assignment (#301) to remove the fax line from the receptionist’s phone. For more information on setting up fax machine extensions, see page 7-1.

■Message Light On and Message Light Off can be assigned to programmable buttons, to turn the message lights on MLS- or MLC-model phones on and off. (To use a button programmed with one of these features, you must press that button and then dial the extension jack number.)

■Use Line Access Restriction (#302) if you wish to control outgoing calls on secondary lines. For more information, see page 4-16.

■Night Service must be turned on and off at the receptionist’s phone (the phone connected to extension jack 10 on the equipment controller). For more information about Night Service, see page 4-13.

One-Touch Access

to Equipment Features

As discussed in “One-Touch Access to Centrex Services” in Chapter 3, you can store any dialing sequence—such as Centrex feature codes or frequently-dialed phone numbers—on programmable phone buttons. In addition, you can program the buttons on MLS- and MLC-model phones with the codes for features that are available with your premises equipment.

MLS- and MLC-model phone buttons can be programmed centrally from an MLS-34D or MLS-12D display phone connected to extension jack 10 or 11, or directly at a user’s extension. For equipment features that require an extension or line jack number, you should program the features centrally, storing the feature codes on programmable buttons—this lets people use the features simply by pressing buttons, without needing to remember the jack numbers. (See Appendix B for a complete discussion of equipment features that require extension or line jack numbers.)

4-10Customizing Your System

Page 57 Page 59
Page 58
Image 58
AT&T II manual One-Touch Access To Equipment Features, Call Coverage with Answering Machines, 10Customizing Your System
Page 57 Page 59

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