Some features require buttons with lights. Other features do not require buttons with lights, but do use the lights to show status information if they are available. For features that can be turned off and on by the user (such as Do Not Disturb and Privacy), the features are on whenever the lights are on.

NOTE:

The lights on MLS-model phones do not show status information for Centrex features.

Information on programming equipment features is provided on page 5-16.

Here are some specific features you might want to store on programmable buttons:

Voice paging of specific extensions

Voice paging of Calling Groups

Extension jack numbers for frequently-dialed extensions inside your system (so that users can call with one touch, talk without tying up their primary lines, and monitor the status of that extension).

Message Light On and Message Light Off

Privacy and Do Not Disturb, which require buttons with lights

Recall, to send a switchhook flash for accessing Centrex features while on a call.

Intercom Calling

If you store an extension jack number on a programmable button at an MLS- or MLC-model phone, you can use the button as a Direct Station Select (DSS) button, to call the extension with one touch, simply by pressing the button. This enables you to call the extension using the intercom, so you can make an inside call without tying up your primary line (as well as the primary line for the person you are calling). (See Appendix B for details on intercom calling.)

In addition, the lights next to the button act as Busy Lamp Fields (BLF) that show calling activity for the extension:

Idle (no lights)

Busy (red on)

Calling you using the intercom (green flash).

If the extension is identified as a fax extension, the button also shows a red broken flutter when the fax is not responding (for instance, when it is out of paper).

This equipment feature is called Call Viewing. You may wish to use Call Viewing at any covering extension (for example, at the receptionist’s phone), so the person at the covering extension can monitor calling activity at covered extensions by looking at the Intercom Calling buttons. Since Call Viewing requires buttons with lights for each extension covered, an MLS-34D, MLS-12, or MLS-12D phone is recommended for this function.

Customizing Your System 4-11

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AT&T II manual Intercom Calling, Idle no lights Busy red on

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.