Terminology

The following terms are used throughout this guide, and are important for understanding how your system works. In addition, each chapter in this guide begins with a “Terminology” section that defines key terms used in the chapter. All terms are also defined in the Glossary.

Centrex

Centrex system

Telephone services that your local telephone company provides from a Central Office (CO) located outside your business premises, including Centrex lines connected to the equipment controller and the features available on those Centrex lines. (Your telephone company may call Centrex by another name.)

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

Equipment

The AT&T product that you purchased as part of your

controller

system. This product consists of a group of modules that

 

connect Centrex lines coming into your building to the

 

extensions in your system. The equipment controller also

 

provides equipment features.

Equipment

A feature provided by your equipment controller (as opposed

feature

to a service provided by Centrex).

MLS- and

The AT&T telephones that you purchased as part of your

MLC-model

system. These telephones are specifically designed for use

telephones

with the equipment controller. Models include the MLS-34D™

 

telephone, MLS-12D™ telephone, MLS-12™ telephone,

 

MLS-6™ telephone, and MLC-6™ telephone.

Premises

The AT&T equipment controller and the MLS- and

equipment

MLC-model telephones that you purchased as part of your

 

system, plus all other telecommunication 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 System and Centrex

 

system.

Standard

An industry-standard touch-tone or rotary phone such as you

phone

might have in your home. Some standard phones include

 

special feature buttons for frequently-used calling functions.

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.

viAbout This Guide

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AT&T II manual Terminology
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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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