From editor@telecom-digest.org  Thu Feb  7 13:28:03 2002
Received: (from ptownson@localhost)
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Date: Thu, 7 Feb 2002 13:28:03 -0500 (EST)
From: editor@telecom-digest.org
Message-Id: <200202071828.NAA16174@massis.lcs.mit.edu>
To: ptownson
Approved: patsnewlist
Subject: TELECOM Digest V20 #151

TELECOM Digest     Thu, 7 Feb 2002 13:27:00 EST    Volume 20 : Issue 151

Inside This Issue:                            Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    PuTTY + POP (was Re: Some Idiot Dumpted on Me) (Eric De Mund)
    Re: Maybe You Can Help With a Telecom Question? (Jay R. Ashworth)
    Re: Maybe You Can Help With a Telecom Question? (Paul Timmins)
    Re: Is There a Standard For Alphanumeric DTMF? (H. Peter Anvin)
    Re: WE 555 Switchboard (Jay R. Ashworth)
    Re: Technical Question (Jay R. Ashworth)
    Re: Looking For ESS Documentation (Scott Dorsey)
    Not in Finland Anymore? More Like Nokialand (Monty Solomon)

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----------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Wed, 6 Feb 2002 22:28:47 PST
From: Eric De Mund <ead@ixian.com>
Subject: PuTTY + POP (was Re: Some Idiot Dumpted on Me)
Organization: Ixian Systems, Inc.


Pat,

First off, it's good to see you back, and as sharp as ever. The Digest
just wasn't the same without you.

> [TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: I've used POP and STMP mail before, to
> get mail in and out of a location while I was working elsewhere. For
> example I use POP and STMP on mail at Yahoo and indy.ks.net to send or
> get sent mail to my Outlook Express. However I use SSH instead of
> Telnet at the request of MIT to log into my account there. Actually I
> use an SSH client called 'putty'. How would POP mail work with putty
> if you know? PAT]

Once you're logged in, you might be able to issue the command:

    % telnet localhost 110

whereupon you'll receive the likes of:

    Trying 127.0.0.1...
    Connected to localhost.whatever.com.
    Escape character is '^]'.
    +OK QPOP (version 2.53) at whatever.com starting.  <46648.1013061368@whatever.com>
    ENTER DESIRED POP3 COMMANDS
    QUIT
    +OK Pop server at whatever.com signing off.
    Connection closed by foreign host.
    % 

Regards,

Eric

PS: PuTTY is perhaps the best free SSH client under Windows. However,
the Cygwin suite is also free, and includes the usual suspects of
scp(1), sftp(1), ssh(1), ssh-add(1), ssh-agent(1), ssh-keygen(1),
sftp-server(8), and sshd(8). Cygwin is, in a nutshell, UNIX under
Windows. I run zsh(1) in an rxvt(1) terminal session under Windows 2000;
most folks run bash(1). Here's a snapshot of my /bin that Cygwin
populated, for your perusal:

    MARAJO:~% cd /bin
    MARAJO:/bin% ls
    ./                  grohtml.exe*             ps2frag*
    ../                 grolbp.exe*              ps2pdf*
    MakeTeXPK*          grolj4.exe*              ps2pk.exe*
    RunAccel*           grops.exe*               ps2ps*
    RunCache*           grotty.exe*              pslatex*
    access.exe*         groups*                  psql.exe*
    aclocal*            gs.exe*                  ptx.exe*
    addftinfo.exe*      gsbj*                    pwd.exe*
    addr2line.exe*      gsdj*                    python.exe@
    afm2tfm.exe*        gsdj500*                 python2.1.exe*
    afmtodit*           gsftopk.exe*             ranlib.exe*
    allcm*              gslj*                    ras2tiff.exe*
    allec@              gslp*                    rcp.exe*
    allneeded*          gsnd*                    rcs2log*
    apropos*            gunzip.exe*              rdjpgcom.exe*
    ar.exe*             gzexe*                   readelf.exe*
    as.exe*             gzip.exe*                readlink.exe*
    autoconf*           head.exe*                refer.exe*
    autoheader*         hostname.exe*            regtool.exe*
    automake*           hpftodit.exe*            reset.exe@
    autoreconf*         i686-pc-cygwin-gcc.exe*  rgb2ycbcr.exe*
    autoscan*           id.exe*                  rl-stat.exe*
    autoupdate*         ifnames*                 rl.exe*
    awk.exe@            igawk*                   rlogin.exe*
    basename.exe*       indxbib.exe*             rltest-stat.exe*
    bash.exe*           info.exe*                rltest.exe*
    bashbug*            infocmp.exe*             rlversion-stat.exe*
    bdftops*            infotocap.exe@           rlversion.exe*
    bibtex.exe*         inimf@                   rm.exe*
    bison.exe*          inimpost@                rmdir.exe*
    bunzip2.exe*        iniomega@                rsh.exe*
    byacc.exe*          initdb*                  rstartd@
    bzcat.exe*          initex@                  rsync.exe*
    bzip2.exe*          initlocation*            rubibtex*
    bzip2recover.exe*   install-info.exe*        rumakeindex*
    c++.exe*            install.exe*             runtest*
    c++filt.exe*        ipcclean*                rvi@
    c_rehash*           irc@                     rview@
    captoinfo.exe@      irc-20010101.exe*        rvim@
    cat.exe*            ircbug*                  rxvt.exe*
    chgrp.exe*          ircflush.exe*            scp.exe*
    chmod.exe*          ircio.exe*               sdiff.exe*
    chown.exe*          iu-config*               sed.exe*
    chroot.exe*         jbgtopbm.exe*            seq.exe*
    cjpeg.exe*          join.exe*                setfacl.exe*
    cksum.exe*          jpegtran.exe*            sftp.exe*
    clear.exe*          kill.exe*                sh.exe*
    clearn.exe*         kpsepath@                shred.exe*
    client.exe*         kpsestat.exe*            size.exe*
    cmp.exe*            kpsetool*                sleep.exe*
    comm.exe*           kpsewhich.exe*           soelim.exe*
    conv2gdbm.exe*      kpsexpand@               sort.exe*
    cp.exe*             lambda@                  split.exe*
    cpio.exe*           latex@                   squid.exe*
    cpp.exe*            ld.exe*                  ssh-add.exe*
    createdb*           less.exe*                ssh-agent.exe*
    createlang*         lessecho.exe*            ssh-host-config*
    createuser*         lesskey.exe*             ssh-keygen.exe*
    crontab.exe*        libW11.dll*              ssh-keyscan.exe*
    crypt.exe*          libpython2.1.dll*        ssh-user-config*
    csplit.exe*         lkbib.exe*               ssh.exe*
    ctags.exe*          ln.exe*                  ssmtp-config*
    cut.exe*            locate.exe*              ssp.exe*
    cvs.exe*            logger.exe*              strace.exe*
    cvsbug*             login.exe*               strings.exe*
    cxpm.exe*           logname.exe*             strip.exe*
    cygXpm-noX4.dll*    lookbib.exe*             stty.exe*
    cygbz21.0.dll*      ls.exe*                  sum.exe*
    cygcheck.exe*       lynx.exe*                sync.exe*
    cygform5.dll*       m4.exe*                  syslog.exe*
    cyggdbm.dll*        mag.exe*                 t1ascii.exe*
    cyghistory4.dll*    make.exe*                t1asm.exe*
    cygintl.dll*        makeindex.exe*           t1binary.exe*
    cygitcl30.dll*      makeinfo.exe*            t1disasm.exe*
    cygitclsh30.exe*    makempx*                 t1mac.exe*
    cygitk30.dll*       man.exe*                 t1unmac.exe*
    cygitkwish30.exe*   man2html.exe*            tac.exe*
    cygjbig1.dll*       md5sum.exe*              tail.exe*
    cygjpeg6b.dll*      mf.exe*                  talk.exe*
    cygmenu5.dll*       mft.exe*                 tangle.exe*
    cygncurses++5.dll*  mingwm10.dll*            tar.exe*
    cygncurses5.dll*    mkdir.exe*               tbl.exe*
    cygpanel5.dll*      mkfifo.exe*              tcdialog.exe*
    cygpath.exe*        mkfontdesc*              tcsh.exe*
    cygpng2.dll*        mkgroup.exe*             tee.exe*
    cygreadline4.dll*   mkindex*                 telnet.exe*
    cygrunsrv.exe*      mknod.exe*               test.exe*
    cygtcl80.dll*       mkocp*                   testdbm.exe*
    cygtclpip80.dll*    mkofm*                   testgdbm.exe*
    cygtclreg80.dll*    mkpasswd.exe*            testndbm.exe*
    cygtclsh80.exe*     mktexlsr*                tex.exe*
    cygtiff3.dll*       mktexmf*                 texconfig*
    cygtk80.dll*        mktexpk*                 texdoc*
    cygwin1.dll*        mktextfm*                texexec*
    cygwish80.exe*      mmroff*                  texhash@
    cygz.dll*           mount.exe*               texi2dvi*
    date.exe*           mpost.exe*               texi2html*
    dd.exe*             mpto.exe*                texi2pdf*
    df.exe*             msgcmp.exe*              texindex.exe*
    diff.exe*           msgcomm.exe*             texlinks*
    diff3.exe*          msgfmt.exe*              texshow*
    dir.exe*            msgmerge.exe*            texutil*
    dircolors.exe*      msgunfmt.exe*            tfmtodit.exe*
    dirname.exe*        mt.exe*                  tftopl.exe*
    djpeg.exe*          mutt.exe*                tftp.exe*
    dlltool.exe*        mutt_dotlock.exe*        thumbnail.exe*
    dllwrap.exe*        muttbug*                 thumbpdf*
    dmp.exe*            mv.exe*                  tic.exe*
    dropdb*             ncftp.exe*               tie.exe*
    droplang*           ncftpbatch.exe*          tiff2bw.exe*
    dropuser*           ncftpbookmarks.exe*      tiff2ps.exe*
    du.exe*             ncftpget.exe*            tiff2rgba.exe*
    dvi2fax*            ncftpls.exe*             tiffcmp.exe*
    dvicopy.exe*        ncftpput.exe*            tiffcp.exe*
    dvihp*              ncurses-test-dll/        tiffdither.exe*
    dvilj.exe*          neqn*                    tiffdump.exe*
    dvilj2p.exe*        newer.exe*               tiffinfo.exe*
    dvilj4.exe*         nice.exe*                tiffmedian.exe*
    dvilj4l.exe*        nl.exe*                  tiffsplit.exe*
    dvilj6@             nm.exe*                  time.exe*
    dvipdf*             nohup*                   tix4180.dll*
    dvipdfm.exe*        nroff*                   tix4180.exe*
    dvipdft*            objcopy.exe*             tixindex*
    dvips.exe*          objdump.exe*             toe.exe*
    dvired*             od.exe*                  touch.exe*
    dvitomp.exe*        odvicopy.exe*            tput.exe*
    dvitype.exe*        odvips.exe*              tr.exe*
    e2pall*             odvitype.exe*            troff.exe*
    ebb.exe*            omega.exe*               true.exe*
    echo.exe*           omfonts.exe*             tset.exe*
    ecpg.dll*           openssl.exe*             tsort.exe*
    ecpg.exe*           otangle.exe*             ttf2afm.exe*
    egrep.exe*          otp2ocp.exe*             tty.exe*
    einitex@            outocp.exe*              umount.exe*
    elatex@             pal2rgb.exe*             uname.exe*
    env.exe*            passwd.exe*              unexpand.exe*
    epstopdf*           paste.exe*               uniq.exe*
    eqn.exe*            patch.exe*               unprotoize.exe*
    etex.exe*           patgen.exe*              unzip.exe*
    evirtex@            pathchk.exe*             unzipsfx.exe*
    ex@                 pbmtojbg.exe*            users.exe*
    expand.exe*         pcre-config*             vacuumdb*
    expect.exe*         pcregrep.exe*            vdir.exe*
    expr.exe*           pdf2dsc*                 vftovp.exe*
    factor.exe*         pdf2ps*                  vi@
    false.exe*          pdfeinitex@              view@
    fax2ps.exe*         pdfelatex@               vim.exe*
    fax2tiff.exe*       pdfetex.exe*             vimtutor*
    fgrep.exe*          pdfevirtex@              virmf@
    file.exe*           pdfinitex@               virmpost@
    fileman-stat.exe*   pdflatex@                viromega@
    fileman.exe*        pdftex.exe*              virtex@
    find.exe*           pdfvirtex@               vptovf.exe*
    flex++.exe@         pfb2pfa.exe*             wc.exe*
    flex.exe*           pfbtops.exe*             weave.exe*
    fmt.exe*            pg_config*               wftopfa*
    fmtutil*            pg_ctl*                  wget.exe*
    fold.exe*           pg_dump.exe*             whatis*
    font2c*             pg_dumpall*              which.exe*
    fontexport*         pg_encoding.exe*         who.exe*
    fontimport*         pg_id.exe*               whoami.exe*
    fontinst*           pg_passwd.exe*           windres.exe*
    ftp.exe*            pg_restore.exe*          wrjpgcom.exe*
    funzip.exe*         pgeasy.dll*              wserv.exe*
    g++.exe*            pgpewrap*                xargs.exe*
    g77.exe*            pgpring.exe*             xgettext.exe*
    gasp.exe*           pic.exe*                 xxd.exe*
    gawk.exe*           pinky.exe*               yes.exe*
    gcc.exe*            pk2bm.exe*               zcat.exe*
    gcov.exe*           pktogf.exe*              zcmp*
    gdb.exe*            pktype.exe*              zdiff*
    getfacl.exe*        pltotf.exe*              zegrep*
    gettext.exe*        pooltype.exe*            zfgrep*
    gettextize*         postgres.exe*            zforce*
    gftodvi.exe*        postmaster@              zgrep*
    gftopk.exe*         ppm2tiff.exe*            zip.exe*
    gftype.exe*         pq++.dll*                zipcloak.exe*
    gif2tiff.exe*       pq.dll*                  zipgrep*
    glut32.dll*         pr.exe*                  zipinfo.exe@
    gperf.exe*          printafm*                zipnote.exe*
    gprof.exe*          printenv.exe*            zipsplit.exe*
    grep.exe*           printf.exe*              zless*
    grn.exe*            protoize.exe*            zmore*
    grodvi.exe*         ps.exe*                  znew*
    groff.exe*          ps2ascii*
    grog*               ps2epsi*
    MARAJO:/bin% 

Cygwin's home page is <http://www.cygwin.com/>. Enjoy.


Eric De Mund <ead@ixian.com> | Ixian Systems, Inc. | 53 49 B2 23 AF 6C 20 81
http://www.ixian.com/ead/    | Mountain View, CA   | ED DD 4C 81 AA C9 D1 A5

------------------------------

From: Jay R. Ashworth <jra@dorothy.baylink.com>
Subject: Re: Maybe You Can Help With a Telecom Question?
Reply-To: jra@baylink.com
Date: Thu, 07 Feb 2002 07:31:31 GMT
Organization: RoadRunner - TampaBay


Last night, on Capitol Beat, John R. Levine <johnl@iecc.com> said:
> So their cost per number is quite small, since a since CLEC switch can
> easily have 100,000 or more available numbers, handled by one computer
> for jfax.

I guess this depends on the tariffing; around here, DID numbers (which
is effectively what this is) go for about a buck a number a month.


Cheers,

Jay R. Ashworth                                                jra@baylink.com
Member of the Technical Staff     Baylink
The Suncoast Freenet         The Things I Think
Tampa Bay, Florida        http://baylink.pitas.com             +1 727 647 1274

        God, unlike Anya, is fond of bunnies.  -- Chelsea Christenson

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 07 Feb 2002 00:46:26 -0500
From: Paul Timmins <paul@timmins.net>
Subject: Re: Maybe You Can Help With a Telecom Question?


http://www.timmins.net/telco/telco.html?npa=707&exchange=516&results=1
http://www.timmins.net/telco/telco.html?npa=928&exchange=222&results=1
http://www.timmins.net/telco/telco.html?npa=253&exchange=498&results=1
http://www.timmins.net/telco/telco.html?npa=786&exchange=551&results=1
http://www.timmins.net/telco/telco.html?npa=208&exchange=978&results=1

It would appear they contract with several (if not many) CLECs and get a 
set of numbers from the CLEC's number blocks.

-Paul

At 12:44 PM 2/6/2002, you wrote:
> I don't know absolutely for sure, but my guess is that efax buys up a
> whole bunch of numbering space all over the country and I imagine in
> the UK as well.  For the free service they'll just assign you any
> random number.  I had been using efax's free service and changed my
> email address and couldn't find my PIN/password for my assigned number
> so I just made an ap for a new number and I was assigned a number that
> had a Little Rock, AR area code/number.  My first number was assigned
> from a city in central California (707-516).

------------------------------

From: H. Peter Anvin <hpa@zytor.com>
Subject: Re: Is There a Standard For Alphanumeric DTMF?
Date: 6 Feb 2002 22:37:13 -0800
Organization: Transmeta Corporation, Santa Clara CA


Followup to:  <telecom20.150.3@telecom-digest.org>
By author:    edpugh@freenet.carleton.ca (Ed Pugh)

> Please CC my E-mail address on follow-ups to this post.

> This may be a FAQ.  If so, please point me in the right direction.
> Also, is there, perhaps, a more appropriate newsgroup to ask this?

> I have an idea to develop an application that would require sending a
> limited set of alphanumeric characters over the voice telephone
> network using the 12 "standard" DTMF tones.

> Does anyone know if there is an exisiting standard (e.g.  an ITU
> standard, or standard published by another well- recognised standards
> body) for encoding alphanumerics with the standard 12-digit dialpad?

> Is there, perhaps, a web site somewhere that specifies such a
> standard?

> I have an idea on how to develop my own scheme to do this, but it
> would be far better if I could adhere to an already-existing standard.

               ABC     DEF
	1	2	3

       GHI     JKL     MNO
	4	5	6

      PQRS     TUV    WXYZ
	7	8	9

	*	0	#

There used to be a convention that if you needed *only* alphabetics
you could do *+number 0+number #+number for "left", "middle" or
"right" respectively.  There are several problems with that:

a) doesn't account for Q and Z (this was before it became official
   standard to put Q and Z on 7 and 9; instead Q and Z were spelled *1
   and #1 respectively.)

b) doesn't work if you want to mix in numbers, although you could do
   something awkward like doubling the number -- 11 for "1", 22 for
   "2" etc.

Most cell phones seem to spell alphanumerics by scanning though the
list, so 2 is "A", 22 is "B", 222 is "C", 2222 is "2", and then
usually follows non-English characters (for example).  This,
however, relies on a timeout; if you want to spell, for example, FEEL:
333 <pause> 33 <pause> 33 <pause> 55; this is very awkward if you
don't have visual feedback like a cell phone display would give you.

I guess one option would be to separate letters with the * or # keys;
usually * is used as a "delete" option and # as an "enter"
option ... perhaps you could do something like

FEEL3 = 333# 33# 33# 555# 3# #


<hpa@transmeta.com> at work, <hpa@zytor.com> in private!
"Unix gives you enough rope to shoot yourself in the foot."
http://www.zytor.com/~hpa/puzzle.txt	<amsp@zytor.com>


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note:  On my Nokia 5165 phone I have
discovered the only time I have to put a pause in the process of
'thumbing out' my messages (I hold the phone in my hand and
use my thumb to enter everything I type) is if I want two letters in a
row which are on the same key, such as MNO or DEF. If I click for /M/
and do not put a pause in my typing before going click/click again
instead of getting an /M/ I get an /N/.  If I want two letters which
are not on the same key I can click as fast as I can move my thumb
around, such as /M/ followed by /A/ in 'man' instead of /O/ as in
'more'. Apparently once a different key is pressed, there is no longer
a need for it to time-out.  PAT]

------------------------------

From: Jay R. Ashworth <jra@dorothy.baylink.com>
Subject: Re: WE 555 Switchboard
Reply-To: jra@baylink.com
Date: Thu, 07 Feb 2002 07:35:17 GMT
Organization: RoadRunner - TampaBay


Last night, on Capitol Beat, John Arnold <jarnold2@tampabay.rr.com> said:

> I am looking to purchase a working 555 WE Switchboard.  Would you
> have any suggestions on where I may find one.  I have been to TCI and
> ATCA.  They are looking but none as of yet.  Thanks for your time.

There was a small cord board for sale (?) at one time at Tel-Part in
Largo, Florida.  Don't have a number handy, but they're listed.

Don't know if they still have it, or if it was a 555; I used to have a
book that showed a picture of that board, but that was 20 years ago.
(Thanks, Vera.)


Cheers,

Jay R. Ashworth                                                jra@baylink.com
Member of the Technical Staff     Baylink
The Suncoast Freenet         The Things I Think
Tampa Bay, Florida        http://baylink.pitas.com             +1 727 647 1274

        God, unlike Anya, is fond of bunnies.  -- Chelsea Christenson

------------------------------

From: Jay R. Ashworth <jra@dorothy.baylink.com>
Subject: Re: Technical Question
Reply-To: jra@baylink.com
Date: Thu, 07 Feb 2002 07:36:36 GMT
Organization: RoadRunner - TampaBay


Last night, on Capitol Beat, nsachs <nsachs@usc.edu> said:

> I have a bit of a technical question I was hoping you might be able to
> help with.  I'm working on a project at the University of Southern
> California that involoves making a connection over a standard phone line.
> However, we have to give a demonstration of the project and won't have
> access to a phone jack.  Is there any way to simulate a connection between
> two phones by connecting them directly using an RJ-11 cord and external
> power source, or possibly some other similar configuration?  Any help you
> could provide would be much appreciated.

Viking line simulator.  www.sandman.com.


Cheers,

Jay R. Ashworth                                                jra@baylink.com
Member of the Technical Staff     Baylink
The Suncoast Freenet         The Things I Think
Tampa Bay, Florida        http://baylink.pitas.com             +1 727 647 1274

        God, unlike Anya, is fond of bunnies.  -- Chelsea Christenson

------------------------------

From: kludge@panix.com (Scott Dorsey)
Subject: Re: Looking For ESS Documentation
Date: 7 Feb 2002 11:53:40 -0500
Organization: Former users of Netcom shell (1989-2000)


In article <telecom20.149.4@telecom-digest.org>,
Bill Bradford  <mrbill@mrbill.net> wrote:

> Looking for reprints/copies of the old Bell System Technical Journals
> with details on the 1ESS switching system:

> * "No. 1 Electronic Switching System", BSTJ, Vol. 43 No. 5, 
>    September 1964, Parts 1 & 2.

> * "The 1A Processor", BSTJ, Vol. 56 No. 2, February 1977.

> Any pointers to these would be greatly appreciated.

Try your local library ... if they don't have them, they should be able
to get them through interlibrary loan.  The BSTJ is pretty common and a lot
of larger libraries got it.


scott

"C'est un Nagra.  C'est suisse, et tres, tres precis."

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 7 Feb 2002 12:07:21 -0500
From: Monty Solomon <monty@roscom.com>
Subject: Not in Finland Anymore? More Like Nokialand


By ALAN COWELL

HELSINKI, Finland, Feb. 1 - After the company town, behold the 
corporate nation.

A decade or so ago, this icy outpost on Russia's flank was in deep 
trouble, its economy battered by the collapse of traditional markets 
in the old Soviet Union, a recession taking hold and one in five 
workers looking for a job. Cafes closed. Lights dimmed.

Then, according to Finland's modern mythology, came a business- class 
caped crusader, as a company producing everything from paper to 
rubber boots was inspired to believe that the future lay in the 
cellphones which now bind Finns and a total of a billion people in an 
invisible web around the world.

That company was Nokia, after a town of that name on a river of that 
name in southwest Finland.

http://www.nytimes.com/2002/02/06/international/europe/06NOKI.html

------------------------------

End of TELECOM Digest V20 #151
******************************
    
    
From editor@telecom-digest.org  Sat Feb  9 01:03:52 2002
Received: (from ptownson@localhost)
	by massis.lcs.mit.edu (8.9.1/8.9.1) id BAA23835;
	Sat, 9 Feb 2002 01:03:52 -0500 (EST)
Date: Sat, 9 Feb 2002 01:03:52 -0500 (EST)
From: editor@telecom-digest.org
Message-Id: <200202090603.BAA23835@massis.lcs.mit.edu>
To: ptownson
Approved: patsnewlist
Subject: TELECOM Digest V20 #152

TELECOM Digest     Sat, 9 Feb 2002 01:04:00 EST    Volume 20 : Issue 152

Inside This Issue:                            Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    Re: Maybe You Can Help With a Telecom Question (Fred Goldstein)
    Re: Information Request (Jay R. Ashworth)
    Re: Fun Ringtones for North American Cellphones (Jay R. Ashworth)
    Consonus Building in SLC "Blows Up" (Jaren Angerbauer)
    Re: Is There a Standard For Alphanumeric DTMF? (Ed Pugh)
    Re: Repeated Characters on Cell Phones (Colin Sutton)
    Re: How to Read the Postal Bar Codes on Letters (Wes Leatherock)
    Re: Comcast Gunning for NAT Users (Jay R. Ashworth)
    Voice Logic Voice Pro System (Tom Wisner)
    Telco Benchmarks? (Troy)
    Seeking List of Area Codes and Their Format (Pat Cupper)
    Fall of the Pre-Paid Revolution (MegA)
    Re: Verizon Tests Pay-per-Minute Payphones (MegA)
    Worldcom - Time to Panic? (Paul Erickson)
    AOL Customers Livid Over Huge Phone Bills After Area-Code Switch (Jim Weiss)
    Last Laugh! Peoria AZ Jails People Who Don't Take Down Christmas Lights (M. Ross)

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Date: Thu, 07 Feb 2002 14:58:03 -0500
From: Fred Goldstein <fgoldstein@wn.net>
Subject: Re: Maybe You Can Help With a Telecom Question


At Thu, 07 Feb 2002 07:31:31 GMT, Jay R. Ashworth <jra@dorothy.baylink.com>
wrote,

> Last night, on Capitol Beat, John R. Levine <johnl@iecc.com> said:

>> So their cost per number is quite small, since a since CLEC switch can
>> easily have 100,000 or more available numbers, handled by one computer
>> for jfax.

> I guess this depends on the tariffing; around here, DID numbers (which
> is effectively what this is) go for about a buck a number a month.

No, tariffing doesn't matter.  The fax provider gets the numbers from
the CLEC. ILEC tariffs for DID are a retail artifact that only apply
if the fax provider is getting its numbers from an ILEC, which of
course doesn't happen.

Local carriers (CLEC, ILEC, and wireless) get number blocks from NANPA
(NeuStar) for a one-time price that reflects administrative cost.
ILECs sometimes charge a lot for DID blocks, as a profit item, or to
make DID-equipped PBXs less competitive with DID-equipped Centrex.
But that's ILEC pricing for you.

CLECs are assigned numbers by the 1000 or 10,000 number block.  It
used to be a full prefix at a time; in states or areas that have
pooling, it's down to a thousands-group.  But in order to have full
local coverage of a state or LATA, the CLEC often has numbers in some
pretty small rate centers.  So a CLEC I have worked with has a prefix
code in West Stewartstown, NH, which has only a few hundred phones in
total.  This allows the CLEC's ISP customers to have numbers local to
the several towns which are theselves local to West Stewartstown. But
it doesn't use up the other 9,900 or so numbers.  So they are used for
the fax companies, who pay the CLEC something but not ILEC DID rates.

The ILECs have objected to this, of course, because they object to
everything creative that CLECs do.  In NH, the PUC was concerned about
number exhaust and needing to split the state's sole area code.  So
the CLECs have agreed to ask for no new prefix codes for this purpose.
Fair enough.  (New prefix codes in an already overlaid area wouldn't
be such a problem.)  But when you take existing codes in rural areas,
this is probably the best use that can be made of the 10,000 number
minimum that each rate center gets (even if it's pooled among
carriers).

The fax provider, of course, doesn't need the numbers to be local to
anyplace. But the current North American Numbering Plan has no
provision for "sent paid nongeographic" numbers, which go at regular
toll rates to everyplace.  (Nor is this planned, or contemplated in
the "spaghetti-O's" NPA expansion plan.)  Those remote rate centers
used by the fax providers are the closest thing.

The beauty of this is that everybody gets a cut.  The CLEC gets a fee
for its switch and the terminating-access fee from the IXC.  The ILEC
whose tandem the CLEC subtends usually gets a fee for the use of its
tandem, essentially sharing the terminating access.  (Unless the CLEC
has direct toll trunks.)  The IXC gets the toll.  The subscriber gets
a free fax number.  The fax server company gets number blocks.

------------------------------

From: Jay R. Ashworth <jra@dorothy.baylink.com>
Subject: Re: Information Request
Reply-To: jra@baylink.com
Date: Thu, 07 Feb 2002 07:11:40 GMT
Organization: RoadRunner - TampaBay


Last night, on Capitol Beat, Vidya Ramachandran <mrvidya2001@yahoo.com> said:

> In a typical company with 500 employees you might have a few voice
> T1's/T3 and a few data T1's/T3.  The voice is usually seperate from
> the data and hence you see no voice over etc.

> Nowadays i'm seeing more voip, voframe, voatm etc.  How does this
> work?  If I am the typical company with voice and data being seperate,
> how do I go about setting up an infrastructure with integrating voice
> and data?

1) Get the telecom guys and the data guys in the company cafeteria.

2) Give them all broadswords.

3) Make popcorn.

No, really; in order to do it practically, *I* think you'll eventually
have to merge the groups; there's useful knowledge and experience on
both sides, but they need to work together.

One manager, definitely.

I guess you'd make the junior guy the senior guy's right hand man.


Cheers,

Jay R. Ashworth                                                jra@baylink.com
Member of the Technical Staff     Baylink
The Suncoast Freenet         The Things I Think
Tampa Bay, Florida        http://baylink.pitas.com             +1 727 647 1274

        God, unlike Anya, is fond of bunnies.  -- Chelsea Christenson

------------------------------

From: Jay R. Ashworth <jra@dorothy.baylink.com>
Subject: Re: Fun Ringtones for North American Cellphones
Reply-To: jra@baylink.com
Date: Thu, 07 Feb 2002 07:14:51 GMT
Organization: RoadRunner - TampaBay


Last night, on Capitol Beat, Ed Ellers <ed_ellers@msn.com> said:

> Paul N. Hrisko <neural@prodigy.net> wrote:

>> Plus, downloaded tones are kind of fun. Assigning a death-knell to your
>> girlfriend's number can get you into trouble tho'. ;)

> That reminds me that the Metropolitan Police in London told their
> detectives a while back not to have the themes of police shows
> programmed into their cell phones while working undercover.  I agree
> that it might be embarrassing to be in the middle of a drug buy when
> your phone goes off, if it played "dum-da-dum-dum,
> dum-da-dum-dum-DUMMM!"  :-)

On a vaguely related topic, some time ago, back when anyone still
cared, the NSA forbade employees from bringing Furbies into to work.

You see, the dolls *listen to the things being said around them*, and
slice and dice it into what they say back, apparently ...


Cheers,

Jay R. Ashworth                                                jra@baylink.com
Member of the Technical Staff     Baylink
The Suncoast Freenet         The Things I Think
Tampa Bay, Florida        http://baylink.pitas.com             +1 727 647 1274

        God, unlike Anya, is fond of bunnies.  -- Chelsea Christenson

------------------------------

From: jtangerbauer@yahoo.com (Jaren Angerbauer)
Subject: Consonus Building in SLC "Blows Up"
Date: 7 Feb 2002 12:46:53 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


Just found out through credible sources that one of the Consonus data
centers in Salt Lake City had an Energen (fire supression) discharge
that blew out the walls/windows/ceiling/etc.  Not sure if they are up
and running or not.  Any more information please add to this post.
Thanks.

------------------------------

From: edpugh@freenet.carleton.ca (Ed Pugh)
Subject: Re: Is There a Standard For Alphanumeric DTMF?
Date: 7 Feb 2002 22:22:49 GMT
Organization: The National Capital FreeNet
Reply-To: edpugh@freenet.carleton.ca (Ed Pugh)


Thanks "PAT" and "H. Peter" for your help and input.

I should have mentioned that I already knew about these two main
methods of encoding alphanumerics with DTMF.

However, my question was whether or not there is an existing standard
(say ITU or EIA or some such).  If not, I can go my own way, I guess.
But if there IS a standard, then I should try to adhere to it.

Thanks and regards,


Edward L. (Ed) Pugh, M.Sc.Eng.(EE)
Senior Firmware/Real-Time Softwar Engineer
Ottawa  ON  Canada

------------------------------

From: Colin Sutton <colin@sutton.wow.aust.com>
Subject: Re: Repeated Characters on Cellphones
Date: Fri, 08 Feb 2002 01:16:37 GMT
Organization: BigPond Internet Services (http://www.bigpond.net.au)


Don't wait for the time-out to be able to repeat a letter.  It is
quicker to type any other letter on a different key and delete it,
then repeat the letter you really wanted.

On my Motorola phone, anyway.


Colin

"H. Peter Anvin" <hpa@zytor.com> wrote in message
news:telecom20.151.4@telecom-digest.org...

> Followup to:  <telecom20.150.3@telecom-digest.org>
> By author:    edpugh@freenet.carleton.ca (Ed Pugh)

>> Please CC my E-mail address on follow-ups to this post.

>> This may be a FAQ.  If so, please point me in the right direction.
>> Also, is there, perhaps, a more appropriate newsgroup to ask this?

>> I have an idea to develop an application that would require sending a
>> limited set of alphanumeric characters over the voice telephone
>> network using the 12 "standard" DTMF tones.

>> Does anyone know if there is an exisiting standard (e.g.  an ITU
>> standard, or standard published by another well- recognised standards
>> body) for encoding alphanumerics with the standard 12-digit dialpad?

>> Is there, perhaps, a web site somewhere that specifies such a
>> standard?

>> I have an idea on how to develop my own scheme to do this, but it
>> would be far better if I could adhere to an already-existing standard.

> FEEL3 = 333# 33# 33# 555# 3# #

------------------------------

From: wesrock@aol.com (Wes Leatherock)
Date: 08 Feb 2002 02:39:35 GMT
Organization: AOL http://www.aol.com
Subject: Re: How to Read the Postal Bar Codes on Letters


>> You can look up the full 11-digit code for any US address on the USPS
>> web site. They'll even tell you the check digit.
>> <http://www.usps.gov/ncsc/lookups/lookup_zip+4.html>

> Indeed.  It's also covered in USPS Publication 25, IIRC.  It's called
> PostNET, and no one has yet told me why the USPS hasn't sued the
> knickers off those people operating the MailBoxes ETC clone of the same
> name.


      The Postal Service and Mail Boxes, etc., are now very cozy, with Mail
Boxes, etc., being some sort of agent for the USPS.


Wes Leatherock
wesrock@aol.com
wleathus@yahoo.com

------------------------------

From: Jay R. Ashworth <jra@dorothy.baylink.com>
Subject: Re: Comcast Gunning for NAT Users
Reply-To: jra@baylink.com
Date: Thu, 07 Feb 2002 07:18:32 GMT
Organization: RoadRunner - TampaBay


Last night, on Capitol Beat, Paul Wallich <pw@panix.com> said:

>> I'd love to know how they'd identify such a thing anyway apart from the
>> increased quantity of traffic up the link, and one would think they'd
>> have a charging scheme which would encourage more traffic and therefore
>> revenue.

We've just done this extensively on NANOG; I believe someone had a
friend who was *in* such a department, but that's still fourth-hand to
y'all, I realize.

> DSL and cable are generally flat-rate -- especially with all the
> script-kiddy probes going down the wires you have an interesting time
> charging for bits transferred. And network provisioning is (rather
> like the PSTN) based on the notion that most people won't be shipping
> a lot of bits most of the time.

Which, of  course, has not been the case since P2P filesharing became
at all popular.

>  Not in most cases that it's anywhere near worth the trouble.

Not in most cases that this fact will slow down the providers.

"I have a NAT box to isolate my private LAN -- only one machine on
which talks to the Internet -- from your modem.  Prove I'm lying."


Cheers,

Jay R. Ashworth                                                jra@baylink.com
Member of the Technical Staff     Baylink
The Suncoast Freenet         The Things I Think
Tampa Bay, Florida        http://baylink.pitas.com             +1 727 647 1274

        God, unlike Anya, is fond of bunnies.  -- Chelsea Christenson

------------------------------

From: Tom Wisner <twisner@kuhnsoft.com>
Subject: Voice Logic Voice Pro System
Date: Fri, 08 Feb 2002 03:17:05 GMT
Organization: Excite@Home - The Leader in Broadband http://home.com/faster


Anyone know where a manual can be found for the Voice Logic VP408
phone/voice mail system.

I have the system and some of the documentation but what I really need
is a list of the program codes.  If you can point me in the direction
it would help.


Thanks.

------------------------------

From: newsthrowaway@k-rad.com (Troy)
Subject: Telco Benchmarks?
Date: 8 Feb 2002 09:26:10 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


Are there any recognized benchmarks that are used to test
carrier-grade servers for use in a telco environment?  For example,
SPECweb99 is often used to test webserver performance -- is there any
equivalent for telco, or would one use more generalized benchmarks to
test individual individual fuctional areas separately?

Assuming multiple vendors have NEBS-certified platforms available for
use as a softswitch, etc., how would one best compare them?
Suggestions for testcases, benchmarks, or specific areas to focus on
would be appreciated.

Right now, my plan is to use individual microbenchmarks to test
IPv4/IPv6 networking, Java (for JAIN-type applications), and general
performance (process creation, filesystem, etc.) with an emphasis on
testing latency under high-load, and horizontal scaling.


Thanks,

Troy

------------------------------

From: Pat Cupper <pat.cupper@xpherix.com>
Subject: Seeking List of Area Codes and Their Format
Date: Fri, 8 Feb 2002 11:15:32 -0800


Hi, I'm trying to find a list of Area codes and their format
worldwide.  Do you know if an updated list like this can be found.
The best would be if I could just write a program to load it into a
program.

Thanks for your help.


Pat Cupper
Xpherix Corporation
pacu@xpherix.com


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note:  The two best sources I know are the
two guys who supply these for the TELECOM Digest website. Look at our
website -- http://telecom-digest.org/linkspage -- and check out the
two entries near the top of the page dealing with areacodes. Linc
Madison comes to mind as one example.  You should find all you ever
wanted to know about area codes there on his pages.   PAT]

------------------------------

From: bryon.spahn@corporate.ge.com (MegA)
Subject: Fall of the Pre-Paid Revolution
Date: 8 Feb 2002 11:45:27 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


I don't know if anyone else out there has noticed but telecom
deregulation was supposed to help lower the costs of telecommunication
services such as long distance, local service, etc. However, as all of
us know, the competition that was supposed to cause this revolution
has all but fizzled out. The question that we are faced with now is
What next?

Like the fall of the .com pioneers, telecom services vendors are going
to need to adapt and develop new ways to compete with the tier 1
providers who have an unfair advantage by owning the lines. The answer
to this is to stop using their lines. Has anyone (within the US or
Canada) tried to link together a network of VOIP Gateways for local
terminations or know of such a network? I have been developing VOIP
gateways for some time now and I would like to incorparate a VOIP
backbone into my newest Pre-paid and 1010 venture.

For international termination VOIP still needs a bit of work or a
rediculous ammount of bandwidth to be high enough quality and suitably
reliable. (You try getting an OC48 in Pakistan!) However I do not
believe that this technology is too far off. I believe that through
this medium the smaller prepaid and 1010 service providers can get a
foothold in this volitile market, thus invoking the change and
competition that they were supposed to in the first place. $20 for
unlimited monthly calling; still just a dream?

Questions?  Comments?

(A Man is condemned or exalted by his words...   Exalt me.)


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Did anyone ever notice how prepaid
service which *should* cost less because (a) there is no collection
effort involved and (b) the carrier gets to hold large amounts of your
money without paying interest in fact always costs more?  The local
Radio Shack dealer here in Independence is also an AllTel (formerly
Kansas Cellular) agent and prepaid cellular costs fifty cents *per
minute* and if you do not use it up after three months or so, you lose
whatever was left in your account. That's not Kevin's idea, it was
forced on him by AllTel.  If you tell them they don't have to do a
credit check, hire a collection agency to get your money and
furthermore they get some sum of money to keep until you in effect
ask for it a few pennies at a time, they are not impressed. In fact,
their customer service people cannot even find your account unless
you tell them it is a 'Smart Pay' type account to tip them off while
they are looking for it. Not a smart business practice, IMO.    PAT]

------------------------------

From: bryon.spahn@corporate.ge.com (MegA)
Subject: Re: Verizon Tests Pay-per-Minute Payphones
Date: 8 Feb 2002 11:56:43 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


The calls are now .50 unlimited local. You can still find a few .35
machines if you really look. As for the competition; they are the
worst. Disconnects, fast busy on out of area code local calls, and an
answering machine for an operator. I am cool with pay by the minute I
usally am only on a minute anyways.

Later,


MegA

Joseph Singer <joeofseattle@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:<telecom20.146.12@telecom-digest.org>...

> On Wed, 30 Jan 2002 00:58:43 -0500, Monty Solomon <monty@roscom.com>
> wrote:

>> WASHINGTON--Verizon Communications on Tuesday began a trial program 
>> in which users of pay phones in two areas would pay by the minute for 
>> local calls, 10 cents a minute or 25 cents for three minutes.

>> Verizon, the biggest U.S. local telephone company, raised pay phone 
>> rates last fall to 50 cents from 35 cents for a call with unlimited 
>> length, citing fierce competition and declining revenue.

>> Pay phones have felt the squeeze of the booming wireless industry 
>> where there are approximately 130 million subscribers, about 47 
>> percent of the U.S. population.

> Unless Verizon has changed significantly from what they did when it
> was New England Telephone calls from pay phones were timed and you
> only got 3 minutes for your initial deposit (at the time I was in the
> area it was still 10 cents initial deposit in Massachusetts, 20 cents
> in Maine ... this was over 20 years ago.)

------------------------------

From: Paul Erickson <paule@mindspring.com>
Subject: Worldcom -- Time to Panic?
Date: Fri, 8 Feb 2002 16:50:06 -0500
Organization: Posted via Supernews, http://www.supernews.com


Our T1 line is provided via Worldcom.  I shudder to think they might
go the way of the DSL companies.  If you read this, the situation
sounds pretty dire: http://www.msnbc.com/news/697962.asp

Where do you go for T1 connectivity if Worldcom goes poof?  The local
telco will be the last one standing I suppose.  Ugh.

If Worldcom goes poof, doesn't UUNet, and a big chunk of 'net
backbone?  Does anyone think this could really happen?


Paul


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: They would not 'go poof' for the same
reason telcos do not up and vanish.  Telephone companies have in fact
gone bankrupt in the past, and back in the days when AT&T was in
charge of things and forbidden by the decree to acquire any more
operating companies, there was one exception to that rule: if an inde-
pendent telco was in dire financial straits and on the verge of going
out of business, then AT&T *had* to take it over by court order. What
would happen in WorldCom's case I think is that a bankruptcy court
would declare them to be a 'debtor in possession' and have them
continue operating their business until a suitable and capable
replacement could be found to take over, and provide an orderly change
of management. Just my opinion, but I'm sure if WorldCom was about to
close its doors some lawyers would get involved and appeal it all in
court.  PAT]

------------------------------

From: Jim Weiss@aol.com
Date: Fri, 8 Feb 2002 17:35:21 EST
Subject: AOL Customers Livid Over Huge Phone Bills After Area-Code Switch


Dozens of residents are complaining that they received phone bills of
more than $1,000 because an area-code change switched dial-up
connections to their AOL accounts from local to long distance.

http://computerworld.com/nlt/1%2C3590%2CNAV47_STO68154_NLTPM%2C00.html


 From the Offices of: Network Brokers, Inc. 
Providing Long Distance Services for Less
Jim Weiss, nbjimweiss@aol.com
305-252-1822; Fax: 775-796-9973; Miami Fax: 305-252-1823;

------------------------------

Date: Fri, 08 Feb 2002 18:20:55 MST
From: snail@aztec.asu.edu (Mike Ross)
Subject: Last Laugh! Peoria AZ Jails People Who Don't Take Down Christmas Lights


Get this; if you dont take your Christmas lights down in Peoria, Arizona
you can get fined up to $2,500 and jailed for 6 months.
 
Here is a copy of the law which is Section 14-34-8-18 (1977 Code)
 
14. Holiday Decorations; Items or objects used
    to emblish and ornament physical features in
    celebration of a particular holiday.
 
    a) Holiday decorations maybe displayed for
       civic, patriotic or religious holidays;
 
    b) Such decorations shall not be displayed
       in such a manner as to constitute a
       traffic hazard;
 
    c) Such decorations shall not be displayed
       more than 28 days prior to the specified
       holiday (and) must be removed 19 days 
       after the specified holiday;
 
    d) No sign permit required.
 
Peoria city councilmen email addresses:
 
      CAROLS@PEORIAAZ.COM
      CARLOL@PEORIAAZ.COM
      PATD@PEORIAAZ.COM
      BOBBAR@PEORIAAZ.COM
      KENF@PEORIAAZ.COM
      ELLAM@PEORIAAZ.COM
      MICHAELP@PEORIAAZ.COM
 
The City of Peoria, Arizona recently arrested two people for failing to
remove their Christmas lights.

 
Mike
 
    Date: Thu, 07 Feb 2002 12:09:40 -0700
    From: SteveK@PeoriaAz.Com ("Steve Kemp")
    Subject: Re: One more Request for public records per A.R.S. Section
    To: snail@aztec.asu.edu
    Cc: DonnaG.CityHallPO.Peoria_Az@PeoriaAz.Com (Donna Griffith)
 
 
The proper section number is Section 14-34-8-18 (1977 Code)
 
Class one (1) misdemeanor, a fine not greater than 2,500 dollars and
imprisonment in the county jail for a period not greater than six
months.  Please note these are the maximum penalties, the court may
impose no jail and a much smaller fine.
 
There is no provision under this code for the city to correct the
violation and place a lien on your property.

 
Sincerely,
 
Steve Kemp, City Attorney
 
>>> MIKE ROSS <snail@aztec.asu.edu> 02/06/02 08:01PM >>>
 
 
Thanks for giving me a copy of the law.  I would like to ask two more questions
for information.
 
1) What is the law's full number and section
   in the peoria code?
 
2) what is the penalty for breaking
   the law? can the city fine you?
   if so how much?
   can the city jail you


?
   if so how long?
   if you dont take down the lights
   will the city take them down for
   you and then put a lein on your
   home for the costs and seize 
   your home if you dont pay?
 
here is the law as I copied it:
 
at the top of the page is a number 89-07
 
the law
 
14. Holiday Decorations; Items or objects used
    to emblish and ornament physical features in
    celebration of a particular holiday.
 
    a) Holiday decorations maybe displayed for
       civic, patriotic or religious holidays;
 
    b) Such decorations shall not be displayed
       in such a manner as to constitute a
       traffic hazard;
 
    c) Such decorations shall not be displayed
       more than 28 days prior to the specified
       holiday (and) must be removed 19 days 
       after the specified holiday;
 
     d) No sign permit required.
 
Thanks,
 
Mike
 

"When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; 
when the government fears the people, there is liberty "
                             Thomas Jefferson


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: When I was a young person, living in
the Chicago area, our family had a neighbor family who had a small
child by the name of Riley. Little Riley was about four years old. The
family put up their Christmas tree around the first of December but
then around January 1 or so, when they were going to take the tree
down, little Riley threw a terrible tantrum. He literally screamed and
kicked his feet on the floor and laid down in such a way his family
could not move the Christmas tree out the door to the dump. Whenever
the family tried to take down the tree and the other decorations,
little Riley was always there in the way having a fit. The family kept
trying to get rid of the tree to no avail. Finally they got an idea.
One of them took little Riley out for the day to a park or something,
and while he was gone the rest of the family took the tree and the
other decorations down. When did that happen?  *March 15* give or take
a couple days. Everyone who went to visit them during January and
February and the first part of March always looked at them sort of
askance and wondered about it. When little Riley and his mother or
big sister or whoever got back home that day, the little fellow did 
not even notice the tree was no longer there. I suppose if the family
had lived in Peoria, Arizona now days, the entire family would be in 
jail by now, or bankrupted with fines, etc.  Poor Riley  (shaking my 
head and clucking my tongue  ...     PAT]

------------------------------

End of TELECOM Digest V20 #152
******************************
    
    
From editor@telecom-digest.org  Sun Feb 10 02:21:11 2002
Received: (from ptownson@localhost)
	by massis.lcs.mit.edu (8.9.1/8.9.1) id CAA17481;
	Sun, 10 Feb 2002 02:21:11 -0500 (EST)
Date: Sun, 10 Feb 2002 02:21:11 -0500 (EST)
From: editor@telecom-digest.org
Message-Id: <200202100721.CAA17481@massis.lcs.mit.edu>
To: ptownson
Approved: patsnewlist
Subject: TELECOM Digest V20 #153

TELECOM Digest     Sun, 10 Feb 2002 02:21:00 EST    Volume 20 : Issue 153

Inside This Issue:                             Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    Re: Worldcom -- Time to Panic? (Steven J. Sobol)
    Re: Worldcom -- Time to Panic? (Steven Lichter)
    Re: Worldcom -- Time to Panic? (Tom Betz)
    Re: Verizon Payphones With BELL Logo? (Chris A. Libby)
    DNIS Cost? (Scott Ables)
    DID Number Cost - was: Maybe You Can Help ... (Al Gillis)
    Re: Seeking List of Area Codes and Their Format (Don Russell)
    Re: Seeking List of Area Codes and Their Format (Joseph Singer)
    Probe Launched Into Pac Bell DSL Flap (Monty Solomon)
    Re: How to Read the Postal Bar Codes on Letters (Stanley Cline)
    Re: How to Read the Postal Bar Codes on Letters (tonypo1@home.com)
    Re: Repeated Characters on Cellphones (Joel B. Levin)
    Re: Fall of the Pre-Paid Revolution (John R. Levine)
    Re: Maybe You Can Help With a Telecom Question (Jay R. Ashworth)
    Re: How to Read the Postal Bar Codes on Letters (Jay R. Ashworth)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
exclusively to telecommunications topics. It is circulated anywhere
there is email, in addition to various telecom forums on a variety of
networks such as Compuserve and America On Line, and other forums.
It is also gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated 
newsgroup 'comp.dcom.telecom'.

TELECOM Digest is a not-for-profit, mostly non-commercial educational
service offered to the Internet by Patrick Townson. All the contents
of the Digest are compilation-copyrighted. You may reprint articles in
some other media on an occasional basis, but please attribute my work
and that of the original author.

Contact information:    Patrick Townson/TELECOM Digest
                        Post Office Box 50
                        Independence, KS 67301
                        Phone: 630-841-7174
                        Email: editor@telecom-digest.org

Subscribe:  telecom-subscribe@telecom-digest.org
Unsubscribe:telecom-unsubscribe@telecom-digest.org


This Digest is the oldest continuing e-journal about telecomm-
unications on the Internet, having been founded in August, 1981 and
published continuously since then.  Our archives are available for
your review/research. We believe we are the second oldest e-zine/
mailing list on the internet in any category!

URL information:        http://telecom-digest.org

Anonymous FTP: hyperarchive.lcs.mit.edu/telecom-archives/archives
  (or use our mirror site: ftp.epix.net/pub/telecom-archives)

Email <==> FTP:  telecom-archives@telecom-digest.org 

      Send a simple, one line note to that automated address for
      a help file on how to use the automatic retrieval system
      for archives files. You can get desired files in email.

*************************************************************************
*   TELECOM Digest is partially funded by a grant from                  *
*   Judith Oppenheimer, President of ICB Inc. and purveyor of accurate  *
*   800 & Dot Com News, Intelligence, Analysis, and Consulting.         *
*   http://ICBTollFree.com, http://1800TheExpert.com                    *
*   Views expressed herein should not be construed as representing      *
*   views of Judith Oppenheimer or ICB Inc.                             *
*************************************************************************

ICB Toll Free News.  Contact information is not sold, rented or leased.
Access to Premium (P) links requires upgrade to a paid subscription.

One click a day feeds a person a meal.  Go to http://www.thehungersite.com

Only subscribers or registered users of ICB Toll Free News web site
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LEGAL STUFF: TELECOM Digest (sm) is owned by Patrick Townson.
Copyright 2000 ICB, Inc. and TELECOM Digest. All rights reserved.
Our attorney is Bill Levant, of Blue Bell, PA.

   In addition, a gift from Mike Sandman, Chicago's Telecom Expert
   has enabled me to replace some obsolete computer equipment and
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   been widely recognized by Digest readers as a reliable and very
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   a free catalog today at http://www.sandman.com 
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Please make at least a single donation to cover the cost of processing
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All opinions expressed herein are deemed to be those of the author. Any
organizations listed are for identification purposes only and messages
should not be considered any official expression by the organization.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

From: sjsobol@JustThe.net (Steven J. Sobol)
Subject: Re: Worldcom -- Time to Panic?
Date: Sat, 09 Feb 2002 16:09:45 -0000
Organization: Posted via Supernews, http://www.supernews.com


From 'Paul Erickson' <paule@mindspring.com>:

> Our T1 line is provided via Worldcom.  I shudder to think they might
> go the way of the DSL companies.  If you read this, the situation
> sounds pretty dire: http://www.msnbc.com/news/697962.asp

> Where do you go for T1 connectivity if Worldcom goes poof?  The local
> telco will be the last one standing I suppose.  Ugh.

> If Worldcom goes poof, doesn't UUNet, and a big chunk of 'net
> backbone?  Does anyone think this could really happen?

Who knows. Worldcom and its employees are incredibly arrogant, an attitude
which filters down from management. They think they're bulletproof.


JustThe.net LLC - Steve "Web Dude" Sobol, CTO      ICQ: 56972932/WebDude216
website: http://JustThe.net  email: sjsobol@JustThe.net  phone: 216.619.2NET 
postal: 5686 Davis Drive, Mentor On The Lake, OH 44060-2752  DalNet: ZX-2

------------------------------

From: stevenl11@aol.com (Steven Lichter)
Date: 09 Feb 2002 17:28:12 GMT
Organization: AOL http://www.aol.com
Subject: Re: Worldcom -- Time to Panic?


Paul said:

> Where do you go for T1 connectivity if Worldcom goes poof?  The local
> telco will be the last one standing I suppose.  Ugh.

> If Worldcom goes poof, doesn't UUNet, and a big chunk of 'net
> backbone?  Does anyone think this could really happen?

Don't think that could happen.  That company has more money then it
knows what to do with.  They are a cash cow just like GTE was before
the Merger with HellAtlantic (Buy, not a merger.)


Apple Elite II 909-359-5338. Home of GBBS/LLUCE, support for the 
Apple II 24 hours  2400/14.4.  An OggNet Server.

The only good spammer is a dead one!!!  Have you hunted one down today?  (c)

------------------------------

From: tbetz@panix.com (Tom Betz)
Subject: Re: Worldcom -- Time to Panic?
Date: 9 Feb 2002 13:58:08 GMT
Organization: Society for the Elimination of Junk Unsolicited Bulk Email
Reply-To: tbetz@pobox.com


Quoth Paul Erickson <paule@mindspring.com> in <telecom20.152.14@telecom-digest.org>:

> Our T1 line is provided via Worldcom.  I shudder to think they might
> go the way of the DSL companies.  If you read this, the situation
> sounds pretty dire: http://www.msnbc.com/news/697962.asp

> Where do you go for T1 connectivity if Worldcom goes poof?  The local
> telco will be the last one standing I suppose.  Ugh.

Don't worry, Global Crossing or British Telecom will take them over.


|I always wanted to be someone,|            Tom Betz, Generalist               |
|but now I think I should have | Want to send me email? FIRST, READ THIS PAGE: |
|been a wee bit more specific. | <http://www.panix.com/~tbetz/mailterms.shtml> |
| "Fuck NANAE." -- Paul Vixie  | YO! MY EMAIL ADDRESS IS HEAVILY SPAM-ARMORED! |

------------------------------

From: chrisalibby@yahoo.com (Chris A. Libby)
Subject: Re: Verizon Payphones With BELL Logo?
Date: 9 Feb 2002 08:49:02 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


At the local K-Mart here in Illinois, there is still an old Illinois
Bell telephone, and Illinois Bell became Ameritech over 8 years
ago ... also, while visiting Maine this past summer, the local town
is covered with NYNEX phones ... I guess telco companies are just too
lazy to update.

------------------------------

From: Scott Ables <scott_ables@yahoo.com>
Subject: DNIS Cost?
Date: Fri, 8 Feb 2002 21:10:51 -0800
Organization: Posted via Supernews, http://www.supernews.com


I hear that on 5ESS's to turn on DNIS the licensing has a per customer T1
channel charge which really adds up.  That does not seem right to me.
Anyone heard of Lucent licensing working this way?

What do customers typically pay to get DNIS delivered?


Scott

------------------------------

From: Al Gillis <alg@aracnet.com>
Subject: DID Number Cost - was Re: Maybe You Can Help...
Date: Fri, 8 Feb 2002 19:17:23 -0800
Organization: http://extra.newsguy.com
Reply-To: Al Gillis <alg@aracnet.com>


Here in Portland, OR we paying fifteen cents per number per month.
That's the rate from both Qwest (the local former Bell company) as
well as from ELI (a CLEC).  I suspect they're available in minimum
quantities of 100 numbers.  At one of our locations near London,
Ontario we're paying Bell Canada $6.00 per number per month!  Needless
to say, that makes quite a difference in how we freely issue numbers!


Al

Jay R. Ashworth <jra@dorothy.baylink.com> wrote in message
news:telecom20.151.2@telecom-digest.org ...

> I guess this depends on the tariffing; around here, DID numbers (which
> is effectively what this is) go for about a buck a number a month.

------------------------------

From: Don Russell <drussel2@san.rr.com>
Subject: Re: Seeking List of Area Codes and Their Format
Date: Sat, 09 Feb 2002 22:51:17 GMT
Organization: Road Runner


For North America you could start at www.nanpa.com , they have such files
available for download ...


Don Russell

Pat Cupper <pat.cupper@xpherix.com> wrote in message
news:telecom20.152.11@telecom-digest.org ...

> Hi, I'm trying to find a list of Area codes and their format
> worldwide.  Do you know if an updated list like this can be found.
> The best would be if I could just write a program to load it into a
> program.

> [TELECOM Digest Editor's Note:  The two best sources I know are the
> two guys who supply these for the TELECOM Digest website. Look at our
> website -- http://telecom-digest.org/linkspage -- and check out the
> two entries near the top of the page dealing with areacodes. Linc
> Madison comes to mind as one example.  You should find all you ever
> wanted to know about area codes there on his pages.   PAT]

------------------------------

From: Joseph Singer <joeofseattle@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: Seeking List of Area Codes and Their Format
Date: Sat, 09 Feb 2002 05:51:57 -0800
Organization: Drizzle
Reply-To: joeofseattle@yahoo.com


On Fri, 8 Feb 2002 11:15:32 -0800, Pat Cupper <pat.cupper@xpherix.com>
wrote:

> Hi, I'm trying to find a list of Area codes and their format
> worldwide.  Do you know if an updated list like this can be found.
> The best would be if I could just write a program to load it into a
> program.

Try this: http://phonebooth.interocitor.net/wtng/

Personal replies are likely not read.  Please reply in the newsgroup

------------------------------

Date: Sat, 9 Feb 2002 13:44:12 -0500
From: Monty Solomon <monty@roscom.com>
Subject: Probe Launched Into Pac Bell DSL Flap


By Margaret Kane
Staff Writer, CNET News.com
February 8, 2002, 10:35 AM PT

A California regulatory agency is investigating whether SBC Pacific 
Bell overbilled customers of its broadband services.

The California Public Utilities Commission (PUC) said Thursday that 
it has opened an investigation into charges that Pacific Bell -- owned 
by SBC Communications -- overbilled customers for DSL (digital 
subscriber line) and other services.

The commission is also looking at whether Pacific Bell under-reported 
complaints regarding "cramming," the practice of putting false 
charges on customers' bills that are unrelated to actual telephone 
use.

http://news.com.com/2100-1033-832794.html

------------------------------

From: Stanley Cline <sc1@roamer1.org>
Subject: Re: How to Read the Postal Bar Codes on Letters
Date: Sat, 09 Feb 2002 14:26:00 -0500
Organization: roamer1.org, Dunwoody (Atlanta), GA, USA
Reply-To: sc1@roamer1.org


On 08 Feb 2002 02:39:35 GMT, wesrock@aol.com (Wes Leatherock) wrote:

> The Postal Service and Mail Boxes, etc., are now very cozy, with Mail
> Boxes, etc., being some sort of agent for the USPS.

I don't know about that, but *UPS* *owns* MBE the franchiser (not the
franchisees, of course :) )


Stanley Cline -- sc1 at roamer1 dot org -- http://www.roamer1.org/

"Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today.  There might
be a law against it by that time."  -/usr/games/fortune

------------------------------

From: tonypo1@home.com
Subject: Re: How to Read the Postal Bar Codes on Letters
Organization: MobsRUs
Date: Sat, 09 Feb 2002 06:13:40 GMT


In article <telecom20.152.7@telecom-digest.org>, wesrock@aol.com says ...

>>> You can look up the full 11-digit code for any US address on the USPS
>>> web site. They'll even tell you the check digit.
>>> <http://www.usps.gov/ncsc/lookups/lookup_zip+4.html>

>> Indeed.  It's also covered in USPS Publication 25, IIRC.  It's called
>> PostNET, and no one has yet told me why the USPS hasn't sued the
>> knickers off those people operating the MailBoxes ETC clone of the same
>> name.

> The Postal Service and Mail Boxes, etc., are now very cozy, with Mail
> Boxes, etc., being some sort of agent for the USPS.

USPS has gotten quite cozy with other mail processors. It offloads
some of the mail prep from them which reduces the labor costs that
USPS incurs to deliver a letter.

I've used Mailers+ software to presort and then print labeles for mail 
runs of 2000 to 50,000. We'd then turn that over to a processor and let 
them apply the cheshire labels, sack, tag and deliver to the post office 
ready to be distributed to the other offices. 

It's a very efficient system if you ask me. 


Tony

------------------------------

From: Joel B Levin <levinjb@gte.net>
Subject: Re: Repeated Characters on Cellphones
Organization: On the desert
Reply-To: levinjb@gte.net
Date: Sat, 09 Feb 2002 20:29:21 GMT


In <telecom20.152.6@telecom-digest.org>,
   Colin Sutton <colin@sutton.wow.aust.com> wrote:

> Don't wait for the time-out to be able to repeat a letter.  It is
> quicker to type any other letter on a different key and delete it,
> then repeat the letter you really wanted.

> On my Motorola phone, anyway.

Good one!  I'll bet it will work on my aging Qualcomm SprintPCS phone!
(Rather than wait for the timeout, I can turn the thumbwheel to advance to the
next letter, but (a) I never remember which way to turn it and (b) it's gotten
so flaky that it direction the thumbwheel moves things is now independent of
the way I've actually turned it. :-( )


/JBL

Nets:   levin at bbn.com  |  /"\
  or jbl at levin.mv.com  |  \ /  ASCII RIBBON CAMPAIGN
pots:      (617)873-3463  |   X   AGAINST HTML MAIL
ARS:    KD1ON             |  / \  AND POSTINGS

------------------------------

Date: 9 Feb 2002 09:23:46 -0500
From: johnl@iecc.com (John R. Levine)
Subject: Re: Fall of the Pre-Paid Revolution
Organization: I.E.C.C., Trumansburg NY USA


> [TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Did anyone ever notice how prepaid
> service which *should* cost less because (a) there is no collection
> effort involved and (b) the carrier gets to hold large amounts of your
> money without paying interest in fact always costs more?

Yeah, but if the cards are sold in stores that expect the same markup
they get on Slurpees, what do you expect?  There's too many people in
the food chain.

The prepaid vendors that sell directly over the net have extremely
attractive rates.  People have said good things about onesuite.com who
charges 2.9 cpm with 800 access and no funny charges other than the
inevitable payphone surcharge.


John R. Levine, IECC, POB 727, Trumansburg NY 14886 +1 607 387 6869
johnl@iecc.com, Village Trustee and Sewer Commissioner, http://iecc.com/johnl, 
Member, Provisional board, Coalition Against Unsolicited Commercial E-mail

------------------------------

From: Jay R. Ashworth <jra@dorothy.baylink.com>
Subject: Re: Maybe You Can Help With a Telecom Question
Date: Sun, 10 Feb 2002 04:25:10 GMT
Organization: RoadRunner - TampaBay


Stanley settled back into the couch, and Fred Goldstein
<fgoldstein@wn.net> said to him:

[ me: ]
>> I guess this depends on the tariffing; around here, DID numbers (which
>> is effectively what this is) go for about a buck a number a month.

>  No, tariffing doesn't matter.  The fax provider gets the numbers from
>  the CLEC. ILEC tariffs for DID are a retail artifact that only apply
>  if the fax provider is getting its numbers from an ILEC, which of
>  course doesn't happen.

No, but I assumed that the CLEC's had to file tariffs, too; they don't?

>  The fax provider, of course, doesn't need the numbers to be local to
>  anyplace. But the current North American Numbering Plan has no
>  provision for "sent paid nongeographic" numbers, which go at regular
>  toll rates to everyplace.  (Nor is this planned, or contemplated in
>  the "spaghetti-O's" NPA expansion plan.)  Those remote rate centers
>  used by the fax providers are the closest thing.

You've reminded me of something *else* that I thought of the other day,
that I don't recall seeing *anyone's* renumbering plan take into
account:

If you add two zeros into the middle of everyone's number (or, for that
matter, anything else) ... everyone's spellings break.

That will be when we see whether courts will uphold the carriers'
assertions that they're not "officially" giving you any particular
number ... no matter *how* much you've spent on the advertising.


Cheers,

Jay R. Ashworth                                                jra@baylink.com
Member of the Technical Staff     Baylink
The Suncoast Freenet         The Things I Think
Tampa Bay, Florida        http://baylink.pitas.com             +1 727 647 1274

        God, unlike Anya, is fond of bunnies.  -- Chelsea Christenson

------------------------------

From: Jay R. Ashworth <jra@dorothy.baylink.com>
Subject: Re: How to Read the Postal Bar Codes on Letters
Reply-To: jra@baylink.com
Date: Sun, 10 Feb 2002 04:27:51 GMT
Organization: RoadRunner - TampaBay


Stanley settled back into the couch, and Wes Leatherock
<wesrock@aol.com> said to him:

>>> You can look up the full 11-digit code for any US address on the USPS
>>> web site. They'll even tell you the check digit.
>>> <http://www.usps.gov/ncsc/lookups/lookup_zip+4.html>

>> Indeed.  It's also covered in USPS Publication 25, IIRC.  It's called
>> PostNET, and no one has yet told me why the USPS hasn't sued the
>> knickers off those people operating the MailBoxes ETC clone of the same
>> name.

>        The Postal Service and Mail Boxes, etc., are now very cozy, with Mail
>  Boxes, etc., being some sort of agent for the USPS.

More reason: PostNET is MBE's *competition*.


Cheers,

Jay R. Ashworth                                                jra@baylink.com
Member of the Technical Staff     Baylink
The Suncoast Freenet         The Things I Think
Tampa Bay, Florida        http://baylink.pitas.com             +1 727 647 1274

        God, unlike Anya, is fond of bunnies.  -- Chelsea Christenson

------------------------------

End of TELECOM Digest V20 #153
******************************
    
    
From editor@telecom-digest.org  Mon Feb 11 17:05:23 2002
Received: (from ptownson@localhost)
	by massis.lcs.mit.edu (8.9.1/8.9.1) id RAA25975;
	Mon, 11 Feb 2002 17:05:23 -0500 (EST)
Date: Mon, 11 Feb 2002 17:05:23 -0500 (EST)
From: editor@telecom-digest.org
Message-Id: <200202112205.RAA25975@massis.lcs.mit.edu>
To: ptownson
Approved: patsnewlist
Subject: TELECOM Digest V20 #154

TELECOM Digest     Mon, 11 Feb 2002 17:02:00 EST    Volume 20 : Issue 154

Inside This Issue:                             Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    Telecom Update (Canada) #319, February 11, 2002 (Angus TeleManagement)
    Re: Worldcom -- Time to Panic? (Rich Greenberg)
    Re: Worldcom -- Time to Panic? (Dave Phelps)
    Re: Worldcom -- Time to Panic? (Steven J. Sobol)
    Re: Maybe You Can Help With a Telecom Question (Fred Goldstein)
    Re: Verizon Payphones With BELL Logo? (Joel B Levin)
    Re: Fall of the Pre-Paid Revolution (Jeff Frontz)
    Re: Is There a Standard For Alphanumeric DTMF? (Don Kimberlin)
    Another Company for Directory and SPRINT is at it Again (D Horvath)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
exclusively to telecommunications topics. It is circulated anywhere
there is email, in addition to various telecom forums on a variety of
networks such as Compuserve and America On Line, and other forums.
It is also gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated 
newsgroup 'comp.dcom.telecom'.

TELECOM Digest is a not-for-profit, mostly non-commercial educational
service offered to the Internet by Patrick Townson. All the contents
of the Digest are compilation-copyrighted. You may reprint articles in
some other media on an occasional basis, but please attribute my work
and that of the original author.

Contact information:    Patrick Townson/TELECOM Digest
                        Post Office Box 50
                        Independence, KS 67301
                        Phone: 630-841-7174
                        Email: editor@telecom-digest.org

Subscribe:  telecom-subscribe@telecom-digest.org
Unsubscribe:telecom-unsubscribe@telecom-digest.org


This Digest is the oldest continuing e-journal about telecomm-
unications on the Internet, having been founded in August, 1981 and
published continuously since then.  Our archives are available for
your review/research. We believe we are the second oldest e-zine/
mailing list on the internet in any category!

URL information:        http://telecom-digest.org

Anonymous FTP: hyperarchive.lcs.mit.edu/telecom-archives/archives
  (or use our mirror site: ftp.epix.net/pub/telecom-archives)

Email <==> FTP:  telecom-archives@telecom-digest.org 

      Send a simple, one line note to that automated address for
      a help file on how to use the automatic retrieval system
      for archives files. You can get desired files in email.

*************************************************************************
*   TELECOM Digest is partially funded by a grant from                  *
*   Judith Oppenheimer, President of ICB Inc. and purveyor of accurate  *
*   800 & Dot Com News, Intelligence, Analysis, and Consulting.         *
*   http://ICBTollFree.com, http://1800TheExpert.com                    *
*   Views expressed herein should not be construed as representing      *
*   views of Judith Oppenheimer or ICB Inc.                             *
*************************************************************************

ICB Toll Free News.  Contact information is not sold, rented or leased.
Access to Premium (P) links requires upgrade to a paid subscription.

One click a day feeds a person a meal.  Go to http://www.thehungersite.com

Only subscribers or registered users of ICB Toll Free News web site
will be able to access all or some of the full text of URLs provided.

LEGAL STUFF: TELECOM Digest (sm) is owned by Patrick Townson.
Copyright 2000 ICB, Inc. and TELECOM Digest. All rights reserved.
Our attorney is Bill Levant, of Blue Bell, PA.

   In addition, a gift from Mike Sandman, Chicago's Telecom Expert
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Date: Mon, 11 Feb 2002 10:35:26 -0500
From: Angus TeleManagement <jriddell@angustel.ca>
Subject: Telecom Update (Canada) #319, February 11, 2002


TELECOM UPDATE
************************************************************
published weekly by Angus TeleManagement Group
http://www.angustel.ca

Number 319: February 11, 2002

Publication of Telecom Update is made possible by generous
financial support from:
** AT&T CANADA http://www.attcanada.com
** BELL CANADA http://www.bell.ca
** GROUP TELECOM http://www.gt.ca
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** Q9 NETWORKS: http://www.Q9.com
** TELUS: http://www.telus.com
** UNISPHERE NETWORKS: http://www.unispherenetworks.com

************************************************************

IN THIS ISSUE:

** Wetmore Moves to Bell
** Cisco Sales, Profits Rise
** MaxLink LMCS Licenses Revoked
** RIM, Glenayre to Work Together
** AT&T Revenues Up 3%
** GT Reports Revenue Gains
** Bell Intros Mitel IP PBX
** Look to Re-Emerge This Week
** CLECs Want Improved Repair Times
** Sympatico Bars Residential Servers
** Court Forces Change to TIW Offer
** DMR to Become Fujitsu Consulting
** Sprint Makes Introductory Local Offer
** Rogers Video on Demand Delayed
** Bell to Launch 2.5G Service
** Games Dominate Mobile Browser Usage
** BellZinc Buys Montreal E-Marketer
** Persona Buys West Indies Cableco
** 360networks Creditors Query CEO Loan
** Ladouceur Named President of Datawire
** Clarification -- Call-Net
** Can Wireless LANs Be Secure?

WETMORE MOVES TO BELL: BCE has moved Stephen Wetmore from
President and CEO of Aliant to Vice-Chair Corporate of Bell
Canada, effective March 1. He will report to BCE President
Michael Sabia.

** Aliant's Executive VP and CFO, Jay Forbes, has been named
    Acting CEO until the Board chooses a permanent successor
    for Wetmore.

CISCO SALES, PROFITS RISE: Cisco Systems reports sales for
the quarter ended January 26 of US$4.8 billion -- 8% more
than the previous quarter, but 29% less than the previous
year. Operating profit doubled over the previous quarter, to
$664 million.

MAXLINK LMCS LICENSES REVOKED: Canada's last surviving LMCS
carrier has lost its broadband wireless licences. MaxLink
Communications has been in receivership since November 2000;
Industry Canada revoked the licenses last month for non-
payment of fees. (see Telecom Update #57, #188, #260).

http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/pics/sf/revoclinton.pdf

RIM, GLENAYRE TO WORK TOGETHER: Research In Motion and
Glenayre Electronics have agreed to jointly develop
technology for wireless e-mail devices. The two companies
have settled their dispute over patent issues and dropped
pending legal actions. (See Telecom Update #284, 291)

AT&T REVENUES UP 3%: AT&T Canada's 2001 revenue was $1.545
billion, up slightly from 2000. Total loss for the year was
$780 million, up from $523 million.

** On December 31, AT&T Canada had 548,969 local lines in
    service, nearly 8% more than in the previous quarter.

** AT&T warns that if foreign ownership rules do not change
    before June 2003, it may face a change in ownership, and
    that in turn would allow creditors to demand payments that
    exceed the company's cash resources.

GT REPORTS REVENUE GAINS: Group Telecom reports October-
December sales of $61.3 million, including $11.9 million
voice (up 6% from the previous quarter) and $48 million data
(up 9%). Net loss: $89 million.

** Josef Strauss, CEO of JDS Uniphase, has joined Group
    Telecom's Board of Directors.

BELL INTROS MITEL IP PBX: Bell Canada has begun offering
Mitel's 3100 Integrated Communications Platform to small
businesses in Ontario and Quebec. The system combines LAN,
router, voice mail, and PBX functions in a single unit.

** February's Telemanagement includes a feature report on the
    Mitel 3100.

LOOK TO RE-EMERGE THIS WEEK: Trading of Look Communications'
shares has been suspended for one day to facilitate
completion of its reorganization under the Companies'
Creditors Arrangement Act. When trading resumes tomorrow, the
broadband wireless company will have one class of shares,
trading under the new symbol LOK.

CLECs WANT IMPROVED REPAIR TIMES: Call-Net and Group Telecom
have asked the CRTC to order telcos to offer CLECs the option
of obtaining a four-hour Mean Time to Repair for unbundled
loops. They claim that the telcos provide better service to
themselves and affiliates than to competitors.

http://www.crtc.gc.ca/PartVII/Eng/2002/8622/C25-14.htm

SYMPATICO BARS RESIDENTIAL SERVERS: Sympatico has changed its
Acceptable Use policies to prohibit residential customers
from running or hosting server applications.

** Rogers Cable says it may offer a lower-priced Internet
    service with limits on monthly data transfers. Contrary to
    published reports, it has not yet decided to proceed.

COURT FORCES CHANGE TO TIW OFFER: After an Ontario Court
ruled that its share buyback offer was unfair to minority
shareholders, Telesystem International Wireless changed the
offer last week. Boston-based Highfields Capital has asked
regulators to delay the company's new restructuring plan
until Wednesday to give investors time to review the new
offer. (See Telecom Update #316)

** J.P. Morgan Partners and Hutchison Whampoa now own 20.2%
    and 15.3% of TIW, respectively.

DMR TO BECOME FUJITSU CONSULTING: DMR Consulting, which has
8,000 employees internationally and 2,150 in Canada, will
take the name Fujitsu Consulting in April. Founded in
Montreal in 1973, DMR was bought by Fujitsu in 1997.

SPRINT MAKES INTRODUCTORY LOCAL OFFER: Sprint Canada is
offering three months of residential local service plus one
calling feature for $19.95/month. The regular rate is $29.95.

ROGERS VIDEO ON DEMAND DELAYED: In December, Rogers Cable
failed to meet a CRTC deadline for introducing a national
Video on Demand service. Broadcasting Decision 2002-25
extends the deadline to December 14, 2002.

BELL TO LAUNCH 2.5G SERVICE: Bell Mobility will officially
launch its 1XRTT wireless data service in the Toronto area at
10 a.m. on Tuesday, February 12.

GAMES DOMINATE MOBILE BROWSER USAGE: Bell Mobility says that
wireless video games, some of which are offered for a monthly
fee, now account for half the usage of its Mobile Browser
service, compared to 14% a year ago.

BELLZINC BUYS MONTREAL E-MARKETER: BellZinc, Bell Canada's
small-business website, has bought control of Montreal-based
Cesart Creation, which offers e-commerce and website
development services.

PERSONA BUYS WEST INDIES CABLECO: Persona, owner of Regional
Cablesystems, has bought Cable Bahamas, which has 53,000
subscribers in the Bahamas.

360NETWORKS CREDITORS QUERY CEO LOAN: U.S. creditors of
360networks have asked the Bankruptcy Court in New York for
information on 360's $77.5 million loan to CEO Greg Maffei
for the purchase of its shares.

** 360networks has assumed total ownership of Urbanlink
    Holdings, a Canadian fibre provider that was previously
    partly owned by Ledcor Group.

LADOUCEUR NAMED PRESIDENT OF DATAWIRE: Phil Ladouceur,
Chairman of MetroNet before its 1999 merger with AT&T, has
been named President and COO of Toronto-based Datawire
Communication Networks, which provides e-commerce services.

CLARIFICATION -- CALL-NET: Call-Net Enterprises has asked us
to clarify that the recent Ontario Superior Court ruling (see
Telecom Update #318) "focused only on certain employees
asserting that a change of control had taken place and not
on the rights or entitlements of Call-Net's bondholders."

CAN WIRELESS LANs BE SECURE? In the February issue of
Telemanagement, Gerry Blackwell examines security threats to
wireless LANs and measures available to counter them.

** Single copies of Telemanagement #192 are $75 each: call
    905-686-5050 ext 500 and charge to Visa, American Express,
    or Mastercard.

** Until February 28, new subscribers to Telemanagement will
    save $50 on the price of a one-year subscription, with a
    money-back guarantee.

** To subscribe, go to http://www.angustel.ca/teleman/tm.html.

============================================================

HOW TO SUBMIT ITEMS FOR TELECOM UPDATE

E-MAIL: editors@angustel.ca

FAX:    905-686-2655

MAIL:   TELECOM UPDATE
         Angus TeleManagement Group
         8 Old Kingston Road
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HOW TO SUBSCRIBE (OR UNSUBSCRIBE)

TELECOM UPDATE is provided in electronic form only. There
are two formats available:

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COPYRIGHT AND CONDITIONS OF USE: All contents copyright 2002 Angus
TeleManagement Group Inc. All rights reserved. For further
information, including permission to reprint or reproduce, please
e-mail rosita@angustel.ca or phone 905-686-5050 ext 500.

The information and data included has been obtained from sources which
we believe to be reliable, but Angus TeleManagement makes no
warranties or representations whatsoever regarding accuracy,
completeness, or adequacy.  Opinions expressed are based on
interpretation of available information, and are subject to change. If
expert advice on the subject matter is required, the services of a
competent professional should be obtained.

------------------------------

From: richgr@panix.com (Rich Greenberg)
Subject: Re: Worldcom -- Time to Panic?
Date: 10 Feb 2002 11:47:39 -0500
Organization: Organized?  Me?


In article <telecom20.153.3@telecom-digest.org>, Tom Betz
<tbetz@pobox.com> wrote:

> Quoth Paul Erickson <paule@mindspring.com> in
> <telecom20.152.14@telecom-digest.org>:

>> Where do you go for T1 connectivity if Worldcom goes poof?  The local
>> telco will be the last one standing I suppose.  Ugh.

> Don't worry, Global Crossing or British Telecom will take them over.

Don't count on Global Crossing.  They just went bust.


Rich Greenberg Work: Rich.Greenberg atsign worldspan.com +1
770-563-6656 N6LRT Marietta, GA, USA Play: richgr atsign panix.com +1
770-321-6507 Eastern time zone.  I speak for myself & my dogs only.
VM'er since CP-67 Canines:Val(Chinook,CGC,TT), Red &
Shasta(Husky,(RIP)) Owner:Chinook-L Atlanta Siberian Husky
Rescue. www.panix.com/~richgr/ Asst Owner:Sibernet-L

------------------------------

From: Dave Phelps <tippenring@deadspam.com>
Subject: Re: Worldcom -- Time to Panic?
Date: Sun, 10 Feb 2002 11:10:50 -0600
Organization: Posted via Supernews, http://www.supernews.com


Yeah. Global Crossing will take it....

It looks to me like Global Crossing is going to be shutting down in a
short while. They are bankrupt, and have several class action lawsuits
pending regarding their creative financial reports over the last year
or two.


Dave Phelps
Phone Masters Ltd.
deadspam=tippenring

------------------------------

From: sjsobol@JustThe.net (Steven J. Sobol)
Subject: Re: Worldcom -- Time to Panic?
Date: Sun, 10 Feb 2002 15:49:30 -0000
Organization: Posted via Supernews, http://www.supernews.com


 From 'Tom Betz' <tbetz@panix.com>:
> Quoth Paul Erickson <paule@mindspring.com> in
> <telecom20.152.14@telecom-digest.org>: 

>> Our T1 line is provided via Worldcom.  I shudder to think they
>> might go the way of the DSL companies.  If you read this, the
>> situation sounds pretty dire: http://www.msnbc.com/news/697962.asp
>> Where do you go for T1 connectivity if Worldcom goes poof?  The
>> local telco will be the last one standing I suppose.  Ugh.

> Don't worry, Global Crossing or British Telecom will take them over.

Global Crossing ain't taking anything over ...


JustThe.net LLC - Steve "Web Dude" Sobol, CTO ICQ: 56972932/WebDude216
website: http://JustThe.net email: sjsobol@JustThe.net 
phone:216.619.2NET postal: 5686 Davis Drive, Mentor On The Lake, OH
44060-2752 DalNet: ZX-2

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 10 Feb 2002 11:22:47 -0500
From: Fred Goldstein <fgoldstein@wn.net>
Subject: Re: Maybe You Can Help With a Telecom Question


At Sun, 10 Feb 2002 04:25:10 GMT, Jay R. Ashworth <jra@dorothy.baylink.com>
wrote,

fg>>  No, tariffing doesn't matter.  The fax provider gets the numbers from
>>  the CLEC. ILEC tariffs for DID are a retail artifact that only apply
>>  if the fax provider is getting its numbers from an ILEC, which of
>>  course doesn't happen.

> No, but I assumed that the CLEC's had to file tariffs, too; they don't?

CLECs are nondominant.  They may be required by states to file
tariffs.  But states may not, in general, regulate their retail
prices.  And CLECs are generally free to cut off-the-tariff deals, or
use "individual case basis" (ICB) prices even within a tariff.  Some
CLECs take tariffs more seriously than others.  In any case, a CLEC
tariff, when filed, need not reflect the weird pricing notions of an
ILEC tariff.  Competitive markets don't behave like monopolies.

> You've reminded me of something *else* that I thought of the other day,
> that I don't recall seeing *anyone's* renumbering plan take into
> account:

> If you add two zeros into the middle of everyone's number (or, for that
> matter, anything else) ... everyone's spellings break.

> That will be when we see whether courts will uphold the carriers'
> assertions that they're not "officially" giving you any particular
> number ... no matter *how* much you've spent on the advertising.

Oh oh, Spaghetti-Os! :-)

------------------------------

From: Joel B Levin <levinjb@gte.net>
Subject: Re: Verizon Payphones With BELL Logo?
Organization: On the desert
Reply-To: levinjb@gte.net
Date: Sun, 10 Feb 2002 19:14:40 GMT


In <telecom20.153.4@telecom-digest.org>, chrisalibby@yahoo.com (Chris
A. Libby) wrote:

> ago ... also, while visiting Maine this past summer, the local town
> is covered with NYNEX phones ... I guess telco companies are just too
> lazy to update.

No, there are just too many to get to all of them quickly.  Verizon
really wants to get its logo everywhere, but it starts with the high
population density, high visibility locations first.

When Verizon was created, a newsletter sent to all employees described
how many pay phones, trucks, etc. that would have to be re-branded
from Bell Atlantic or GTE.  The numbers were astronomical, but not too
surprising.  (The NYNEX -> BA transition was not that long ago, I'm
not surprised they hadn't quite finished.)

Of course it's possible that a few out-of-the-way locations were
forgotten or slipped through the cracks -- NYNEX / BA / GTE / Verizon
were/are huge companies.


/JBL

------------------------------

Subject: Re: Fall of the Pre-Paid Revolution
From: jhf@shell.core.com (Jeff Frontz)
Date: 10 Feb 2002 12:55:32 GMT
Organization: ExecPC Internet - Milwaukee, WI


In article <telecom20.153.13@telecom-digest.org>, John R. Levine
<johnl@iecc.com> wrote:

>> [TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Did anyone ever notice how prepaid
>> service which *should* cost less because (a) there is no collection
>> effort involved and (b) the carrier gets to hold large amounts of your
>> money without paying interest in fact always costs more?

> Yeah, but if the cards are sold in stores that expect the same markup
> they get on Slurpees, what do you expect?  There's too many people in
> the food chain.

Even the service providers charge the prices that PAT quotes, but if
you consider the target markets, you'll notice that the prices aren't
that bad.

A lot of prepaid cellular is sold to 1) folks who don't make that
many calls (they just want the phone in the glovebox in case they
need to call AAA); 2) folks who are "credit challenged" (e.g., not
credit worthy); or 3) folks who want to give a phone to someone but
not have the user rack up a huge bill (e.g., parents giving a phone
to children).  In each case, the alternatives (paying monthly fees
with a lengthy service contract, paying hefty security deposits, or
getting a huge bill after the fact) are much less attractive.

Although the model might not work for everyone, prepaid telecom is
huge and growing (believe me -- the company I work for is struggling
to keep up with the demand).


Jeff

------------------------------

From: Don Kimberlin <dkimberlin@prodigy.net>
Subject: Re: Is There a Standard For Alphanumeric DTMF?
Date: Sun, 10 Feb 2002 10:46:05 -0500


In article (7 Feb 2002 22:22:49 GMT), Ed Pugh (edpugh@freenet.carleton.ca)
wrote:

> ..... my question was whether or not there is an existing standard
> (say ITU or EIA or some such). If not, I can go my own way, I guess.
> But if there IS a standard, then I should try to adhere to it.

While there may indeed be something in the E Series if ITU-T (former
CCITT) Recommendations (and don't fail to scan the appendices, which
often contain useful informational bits about what individual nations
do, if not "standards"), there can also be helpful hints in standards
of other disciplines.

For example, I once found a very helpful standard for sending data
from a Loran receiver into a mobile radio network. It was a marine
navigational aids standard -- that used very normal datacomm signals
and protocols.  Rather than have to write it all out, and then explain
it over and over to bidders, we could simply send them to the
document.

For the case at hand, I once observed the selfsame mode of keying in
alpha characters on a "touch-tone" keypad in use on "Fuel Management
System" made for Lockheed L-1011 aircraft - back in the 1970s.  With
it, pilots entered 3-character navigational waystation points along
the route of their flight.  I don't know where to start, but you might
have some research assistants who could dig into
aircraft/airline/navigation/whatever publications.  The sole keywords
I have are "fuel management" and "L-1011."

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 10 Feb 2002 11:24:29 -0500
From: dhorvath@cobs.com (David B. Horvath, CCP)
Subject: Another Company For Directory and SPRINT is at it Again


Here's a company that is holding a sweepstakes and would love for you
to get in touch with them!

> We're Going "Nuts"

> We have been trying to reach you regarding your sweepstakes entry!
> To contact us call,

> Toll Free 1-800-279-3081

> Use Your Private Code when you call: xxnnnn 

> Call 9:00 am to 9:00 pm EST
> Monday through Friday,
> 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturday

> CALL NOW!!!

> 1-800-279-3081

Remember, do not abuse this. I changed the private code since it was
supposed to be for me. I don't seem to remember making an entry into
their sweepstakes, maybe you will.

And it seems like Sprint is at it again.  Remember when they offered
the free modems? Now they're offering free digital cameras:

> The world's first pen size digital 3 in one: camera/camcorder/webcam - The
> PenCam Trio!

> It's unbelievable - and it's yours for free*!

> For your FREE* PenCam Trio click here!

*** URL deleted, it wasn't Sprint's ***

> Imagine a camera that can take bright, crisp digital photos, shoot
> short videos, and connect to your computer so your friends can see
> you. Now imagine it is the size of a pen. Move over 007, the PenCam
> Trio is the new age of digital cameras. And the best thing, DAVID,
> is that you get it for FREE*! Click here!

*** URL deleted, it wasn't Sprint's *** but it does redirect to
*** https://csg.sprint.com/offsite/paidmedia/order_traffix_2630.shtml?PLAN_NAME=
*** 7_Cents_AnyTime_Online&rnum=aga1062 (actually, all you need is
*** https://csg.sprint.com/offsite/paidmedia/order_traffix_2630.shtml
*** ). The really interesting thing is that you can get different
*** offers by changing the last 2 digits of 2630.

> *Requires change of state-to-state long distance carrier to Sprint,
> remaining a customer for 90 days and completion of redemption 
> certificate sent by mail.

> **When you select all online options such as online ordering, online bill
> payment, online customer service and staying a Sprint customer, you will
> reduce your recurring charge and SAVE $5.95 every month.

> Promotion excludes current Sprint customers.


David

------------------------------

End of TELECOM Digest V20 #154
******************************
    
    
From editor@telecom-digest.org  Tue Feb 12 19:38:55 2002
Received: (from ptownson@localhost)
	by massis.lcs.mit.edu (8.9.1/8.9.1) id TAA22963;
	Tue, 12 Feb 2002 19:38:55 -0500 (EST)
Date: Tue, 12 Feb 2002 19:38:55 -0500 (EST)
From: editor@telecom-digest.org
Message-Id: <200202130038.TAA22963@massis.lcs.mit.edu>
To: ptownson
Approved: patsnewlist
Subject: TELECOM Digest V20 #155

TELECOM Digest     Tue, 12 Feb 2002 19:39:00 EST    Volume 20 : Issue 155

Inside This Issue:                             Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    Re: Is There a Standard For Alphanumeric DTMF? (Mike Sandman)
    Re: Small Office Phone System (Brock McFarlane)
    Re: Seeking List of Area Codes and Their Format (Rob)
    Re: AOL Customers Livid Over Huge Bills After Areacode Switch (P Smiley)
    Kellogg Silver Medal (Cemc5@aol.com)
    Re: Worldcom -- Time to Panic? (Marcus Didius Falco)
    Re: Repeated Characters on Cellphones (Marcus Didius Falco)
    Seattle Local Phone Service Options (Richard Silverstein)
    Re: Technical Question (Paul Cook)
    Panasonic KX-TV200 Voicemail System Hard Disk (James Gifford)
    Iridium: What's Its Story ? (Jeff Smith)
    Panasonic KX-T System Components and Phones FS/FT (James Gifford)
    Re: PRI (John Waters)

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 ----------------------------------------------------------------------

 From: Mike Sandman <mike@sandman.com>
 Subject: Re: Is There a Standard For Alphanumeric DTMF?
 Date: Sun, 10 Feb 2002 19:33:21 -0600
 Organization: Mike Sandman Enterprises, Inc.
 Reply-To: mike@sandman.com


 Eatoni has the best system developed so far -- actually they have a
 couple of versions.

 www.eatoni.com

 Mike

 On 6 Feb 2002 21:37:38 GMT, edpugh@freenet.carleton.ca (Ed Pugh)
 wrote:

 > This may be a FAQ.  If so, please point me in the right direction.
 > Also, is there, perhaps, a more appropriate newsgroup to ask this?

 > I have an idea to develop an application that would require sending a
 > limited set of alphanumeric characters over the voice telephone
 > network using the 12 "standard" DTMF tones.

 > Does anyone know if there is an exisiting standard (e.g.  an ITU
 > standard, or standard published by another well- recognised standards
 > body) for encoding alphanumerics with the standard 12-digit dialpad?
 > Is there, perhaps, a web site somewhere that specifies such a
 > standard?

 > I have an idea on how to develop my own scheme to do this, but it
 > would be far better if I could adhere to an already-existing standard.

 ------------------------------

 From: Brock McFarlane <bmcfarlane@westoncs.com>
 Subject: Re: Small Office Phone System
 Date: Sun, 10 Feb 2002 19:24:38 -0900
 Organization: Posted via Supernews, http://www.supernews.com


Hi Janice,

We have installed 5 or 6 TalkSwitches with good results. For the features
that you get, $1395 is not alot to spend. Plus you do not have to buy
expensive proprietary phones but can use any analog phone - even cordless
models. Plus it is all manageable by your computer. If you do have problems
setting one up and have an Internet connection, we can use remote control
through you web browser to help but chances are you can manage the
installation.

Feel free to e-mail me at bmcfarlane@westoncs.com if you would like more
information on how our installations have gone.
Thanks and good luck!


Brock

Janice Underhill <janiceunderhill@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:telecom20.138.9@telecom-digest.org...

> What do people use for an office phone system?  Here are my
> requirements:

> 1. Auto attendant to answer incoming calls
> 2. Voicemail
> 3. Call Forwarding with all the bells and whistles - you know, music
> on hold, call queue, intercom etc.
> 4. Three business lines with 5 extensions.

> What I have found so far ...

> Bizfone :
> a bit over my budget but everyone seems to be selling them.

> TalkSwitch :
> seems to have what I want, but I have to justify $1395 for the 4x8
> otherwise the talk switch 24 is $695.  Both are cheaper than bizphone (?)

> Anybody use these systems?  How hard are they to set up?  Any problems
> with them?

------------------------------

From: rob51166@yahoo.com (Rob)
Subject: Re: Seeking List of Area Codes and Their Format
Date: 11 Feb 2002 06:50:34 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


Pat Cupper <pat.cupper@xpherix.com> wrote in message
news:<telecom20.152.11@telecom-digest.org>...

> Hi, I'm trying to find a list of Area codes and their format
> worldwide.  Do you know if an updated list like this can be found.
> The best would be if I could just write a program to load it into a
> program.

> Thanks for your help.

> Pat Cupper
> Xpherix Corporation
> pacu@xpherix.com

Try looking at http://www.wtng.info which is issued, I believe, by
Warwick university in the UK.


HTH!

Rob

------------------------------

From: Phil Smiley <epsmiley@epix.net>
Subject: Re: AOL Customers Livid Over Huge Phone Bills After Areacode Switch
Date: Mon, 11 Feb 2002 16:44:34 GMT


Sounds like the customer's LD carriers failed to make the appropriate
change in NPAs.  This information is in the LERG so it looks like
someone dropped the ball.

Jim, Weiss@aol.com wrote:

> Dozens of residents are complaining that they received phone bills of
> more than $1,000 because an area-code change switched dial-up
> connections to their AOL accounts from local to long distance.

> http://computerworld.com/nlt/1%2C3590%2CNAV47_STO68154_NLTPM%2C00.html

>  From the Offices of: Network Brokers, Inc.
> Providing Long Distance Services for Less
> Jim Weiss, nbjimweiss@aol.com
> 305-252-1822; Fax: 775-796-9973; Miami Fax: 305-252-1823;

------------------------------

From: Cemc5@aol.com
Date: Mon, 11 Feb 2002 12:31:41 EST
Subject: Kellogg Silver Medal


Hello!                                                                      

I'm trying to verify some facts about this medal it has a candlestick
phone on the front with a circled K on the reverse it has the words
KELLOGG SWITCHBOARD & SUPPLY CO. around the top and at bottom it has
CHICAGO,KANSAS CITY,SAN FRANCISCO -- in the middle it has the logo THE
SERVICE OF THE TELEPHONE PROVES THE WORTH OF THE LINE -- I believe this
medal which is SILVER, its missing its ribbon because I dug it up
while metal detecting historical district Charleston, WV -- my theory
is this medal was given at the opening of the mfg plant Chicago to Milo
Kellogg and the 7 others who formed the business in 1894, the plant
opend in 1897, if im correct this is the oldest most important piece
of independent telephone history relic, but im not sure its the only
one that exist yet! I am a total beginner in telephone history -- the
FRENCH phone in the report by DAWNE FLAMMGER FEB95 ON your site is
incorrect the GRABAPHONE AND TALK RIGHT WAS in vented by KELLOGG
advertised APRIL4,1904 but being how they legally still own the
company after stealling it i guess they claimed everything untill 1906
SUPREME COURT decision. Im just an unemployed metal detector an i cant
pay for the research but i surely wont forget you and will,if my
theory is correct! please help if you can! to answer any questions or
info. THANKS SO MUCH FOR YOUR TIME! I'll send you a picture.

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 11 Feb 2002 12:12:25 -0500
From: Marcus Didius Falco <marcus_d_falco@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: Worldcom -- Time to Panic?


At 01:03 AM 2/9/2002, editor@telecom-digest.org wrote:

> From: Paul Erickson <paule@mindspring.com>
> Subject: Worldcom -- Time to Panic?
> Date: Fri, 8 Feb 2002 16:50:06 -0500
> Organization: Posted via Supernews, http://www.supernews.com

> Our T1 line is provided via Worldcom.  I shudder to think they might
> go the way of the DSL companies.  If you read this, the situation
> sounds pretty dire: http://www.msnbc.com/news/697962.asp

> Where do you go for T1 connectivity if Worldcom goes poof?  The local
> telco will be the last one standing I suppose.  Ugh.

> If Worldcom goes poof, doesn't UUNet, and a big chunk of 'net
> backbone?  Does anyone think this could really happen?

> [TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: They would not 'go poof' for the same
> reason telcos do not up and vanish.  Telephone companies have in fact
> gone bankrupt in the past, and back in the days when AT&T was in
> charge of things and forbidden by the decree to acquire any more
> operating companies, there was one exception to that rule: if an inde-
> pendent telco was in dire financial straits and on the verge of going
> out of business, then AT&T *had* to take it over by court order. What
> would happen in WorldCom's case I think is that a bankruptcy court
> would declare them to be a 'debtor in possession' and have them
> continue operating their business until a suitable and capable
> replacement could be found to take over, and provide an orderly change
> of management. Just my opinion, but I'm sure if WorldCom was about to
> close its doors some lawyers would get involved and appeal it all in
> court.  PAT]

In the early 1970s Datran went bankrupt on a Friday. The FCC ordered
them to continue operating over the weekend so that AT&T would have
time to switch over the data customers, despite the FCC's having no
specific authority to order a bankruptcy court to do anything, or to
override the orders of a bankruptcy court.

That said, times have changed. There have been a couple of CLEC
bankruptcies in which there have been significant delays in getting
the customers switched. Moreover, state commissions have shown
absolutely no interest in provisions for quick reversion of resold
services to the underlying carrier (the ILEC), nor have the ILECs
shown any interest in such provisions, even when they were offered an
extra fraction of a per cent on the discount offered the reseller
(that is, the avoided cost discount might be 18.75 per cent rather
than 19 per cent as "compensation" for being "carrier of last
resort").

So monitor the financials of your carriers very carefully, and arrange
backup if necessary.

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 11 Feb 2002 12:18:15 -0500
From: Marcus Didius Falco <marcus_d_falco@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: Repeated Characters on Cellphones


At 01:03 AM 2/9/2002, editor@telecom-digest.org wrote:

> From: Colin Sutton <colin@sutton.wow.aust.com>
> Subject: Re: Repeated Characters on Cellphones
> Date: Fri, 08 Feb 2002 01:16:37 GMT
> Organization: BigPond Internet Services (http://www.bigpond.net.au)

> Don't wait for the time-out to be able to repeat a letter.  It is
> quicker to type any other letter on a different key and delete it,
> then repeat the letter you really wanted.

> On my Motorola phone, anyway.

My experience on a Brother FAX machine, a Uniden cordless and a
Motorola cell phone is that to get a repeated letter (or letter group)
you type the key with the letter, then hit the right arrow, and then
type the key again.  Thus to type TU you can type 8 <rt arrow> 8

------------------------------

From: richards1052@attbi.com (Richard Silverstein)
Subject: Seattle Local Phone Service Options
Date: 11 Feb 2002 11:14:52 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


I'm trying to identify any local phone companies which might be
competing with Qwest (yuck!) here in Seattle.  Does anyone out there
know if any of the major local phone service companies operate here?


Richard Silverstein

------------------------------

Reply-To: Paul Cook <pcook@proctorinc.com>
From: Paul Cook <pcook@proctorinc.com>
Subject: Re: Technical Question
Date: Mon, 11 Feb 2002 12:06:36 -0800
Organization: Proctor & Associates, Inc.


nsachs <nsachs@usc.edu> wrote:

> I have a bit of a technical question I was hoping you might be able to
> help with.  I'm working on a project at the University of Southern
> California that involoves making a connection over a standard phone line.
> However, we have to give a demonstration of the project and won't have
> access to a phone jack.  Is there any way to simulate a connection between
> two phones by connecting them directly using an RJ-11 cord and external
> power source, or possibly some other similar configuration?  Any help you
> could provide would be much appreciated.

Our telephone line simulators exactly mimic the signalling of real
telephone lines, so anything that can work with a real phone line will
work the same on our simulators.

For brief description and prices, see
http://www.proctorinc.com/demonstr.htm I can also email a pdf of a
product brochure.


Paul Cook - Applications Engineer
pcook@proctorinc.com
425-881-7000, ext 566

Proctor & Associates
15305 NE 95 St
Redmond WA  98052-2517
www.proctorinc.com

------------------------------

From: James Gifford <jgifford@surewest.not>
Subject: Panasonic KX-TV200 Voicemail System Hard Disk
Date: Mon, 11 Feb 2002 12:18:03 -0800
Organization: Nitrosyncretic Press
Reply-To: jgifford@surewest.not


Hi -

I just acquired a TVS-200 and I'm a little dismayed to find that "the
proprietary operating system" resides in part on the hard disk. I
would have expected the OS to live in firmware.

Is the manual incorrect in saying that the OS lives on the hard drive?
What would a hard drive failure do to the system? Can the OS be
restored from the firmware? Is this an automatic process or what? Is
there any way to back up the contents of the drive?

Thanks for all replies.


|           James Gifford - Nitrosyncretic Press            |
| http://www.nitrosyncretic.com for the Heinlein FAQ & more |
|  Tired of auto-spam... change "not" to "net" for replies  |

------------------------------

From: jeff.smith2@caramail.com (Jeff Smith)
Subject: Iridium: What's its Story?
Date: 11 Feb 2002 12:27:29 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


I was looking at CNN's Web page and I see that Iridium has put 5 spare
satelites up in space this week.

Can anybody give me a short sysnopsis of where Iridium is, and has
been during these last few years ?

I remember about 4 years ago this was the big up and coming project.
And then it flopped big time, because it didn't have enough customers.
Now it seems somebody is spending money on it again.

------------------------------

From: James Gifford <jgifford@surewest.not>
Subject: Panasonic KX-T System Components and Phones FS/FT
Date: Mon, 11 Feb 2002 12:29:31 -0800
Organization: Nitrosyncretic Press
Reply-To: jgifford@surewest.net


I just acquired two large bundles of Panasonic stuff that greatly
exceeds my needs. I would be interested in selling or trading it
before I put it up to the whims of eBay.

I have the following equipment:

1) KX-TD1232, rev 1
1) KX-TVS200 with 2 KX-TVS102 2-port modules

These I want to keep, but as the system is for my home, they're much
larger than I really need. I would be interested in trading down to a
newer-rev KX-TD816 and a TVS 75-80-100.

Available for sale or trade are:

(2) KX-T170 8+8 expansion modules, KX-TD1232 or -TD816
(1) KX-TD192 system bridge (to bridge two TD1232's)
(1) KX-T30810 analog KSU
(1) KX-T96141 Attendant Console card for T336 system
(11) KX-T7220 non-display digital system phones
(10) KX-T7130 LCD analog system phones
(1) KX-T7240 digital DSS/BLS (new in box)
and a half-dozen 70x0 analog phones

All of the modules and most of the phones are in like-new condition; a
few of the phones show some wear and tear. Everything will be
described in detail on request and guaranteed against DOA.

I would like to end up with:

- An appropriate KSU (KX-TD816 rev 3 or newer, in at least 4x16 
configuration;

- An appropriate VPS (TVS100 with 4 ports ideal);
- 4 more 7200-series multiline-LCD phones;
- a KX-TD193 Caller ID module if the KSU does not support CID internally.

Open to any/all deals, but make it quick - I will be eBaying the stuff
I don't need and putting the KSU/VPS I have into service, after which
I'll be less inclined to trade down.

Thanks!



|           James Gifford - Nitrosyncretic Press            |
| http://www.nitrosyncretic.com for the Heinlein FAQ & more |

------------------------------

From: John Waters <zed@zedhead.dyndns.org>
Subject: Re: PRI
Date: Mon, 11 Feb 2002 15:55:10 -0500
Organization: Posted via Supernews, http://www.supernews.com


> I have been browsing the ISDN threads and I have an assumption
> regarding a PRI application and would like to know if it is correct:
> PRI can be a connection between CPE and nearest CO where BRI calls can
> come in from anywhere in the country and forwarded to a PBX or CSU/DSU
> over the PRI connection. Another assumption is that with MPPP I can
> have a PRI connection(all 23 B channels) from one end of the country
> to another.  I appreciate all feedback.
>

Hi Joe,

We do this all the time with our video conference units and both
Nortel and NEC PBX systems.

We have Polycom MP units that can run up to 512k with bonding, or up
to 4 128k connections. We run them through ISDN interface cards in the
PBX that provides either a U-Interface (the Nortel), or an
ST-Interface (NEC). These can go out on any one of the 90+ channels on
the 4 PRIs we have here, or any of the 66 channels in California.

Likewise, for an inbound video call, the remote sites are usually on
regular BRI, and they can call a lead DID into our video system, and
this sets up the chain of calls to the other DIDs for the additional
bandwidth.

It actually works quite well.


JOHN W. WATERS
Telecommunications Specialist
ATI Technologies

------------------------------

End of TELECOM Digest V20 #155
******************************
    
    
From editor@telecom-digest.org  Wed Feb 13 00:07:22 2002
Received: (from ptownson@localhost)
	by massis.lcs.mit.edu (8.9.1/8.9.1) id AAA27651;
	Wed, 13 Feb 2002 00:07:22 -0500 (EST)
Date: Wed, 13 Feb 2002 00:07:22 -0500 (EST)
From: editor@telecom-digest.org
Message-Id: <200202130507.AAA27651@massis.lcs.mit.edu>
To: ptownson
Approved: patsnewlist
Subject: TELECOM Digest V20 #156

TELECOM Digest     Wed, 13 Feb 2002 00:04:00 EST    Volume 20 : Issue 156

Inside This Issue:                             Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    Re: Fall of the Pre-Paid Revolution (Jay R. Ashworth)
    Re: Fall of the Pre-Paid Revolution (Julian Thomas)
    Re: Fall of the Pre-Paid Revolution (Gail M. Hall)
    Re: Fall of the Pre-Paid Revolution (Mark Crispin)
    Re: Repeated Characters on Cellphones (Gail M. Hall)
    Re: Verizon Payphones With BELL Logo? (Steven Lichter)
    Re: Maybe You Can Help With a Telecom Question (Jay R. Ashworth)
    Problems with FM Database (Robert  Rotella)
    A Likely Urban Legend (John Bartley)
    Netscape Poll on International Monitors in Israel (Judith Oppenheimer)
    Re: Last Laugh! Peoria AZ Jails People Who Don't Take (Jack Hamilton)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
exclusively to telecommunications topics. It is circulated anywhere
there is email, in addition to various telecom forums on a variety of
networks such as Compuserve and America On Line, and other forums.
It is also gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated 
newsgroup 'comp.dcom.telecom'.

TELECOM Digest is a not-for-profit, mostly non-commercial educational
service offered to the Internet by Patrick Townson. All the contents
of the Digest are compilation-copyrighted. You may reprint articles in
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and that of the original author.

Contact information:    Patrick Townson/TELECOM Digest
                        Post Office Box 50
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                        Phone: 630-841-7174
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Subscribe:  telecom-subscribe@telecom-digest.org
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published continuously since then.  Our archives are available for
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Copyright 2000 ICB, Inc. and TELECOM Digest. All rights reserved.
Our attorney is Bill Levant, of Blue Bell, PA.

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All opinions expressed herein are deemed to be those of the author. Any
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----------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Jay R. Ashworth <jra@dorothy.baylink.com>
Subject: Re: Fall of the Pre-Paid Revolution
Reply-To: jra@baylink.com
Date: Tue, 12 Feb 2002 06:29:25 GMT
Organization: RoadRunner - TampaBay


Stanley settled back into the couch, and Jeff Frontz
<jhf@shell.core.com> said to him:

>  A lot of prepaid cellular is sold to 1) folks who don't make that
>  many calls (they just want the phone in the glovebox in case they
>  need to call AAA); 2) folks who are "credit challenged" (e.g., not
>  credit worthy); or 3) folks who want to give a phone to someone but
>  not have the user rack up a huge bill (e.g., parents giving a phone
>  to children).  In each case, the alternatives (paying monthly fees
>  with a lengthy service contract, paying hefty security deposits, or
>  getting a huge bill after the fact) are much less attractive.

And then there's "people who don't feel like having the information
about whom they call traceable to them".

You know, terrorists, and normal American citizens.


Cheers,

Jay R. Ashworth                                      jra@baylink.com
Member of the Technical Staff     Baylink
The Suncoast Freenet         The Things I Think
Tampa Bay, Florida        http://baylink.pitas.com  +1 727 647 1274

        God, unlike Anya, is fond of bunnies.  -- Chelsea Christenson

[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Except, at least in theory, the agent
setting up the 'Smart Pay' account (as they are usually called) 
requires the petitioner or customer to present one good piece of 
identification as well as their social security number. I had a couple
of these accounts set up recently at Radio Shack here in Indendence.
One was for my elderly mother who does not know anything at all about
cellular but decided she wanted to experiment with one on the days
when her senior citizens group takes their bus rides to luncheon
gatherings, etc. The other was for a sixteen year old neighbor who
has designs on being a baby hacklet (?) if he could learn what to do.
In both cases, Kevin and Duane, (the Radio Shack guys here in town)
had to copy down my social and other details on my state-issued ID card. 
But when they called Kansas Cellular (aka Altell) to have my phones
turned on, I did not hear them read the information from the poorly-
filled out forms over the phone to the operator. But neither did I
see them later toss the forms in the trash can. I suspect *someone*
eventually gets the forms in the event someone from some government
agency has ugly thoughts.  PAT]

------------------------------

From: jata@jata-mj.net (Julian Thomas)
Subject: Re: Fall of the Pre-Paid Revolution
Date: Tue, 12 Feb 2002 13:02:29 -0500
Organization: Posted via Supernews, http://www.supernews.com


In <telecom20.154.7@telecom-digest.org>, on 02/10/02 at 12:55 PM,
jhf@shell.core.com (Jeff Frontz) said:

> A lot of prepaid cellular is sold to 1) folks who don't make that many
> calls (they just want the phone in the glovebox in case they need to call
> AAA); 2) folks who are "credit challenged" (e.g., not credit worthy); or
> 3) folks who want to give a phone to someone but not have the user rack
> up a huge bill

or 4) those (often involved in illegal activities) who want something
totally untraceable.


 Julian Thomas: jt . jt-mj @ net  http://jt-mj.net
 remove letter a for email (or switch . and @)
 In the beautiful Finger Lakes Wine Country of New York State!
 Boardmember of POSSI.org - Phoenix OS/2 Society, Inc 
 http://www.possi.org

 Ethernet (n): something used to catch the etherbunny.


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note:  But see my earlier note.  I am not
so sure its *that* anonymous. I'll grant you some agents may make
you fill out the form and not bother to validate anything, but
others, trying to be helpful will fill out the form for you trying
to be helpful, as the guys are in my case.  PAT]

------------------------------

From: Gail M. Hall <gmhall@apk.net>
Subject: Re: Fall of the Pre-Paid Revolution
Date: Mon, 11 Feb 2002 18:20:45 -0500
Reply-To: gmhall@apk.net


On 9 Feb 2002 09:23:46 -0500, in comp.dcom.telecom, you (johnl@iecc.com
(John R. Levine)) wrote:

[">>" is what moderator Pat wrote.]

>> [TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Did anyone ever notice how prepaid
>> service which *should* cost less because (a) there is no collection
>> effort involved and (b) the carrier gets to hold large amounts of your
>> money without paying interest in fact always costs more?

> Yeah, but if the cards are sold in stores that expect the same markup
> they get on Slurpees, what do you expect?  There's too many people in
> the food chain.

> The prepaid vendors that sell directly over the net have extremely
> attractive rates.  People have said good things about onesuite.com who
> charges 2.9 cpm with 800 access and no funny charges other than the
> inevitable payphone surcharge.

One big disadvantage of those prepaid calling cards and maybe even
other calling cards is that they don't work from everywhere.  We found
that out when my sister tried to use her prepaid calling card from a
motel room.

She still has the prepaid card for using at her relatives phones, but
she also now has a wireless phone, which is more likely to work from a
motel room if the motel is close enough to a wireless tower.  She has
to keep the calling card because she now lives out in the country
about two miles beyond where she can get a signal for her wireless
phone.


Gail from Ohio USA

------------------------------

From: Mark Crispin <mrc@CAC.Washington.EDU>
Subject: Re: Fall of the Pre-Paid Revolution
Date: Mon, 11 Feb 2002 19:04:23 -0800
Organization: Pandamonium Reigns


On 10 Feb 2002, Jeff Frontz wrote:

> A lot of prepaid cellular is sold to 1) folks who don't make that
> many calls (they just want the phone in the glovebox in case they
> need to call AAA); 2) folks who are "credit challenged" (e.g., not
> credit worthy); or 3) folks who want to give a phone to someone but
> not have the user rack up a huge bill (e.g., parents giving a phone
> to children).

4) People who own vacation property, and want a *local* phone number
there.  Compared to the cost of connecting and disconnecting a
landline phone each year (or paying for months that the phone goes
unused), prepaid cellular looks quite attractive indeed.

Another advantage of prepaid cellular is that if you keep the phone
active (by feeding it the minimum recharge amount at the maximum
interval), not only do you have *incoming* calls at your vacation home
number which you can get at home (which can be convenient at times),
but the prepaid minutes also "bank" (they accumulate instead of dying
unused each month).  This makes prepaid much more attractive than
monthly for vacation home users.

Vacation home prepaid customers also have the option of letting the
service die, then reactivating it each year without paying an
activation fee.

> In each case, the alternatives (paying monthly fees
> with a lengthy service contract, paying hefty security deposits, or
> getting a huge bill after the fact) are much less attractive.

Yup.  For the (4) customers, the alternative is "paying for services never
used."

The real pain is that the maximum prepaid intervals are so short in the
US, as short as 45 days for ATT Wireless.

Mark

http://staff.washington.edu/mrc
Science does not emerge from voting, party politics, or public debate.

------------------------------

From: Gail M. Hall <gmhall@apk.net>
Subject: Re: Repeated Characters on Cellphones
Date: Mon, 11 Feb 2002 18:20:47 -0500
Reply-To: gmhall@apk.net


On Sat, 09 Feb 2002 20:29:21 GMT, in comp.dcom.telecom, you (Joel B
Levin <levinjb@gte.net>) wrote:

> In <telecom20.152.6@telecom-digest.org>,
> Colin Sutton <colin@sutton.wow.aust.com> wrote:

>> Don't wait for the time-out to be able to repeat a letter.  It is
>> quicker to type any other letter on a different key and delete it,
>> then repeat the letter you really wanted.

>> On my Motorola phone, anyway.

> Good one!  I'll bet it will work on my aging Qualcomm SprintPCS
> phone!  (Rather than wait for the timeout, I can turn the thumbwheel
> to advance to the next letter, but (a) I never remember which way
> to turn it and (b) it's gotten so flaky that it direction the
> thumbwheel moves things is now independent of the way I've actually
> turned it. :-( )

I can live with the klunky process of entering letters on wireless
phones if all I want to do is add a name to my phone directory.  But
now they are trying to promote text messaging!  I see that as just
another way to get you to use more minutes and get you into the EXTRA
minutes charges.

Right now I use VerizonWireless and am getting adds to get me to
register to use their internet via the phone.  Aside from the klunky
text entry problem, there is that LITTLE display on the phone that is
hard to see in certain kinds of light.  I can't IMAGINE trying to use
that thing to do anything on the Internet.

There is an advertizing blitz now for a "mlife" on television.  In
today's local newspaper there is a HUGE ad for "mlife" from
AT&TWireless.

The ad is an entire page, but lots of that is white space.  There are
a few lines of large-size text.  Then there are small pictures with
descriptions in TINY print.

If you have *any* trouble reading that print, then you probably would
have trouble reading the text on a wireless phone.

For me the best use of the phone would be for VOICE input and output,
not displayed text or input text.

I do like having a phone that displays the number I am entering before
I hit the CALL (SEND) button.  Having such a feature on any phone can
save a lot of wrong-number calls.

But wireless phones for text entry?  FORGET IT!

A wireless phone peripheral with a letter/punctuation keypad and a
larger display that would hook up to a wireless phone?  That might
work and be attractive to people if it's not too high-priced.
Otherwise people who NEED to connect to the Internet while away from
home or office will use a palm-size computer or laptop computer hooked
to whatever type of phone that can give them the best service for
where they are.  Wireless connections would probably be their last
choice but might be worth it if they can't hook up to landline or
satellite, etc.


Gail from Ohio USA

------------------------------

From: stevenl11@aol.com (Steven Lichter)
Date: 12 Feb 2002 03:41:06 GMT
Organization: AOL http://www.aol.com
Subject: Re: Verizon Payphones With BELL Logo?


JBL said:

> Of course it's possible that a few out-of-the-way locations were
> forgotten or slipped through the cracks -- NYNEX / BA / GTE / Verizon
> were/are huge companies.

A few years ago I had to go down to Indio, Calif. to a project that I
was doing when I was surprised to find a payphone sign that said
Cochella Valley Home Telephone.  That company was bought by GTE about
1967.  This was in the 80's.  I was in a company truck, so I pulled up
to the site; it was a California Highway Patrol office, got a later
out and removed the sign.  A couple of hours later when I was done
with the job, I had stopped by the yard and picked up a GTE sign; I
replaced it and added the sign to my collection of others like CWT and
Associated Telephone Limited and others. This sign was hard metal, not
plastic like they are today.  I'm trying to add some of the GTE signs
to my collection to add to the General Telephone signs I got when we
switched to GTE.  I was in update New York years ago and found an old
Bell System sign that said Long Distance on it, got that was the owner
of the store for a couple of bucks.  Once in a while I find these
things and am always looking.  Also trying to get a canceled stock,
but have not found any yet.


Apple Elite II 909-359-5338. Home of GBBS/LLUCE, support for the 
Apple II 24 hours  2400/14.4.  An OggNet Server.

The only good spammer is a dead one!!!  Have you hunted one down today?  (c)

------------------------------

From: Jay R. Ashworth <jra@dorothy.baylink.com>
Subject: Re: Maybe You Can Help With a Telecom Question
Reply-To: jra@baylink.com
Date: Tue, 12 Feb 2002 06:30:44 GMT
Organization: RoadRunner - TampaBay


Stanley settled back into the couch, and Fred Goldstein
<fgoldstein@wn.net> said to him:

>  At Sun, 10 Feb 2002 04:25:10 GMT, Jay R. Ashworth
>  <jra@dorothy.baylink.com> wrote,

>> No, tariffing doesn't matter.  The fax provider gets the numbers
>> from the CLEC. ILEC tariffs for DID are a retail artifact that
>> only apply if the fax provider is getting its numbers from an
>> ILEC, which of course doesn't happen.  

> No, but I assumed that the CLEC's had to file tariffs, too; they
> don't?  CLECs are nondominant.  They may be required by states to
> file tariffs.  But states may not, in general, regulate their
> retail prices.  And CLECs are generally free to cut off-the-tariff
> deals, or use "individual case basis" (ICB) prices even within a
> tariff.  Some CLECs take tariffs more seriously than others.  In
> any case, a CLEC tariff, when filed, need not reflect the weird
> pricing notions of an ILEC tariff.  Competitive markets don't
> behave like monopolies.

Ah.  Ok.  Silly me.  Thanks, Fred.

>> You've reminded me of something *else* that I thought of the other day,
>> that I don't recall seeing *anyone's* renumbering plan take into
>> account:

>> If you add two zeros into the middle of everyone's number (or, for that
>> matter, anything else) ... everyone's spellings break.

>> That will be when we see whether courts will uphold the carriers'
>> assertions that they're not "officially" giving you any particular
>> number ... no matter *how* much you've spent on the advertising.

> Oh oh, Spaghetti-Os! :-)

Indeed.

I liked 9+3, myself; I still don't quite understand the
counter-arguments that caused him to rewrite it.


Cheers,

Jay R. Ashworth                                         jra@baylink.com
Member of the Technical Staff     Baylink
The Suncoast Freenet         The Things I Think
Tampa Bay, Florida        http://baylink.pitas.com      +1 727 647 1274

        God, unlike Anya, is fond of bunnies.  -- Chelsea Christenson

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 12 Feb 2002 08:36:06 -0500
From: Robert  Rotella <robert.rotella@finnegan.com>
Subject: Problems With FM Database


Can't open FM station database: No such file or directory

[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Yes, I know. The airwaves.com web site
is pretty much a shambles.  Its just one more thing for me to work on
as time permits.  I've also got some bum links here on the telecom
web site to try and track down and change.  :(     PAT]

------------------------------

From: John Bartley <johnbartley@mail.com>
Date: Tue, 12 Feb 2002 11:16:05 -0500
Subject: A Likely Urban Legend


Here is a likely addition to the 'Urban Legend' files at
http://www.snopes.com. Sounds like a variation on an earlier hack -
but without the SIM module itself, no one could place calls on a GSM
celfon!

Even if true, it could only affect the 5% of the US who carry a GSM
celfon, as only GSM celfons have SIM cards.

"A well known telephone scam is now being used on cellular
telephones. There is a fraudulent company that is using a device to
gain access to the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Card, which
contains all subscriber related data (this is the brains in the phone)
in your cellular telephone. A scam artist places a call to an
unsuspecting person and the caller says he or she is testing mobile
(cellular) telephone circuits or equipment. The called party is asked
to press #90 or #09. If this happens END THE CALL IMMEDIATELY with out
pressing the numbers. Once you press #90 or #09 the company can access
your SIM Card and makes calls at your expense." 


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: I think those are the same people
who were going around telling guys who work in offices behind centrex 
lines to take care not to give up their dial tone to any strangers
who came around asking for it. Very interesting, but not very
realistic IMO. Look guys, no /H/ in the middle of that abbreviation.
That's because I don't give humble opinions.  :)   PAT]

------------------------------

From: Judith Oppenheimer <joppenheimer@icbtollfree.com>
Subject: Netscape Poll on International Monitors in Israel
Date: Mon, 11 Feb 2002 23:05:14 -0500


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: This non-telecom-related thing came 
to us from Judith Oppenheimer's Aunt Katie. She seems to feel that
after a quiet vote got publicized and caused the Arabian people to
get stirred up, it is now important to get the Jews and Christians
back on track and turn the vote around more to their liking. It sort
of reminds me of the time back in '93 when a group of readers 
felt that I was unfair by not publicizing a vote going on to remove
me as moderator of c.d.t.  (but not from TELECOM Digest.)  Although
I 'won' the first vote taken, a decision was made by the Usenet
heirarchy to have a second vote as a result of my refusal to discuss
the matter in print. In the second vote I did not do as well. :(  But
then the heirarchy decided I should remain here anyway, so here I
am.  :) Maybe Judy feels that by my stirring up the Jews and
Christians here to assume the Israeli posture on this matter it will
make a difference. Somewhere I suspect there is an Arabian editor/
moderator urging *his* readers to support the Arab side on this.
Oh well, Judy, here is your thing.       PAT]


 From my Aunt Katie.

FYI, when I voted the vote was 79% yes, 21% no.

Judith Oppenheimer
http://JudithOppenheimer.com
http://ICBTollFreeNews.com
212 684-7210, 1 800 The Expert

  -----Original Message-----
  From: karl kaplan [mailto:bunnykarl@msn.com]
  Sent: Monday, February 11, 2002 5:51 PM
  Subject: Fw: Netscape Poll on International Monitors in Israel

  ----- Original Message -----
  From: ebjcmail
  Sent: Sunday, February 10, 2002 10:49 AM
  To: ebjcmail@home.com
  Subject: Netscape Poll on international monitors in Israel

  Subject: important

  PLEASE VOTE "NO" AND PASS ALONG!!

  Netscape is taking a poll regarding whether or not
  International monitors should be sent into Israel.

  Please respond and vote NO. Just click below then
  click on VOTE, it's a small item on the Right side.
  It is listed under POLL and not very big.

  As you probably know, international monitors will be in favor of the
Palestinians, and the Israeli Government doesn't believe there would be
impartiality in such a monitoring team.

  When this mail was sent to me the percentage was
  24% YES and 76% NO.
  Due to Pro Arab people asking everybody to vote,
  it has reached 47% YES and 53% NO.
  when I voted on 1/8/02 around 7:20 pm the vote had returned to 34% Yes
and 66% No with 327,000 votes.

  Help us change the poll in our favor!

  VERY IMPORTANT! Forward to everyone you know ASAP!
  Use this link and vote on the poll. the survey is in the lower right
corner.

  http://home.Netscape.com/ex/shak/international/packages/mideast/click on
this to see vote or if not, paste this URL into a browser to open it.

  THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT! PLEASE PASS THIS MESSAGE

  Thanks.

[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: And now, thanks to pro-Jewish and pro-
Christian people asking everyone to vote, the results will go the
other way, then it will be the Arab's turn once again to get out the
vote.   PAT]

------------------------------

From: Jack Hamilton <jfh@acm.org>
Subject: Re: Last Laugh! Peoria AZ Jails People Who Don't Take Down Lights
Date: Sun, 10 Feb 2002 21:20:40 -0800
Organization: Copyright (c) 2002 by Jack Hamilton.  Reproduction
without attribution and archiving without permission are not allowed.
Reply-To: jfh@acm.org


If I lived in Peoria, I'd celebrate the Feast of the Circumcision in
January, Saint Brigid of Ireland in February, Charles the Good in
March, Richard of Chichester in April, Saint Athanasius in May, Saint
Charles Lwanga in June, Junipero Serra in July, Saint Alphonsus in
August, Saint Fiacre in September, Saint Francis of Assisi in October,
Saint Martin de Porres in November, and Francis Xavier in December.  I
suppose I'd have to change something once a month to indicate which
saint was currently in rotation.

This is certainly a stupid law, and probably unconstitutional as well.
Why should there be a religious exemption in the law?  Christmas is,
as the the courts have declared, a secular holiday, so everyone can
put up lights then.

snail@aztec.asu.edu (Mike Ross) wrote:

> Get this; if you dont take your Christmas lights down in Peoria, Arizona
> you can get fined up to $2,500 and jailed for 6 months.

> Here is a copy of the law which is Section 14-34-8-18 (1977 Code)

> 14. Holiday Decorations; Items or objects used
>     to emblish and ornament physical features in
>     celebration of a particular holiday.
> 
>     a) Holiday decorations maybe displayed for
>        civic, patriotic or religious holidays;
> 
>     b) Such decorations shall not be displayed
>        in such a manner as to constitute a
>        traffic hazard;

>     c) Such decorations shall not be displayed
>        more than 28 days prior to the specified
>        holiday (and) must be removed 19 days 
>        after the specified holiday;

>     d) No sign permit required.

------------------------------

End of TELECOM Digest V20 #156
******************************
    
    
From editor@telecom-digest.org  Wed Feb 13 15:28:56 2002
Received: (from ptownson@localhost)
	by massis.lcs.mit.edu (8.9.1/8.9.1) id PAA14802;
	Wed, 13 Feb 2002 15:28:56 -0500 (EST)
Date: Wed, 13 Feb 2002 15:28:56 -0500 (EST)
From: editor@telecom-digest.org
Message-Id: <200202132028.PAA14802@massis.lcs.mit.edu>
To: ptownson
Approved: patsnewlist
Subject: TELECOM Digest V20 #157

TELECOM Digest     Wed, 13 Feb 2002 14:42:17 EST    Volume 20 : Issue 157

Inside This Issue:                           Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    Re: Iridium: What's its Story? (Eric Friedebach)
    Re: Iridium: What's its Story? (Fred Goldstein)
    Re: Iridium: What's its Story? (John Hines)
    Re: A Likely Urban Legend (Mike Hartley)
    Re: Seattle Local Phone Service Options (Al Gillis)
    Re: Worldcom -- Time to Panic? (Al Gillis)
    International ringtones in the USA (Paul N. Hrisko)
    Re: Fall of the Pre-Paid Revolution (Joseph Singer)
    Re: Fall of the Pre-Paid Revolution (Paul N. Hrisko)
    Re: Fall of the Pre-Paid Revolution (Liam Hatton)
    Re: Fall of the Pre-Paid Revolution (puntomaupunto_at_tin.it)
    Re: Panasonic KX-T System Components and Phones FS/FT (neil)
    Re: Panasonic KX-TV200 Voicemail System Hard Disk (Terry Kennedy)
    Re: Panasonic KX-T System Components and Phones FS/FT (Charles P)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
exclusively to telecommunications topics. It is circulated anywhere
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networks such as Compuserve and America On Line, and other forums.
It is also gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated 
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TELECOM Digest is a not-for-profit, mostly non-commercial educational
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Contact information:    Patrick Townson/TELECOM Digest
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Our attorney is Bill Levant, of Blue Bell, PA.

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----------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Eric Friedebach <friedebach@telecom-digest.zzn.com>
Date: Tue, 12 Feb 2002 20:07:54 -0500
Subject: Re: Iridium: What's its Story?


In TELECOM Digest V20 #155, jeff.smith2@caramail.com (Jeff
Smith) asked,

> Can anybody give me a short sysnopsis of where 
> Iridium is, and has been during these last few years ?
 
Check out this story from Aviation International News:

Iridium's back, but will bizav accept the risks?

by Stephen Pope, AIN, February 2002

Iridium is back, and business aircraft operators are questioning
whether they should take a chance and pony up for the satcom hardware
through one of Iridium's sales partners or play it safe and wait
for the next revolution in satellite communications.

Considering that new aviation versions of the Iridium phone systems
are selling for between $6,000 and $30,000, operators may want to roll
the dice and hope that Iridium stays on the air.  This decision should
be made slightly more palatable by the fact that Iridium Satellite
LLC, the private company that manages the satellite network, announced
in December that it now predicts the constellation's lifespan will
extend through 2010.

http://www.ainonline.com/issues/02_02/02_02_iridi umsriskpg64.html


Eric Friedebach

------------------------------

Subject: Re: Iridium: What's its Story?
From: fgoldstein@wn.DO-NOT-SPAM-ME.net (Fred Goldstein)
Date: Wed, 13 Feb 2002 03:00:17 GMT
Organization: ATT Broadband


jeff.smith2@caramail.com (Jeff Smith) wrote in <telecom20.155.11@telecom-
digest.org>:

> Can anybody give me a short sysnopsis of where Iridium is, and has
> been during these last few years ?

It's in orbit; specifically, a set of polar orbits that provide global
coverage.  The ground piece is still in Arizona.  But most of the
original ground stations have been decomissioned.  I think two are
left.

> I remember about 4 years ago this was the big up and coming project.
> And then it flopped big time, because it didn't have enough customers.
> Now it seems somebody is spending money on it again.

Big time flop!  Motorola took in investors who, as the publicly traded
Iridium LLC, blew around $5B on it.  Moto however got high fees for
building and operating a gold-plated system; I think there are still
some lawsuits pending. It had negligible market at its original
$7/minute or so rate.  So it went bankrupt.  Rather than de-orbit the
birds, it was auctioned off, and a new company "Iridium Satellite"
bought it for around $25M (less than a penny on the dollar).  They
dramatically reduced the cost of the ground network and cut the price.
So now it has some niche markets, perhaps enough to keep it going
nicely for the remaining life of the birds.  I've had some involvement
with it, including a recent project that takes advantage of their data
capability.  (For some applications, especially control and telemetry,
2400 bps once in a while is adequate.)

Originally they were quoted as good for five years, but current
estimates are that they'll last much longer.  The spares will keep the
constellation working for a while longer as birds start dying off.


Fred R. Goldstein   k1io   fgoldstein"at" wn.net 
These are my own opinions. You expect anyone else to agree?

------------------------------

From: John Hines <jbhines@newsguy.com>
Subject: Re: Iridium: What's its Story?
Date: Wed, 13 Feb 2002 08:23:24 -0600
Organization: http://extra.newsguy.com
Reply-To: john@jhines.org


jeff.smith2@caramail.com (Jeff Smith) wrote:

> I remember about 4 years ago this was the big up and coming project.
> And then it flopped big time, because it didn't have enough customers.
> Now it seems somebody is spending money on it again.

It has been given a new lease on life.  After it went through ch11 and
got bought cheap, it got a DoD contract.  Then came 9/11 and a lot
more people think it is a valuable service.

I imagine that the actual birds were already made, and sitting in a
warehouse, so that all that was needed was the launch.

------------------------------

From: Mike Hartley <mike.hartley@ntlworld.com>
Subject: Re: A Likely Urban Legend
Date: Wed, 13 Feb 2002 13:57:20 -0000


> Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Card, which
> contains all subscriber related data

*BBBBBZZZZZ!!! Wrong. Some fairly important info, but most of it is on the
HLR.

> (this is the brains in the phone)

*BBBBBZZZZZ!!! Wrong. Semantic definitions of brains vs
consciousness/thought aside, it's pretty dumb in comparison to the
chipset, which ISTR has the power of a mid range 486, or something
like. I could be wrong here ;+)

> in your cellular telephone. A scam artist places a call to an
> unsuspecting person <repeats the magic words>

<Magnus Magnusson>*

At the end of your 'specialised subject' round, Mr Scam Artiste, you
scored no points and no passes. Our next contestant please. 

</Magnus Magnusson>

> [TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: <is completely right> see
http://homepages.tesco.net/~J.deBoynePollard/FGA/please-do-not-perpetuate-th
e-9-0-hash-hoax.html for a good example, or http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=GSM+%2390+hoax&hl=en&btnG=Google+Search&met
a= for further reading.

> That's because I don't give humble opinions.  :)   PAT]

No need when you're right. Welcome back!

Regards,

Mike

*Unlikely to be understood outside the reaches of BBC TV.

------------------------------

From: Al Gillis <alg@aracnet.com>
Subject: Re: Seattle Local Phone Service Options
Date: Tue, 12 Feb 2002 19:31:28 -0800
Organization: http://extra.newsguy.com
Reply-To: Al Gillis <alg@aracnet.com>


Hi Richard,

I'm in Portland and use Electric Lightwave, Inc. for a number of
services.  They are one of the bigger players in Seattle as well.
I've got a whole lot of trunks running over PRIs, with primary and
backup D channels (our 81c is connected to ELIs Portland switch via a
moderate speed optical connection).  We also use ELI for local
transport (about a dozen DS-1s connecting Nortel Carrier Remote units
around town), an OC-3 and a couple of DS-3s connecting to our LD and
WAN carrier (I'd guess that's enough!).  The service has been pretty
bullet proof so far - no failures, no unexplained weirdness (I
probably shouldn't be talking about this!!).

ELI's price was good (not a low ball price but enough lower than Qwest
to make us look twice) but the thing that really got us interested was
that Qwest couldn't offer PRI service from our serving CO.  They
proposed backhauling PRIs (and DID trunks and numbers) from another CO
and (get this) charging us mileage for the honor of doing business
with them!  What nerve!

ELI's been great - big enough to do a professional job and small
enough to be able to react to our needs.  Check 'em out!

Now, truth be told, we haven't forsaken Qwest completely.  We actually
still do a lot of business with them, they treat me really well and
they do good work for us.  They just got out of line a little so we
improved our reliability and redundancy situation a little.  My view
is that two access providers, each with their own facilities in my
building is probably the best position I could put my company in.

(My connection with ELI?  None, except as a customer!)

Questions?  Please e-mail!


Al

Richard Silverstein <richards1052@attbi.com> wrote in message
news:telecom20.155.8@telecom-digest.org...

> I'm trying to identify any local phone companies which might be
> competing with Qwest (yuck!) here in Seattle.  Does anyone out there
> know if any of the major local phone service companies operate here?

------------------------------

From: Al Gillis <alg@aracnet.com>
Subject: Re: Worldcom -- Time to Panic?
Date: Tue, 12 Feb 2002 19:39:28 -0800
Organization: http://extra.newsguy.com
Reply-To: Al Gillis <alg@aracnet.com>


My, my.  What short memories we have!

Not long ago a large ISP called Excite@Home went TU.  Lots of
customers were left holding the bag.  It took several days for AT&T to
pick the pieces and put it together again!

Now, I agree with Pat that it's pretty unlikely that Bernie's pals and
his systems at WorldCom would "go poof", but it's not without
precedent, is it?

And Pat ...  It's great to have you back!  You're wonderful!

Thanks!


Al

Marcus Didius Falco <marcus_d_falco@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:telecom20.155.6@telecom-digest.org...

>> From: Paul Erickson <paule@mindspring.com>
>> Subject: Worldcom -- Time to Panic?
>> Date: Fri, 8 Feb 2002 16:50:06 -0500
>> Organization: Posted via Supernews, http://www.supernews.com

>> Our T1 line is provided via Worldcom.  I shudder to think they might
>> go the way of the DSL companies.  If you read this, the situation
>> sounds pretty dire: http://www.msnbc.com/news/697962.asp

>> Where do you go for T1 connectivity if Worldcom goes poof?  The local
>> telco will be the last one standing I suppose.  Ugh.


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note:  Thank you, Al Gillis!  You are wonder-
ful also!  I *think* I am glad to be back. I think, mind you.   PAT]

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 12 Feb 2002 20:41:48 -0500
From: Paul N. Hrisko <neural@prodigy.net>
Subject: International Ringtones in the USA


I've recently developed a strange problem with the ring callers to my
cell phone receive when dialing my number.

A little background: VoiceStream is my provider, so I'm on the US GSM
network. My phone is a dual band Nokia 8890. I have international
roaming enabled. The number is a NYC 917 area code number.

While in Europe, people calling my number would receive the proper
Euro.  ringtones for the country in which I was roaming (i.e. 
ring-ring or riiiiiiing, etc.) Now that I'm back in the US, they
sometimes receive these tones or the Mexican tone when calling. Most
of the time they get the usual US ring. There's no pattern on time or
day, or cell I'm in (I'm assuming this since I'm in certain parts of
New York City most of the time).  Some hang up because they think it's
a busy signal. Call waiting is on and the phone can handle four way
conference calls.

Does anyone have any idea as to why this might happen? I'm at a loss
and VoiceStream seems to have no clue either.


TIA

Paul

------------------------------

From: Joseph Singer <joeofseattle@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: Fall of the Pre-Paid Revolution
Date: Wed, 13 Feb 2002 07:36:09 -0800
Organization: Drizzle
Reply-To: joeofseattle@yahoo.com


On Mon, 11 Feb 2002 19:04:23 -0800, Mark Crispin
<mrc@CAC.Washington.EDU> wrote:

> The real pain is that the maximum prepaid intervals are so short in the
> US, as short as 45 days for ATT Wireless.

If you use ecallplus http://www.ecallplus.com/ they have 90 day
expiration on all their card refills and you can use your AT&T phone.

Personal replies are likely not read.  Please reply in the newsgroup

------------------------------

Date: Wed, 13 Feb 2002 00:23:34 -0500
From: Paul N. Hrisko <neural@prodigy.net>
Subject: Re: Fall of the Pre-Paid Revolution


Here in NYC, things seem to be a little different.

Mom & Dad are in their 70's and like to drive out to PA, where my
mother's from. After verifying decent cell service along the route
they take with my own phone, I got them a prepaid phone from a local
reseller who carries all carriers (VoiceStream, AT&T, Verizon, etc.) I
dropped cash on the counter for a prepaid and walked out with no
paperwork or questions asked. Gotta love the big city.

------------------------------

From: Liam Hatton <me@liamhatton.com>
Subject: Re: Fall of the Pre-Paid Revolution
Date: Wed, 13 Feb 2002 20:43:48 +0800
Organization: Customer of Connect.com.au Pty. Ltd.


On 12/2/02 2:29 PM, in article telecom20.156.1@telecom-digest.org, TELECOM
Digest Editor responded to Jay Ashworth <jra@dorothy.baylink.com>:

> [TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Except, at least in theory, the agent
> setting up the 'Smart Pay' account (as they are usually called)
> requires the petitioner or customer to present one good piece of
> identification as well as their social security number. I had a couple
> of these accounts set up recently at Radio Shack here in Indendence.
> One was for my elderly mother who does not know anything at all about
> cellular but decided she wanted to experiment with one on the days
> when her senior citizens group takes their bus rides to luncheon
> gatherings, etc. The other was for a sixteen year old neighbor who
> has designs on being a baby hacklet (?) if he could learn what to do.
> In both cases, Kevin and Duane, (the Radio Shack guys here in town)
> had to copy down my social and other details on my state-issued ID card.
> But when they called Kansas Cellular (aka Altell) to have my phones
> turned on, I did not hear them read the information from the poorly-
> filled out forms over the phone to the operator. But neither did I
> see them later toss the forms in the trash can. I suspect *someone*
> eventually gets the forms in the event someone from some government
> agency has ugly thoughts.  PAT]
> 

Here in Australia, the government requires that people present a
recognised form of ID (Medicare Card, Drivers Licence, Passport, ATM
or credit card) when purchasing prepaid phones. The ID numbers from
the ID which you present are written onto a special form. When you
connect the prepaid service (the customer rings a special number from
the new phone or sim card) they also ask for the details from your
form of ID.

The ACA (Australian Communications Authority) maintains a database
with this information, according to the information on the form (when
I buying a prepaid phone for a friend) explaining how my personal
information would be used.


Liam Hatton

------------------------------

From: puntomaupunto_at_tin.it@example.invalid
Subject: Re: Fall of the Pre-Paid Revolution
Organization: you are kidding, right?
Date: Wed, 13 Feb 2002 11:28:36 GMT


Julian Thomas scripsit:

> or 4) those (often involved in illegal activities) who want something
> totally untraceable.

In Italy, where prepaid cellphones far outnumber contracts, you have
to give your data when activating a prepaid. So this is not an issue.


Ciao, .mau.

Per soli italiani: http://xmau.com/

------------------------------

From: nclemmons@yahoo.com (neil)
Subject: Re: Panasonic KX-T System Components and Phones FS/FT
Date: 13 Feb 2002 06:31:53 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


I have an analog KXT-1232-11 (currently in use) that I'd be willing to
trade for the KX-TD1232 and pay you the difference.  But it looks like
you might be interested in the digital KSU's.


neil

James Gifford <jgifford@surewest.not> wrote in message
news:<telecom20.155.12@telecom-digest.org>...

> I just acquired two large bundles of Panasonic stuff that greatly
> exceeds my needs. I would be interested in selling or trading it
> before I put it up to the whims of eBay.

> I have the following equipment:

> 1) KX-TD1232, rev 1
> 1) KX-TVS200 with 2 KX-TVS102 2-port modules

> These I want to keep, but as the system is for my home, they're much
> larger than I really need. I would be interested in trading down to a
> newer-rev KX-TD816 and a TVS 75-80-100.

> Available for sale or trade are:

> (2) KX-T170 8+8 expansion modules, KX-TD1232 or -TD816
> (1) KX-TD192 system bridge (to bridge two TD1232's)
> (1) KX-T30810 analog KSU
> (1) KX-T96141 Attendant Console card for T336 system
> (11) KX-T7220 non-display digital system phones
> (10) KX-T7130 LCD analog system phones
> (1) KX-T7240 digital DSS/BLS (new in box)
> and a half-dozen 70x0 analog phones

> All of the modules and most of the phones are in like-new condition; a
> few of the phones show some wear and tear. Everything will be
> described in detail on request and guaranteed against DOA.

> I would like to end up with:

> - An appropriate KSU (KX-TD816 rev 3 or newer, in at least 4x16 
> configuration;

> - An appropriate VPS (TVS100 with 4 ports ideal);
> - 4 more 7200-series multiline-LCD phones;
> - a KX-TD193 Caller ID module if the KSU does not support CID internally.

> Open to any/all deals, but make it quick - I will be eBaying the stuff
> I don't need and putting the KSU/VPS I have into service, after which
> I'll be less inclined to trade down.

> Thanks!

> 
> |           James Gifford - Nitrosyncretic Press            |
> | http://www.nitrosyncretic.com for the Heinlein FAQ & more |

------------------------------

From: Terry Kennedy <terry@gate.tmk.com>
Subject: Re: Panasonic KX-TV200 Voicemail System Hard Disk
Organization: Giganews.Com - Premium News Outsourcing
Date: Wed, 13 Feb 2002 07:55:18 GMT


James Gifford <jgifford@surewest.not> wrote in message
news:telecom20.155.10@telecom-digest.org...

> Is the manual incorrect in saying that the OS lives on the hard drive?

  No. There's a boot ROM in the box, but it boots from the drive.
This alows the software to be updated easily. Also, the system
default prompts are on the drive.

> What would a hard drive failure do to the system? Can the OS be
> restored from the firmware? Is this an automatic process or what? Is
> there any way to back up the contents of the drive?

  If the drive breaks, your TVS is down. You can copy the drive
in a number of ways. I used "dd" on Unix to make an image copy
and put the copy in the TVS before I placed the unit into service.
The copy was not an identical disk (the original was, I believe,
a Quantum 4GB and my copy was on a Seagate 6GB). I don't
think you get any more recording time doing that, though.

  The manual says you can use XMODEM to back up and restore
the drive, but I've never tried it.

  The "baby" TVS50 uses a flash card instead of an IDE drive.  I don't
know if it also stores code on the flash or if it uses ROM instead.


        Terry Kennedy             http://www.tmk.com
        terry@tmk.com            New York, NY USA

------------------------------

Reply-To: Charles P <charlesnospam@telephonesecurity.com>
From: Charles P <cp.cp@verizon.net>
Subject: Re: Panasonic KX-T System Components and Phones FS/FT
Date: Wed, 13 Feb 2002 04:25:01 GMT


Hi Jim,

If it's for your home, would you really need 4 ports on voicemail? The
newer TVS50 ought to do ok.  If you have a home office and need the
extra ports for a second menu, then the new -5 ksu with the newest
TVS50 or higher (such as TVS110) will give you the ability to set menu
per trunk, rather than per port.  The TVS50 is going for well under
$1000 new.

Also, you mentioned wanting to get an 816 up to 16 extension ... then
just keep one of your KXT170 modules!

I'm doing the same thing, selling a d1232 and tvs100 on ebay to
upgrade to an 816-5 and a new tvs50.


Charles

"James Gifford" <jgifford@surewest.not> wrote in message
news:telecom20.155.12@telecom-digest.org ...

> I just acquired two large bundles of Panasonic stuff that greatly
> exceeds my needs. I would be interested in selling or trading it
> before I put it up to the whims of eBay.

> I have the following equipment:
>
> 1) KX-TD1232, rev 1
> 1) KX-TVS200 with 2 KX-TVS102 2-port modules

> These I want to keep, but as the system is for my home, they're much
> larger than I really need. I would be interested in trading down to a
> newer-rev KX-TD816 and a TVS 75-80-100.

> Available for sale or trade are:

> (2) KX-T170 8+8 expansion modules, KX-TD1232 or -TD816
> (1) KX-TD192 system bridge (to bridge two TD1232's)
> (1) KX-T30810 analog KSU
> (1) KX-T96141 Attendant Console card for T336 system
> (11) KX-T7220 non-display digital system phones
> (10) KX-T7130 LCD analog system phones
> (1) KX-T7240 digital DSS/BLS (new in box)
> and a half-dozen 70x0 analog phones

> All of the modules and most of the phones are in like-new condition; a
> few of the phones show some wear and tear. Everything will be
> described in detail on request and guaranteed against DOA.

> I would like to end up with:

> - An appropriate KSU (KX-TD816 rev 3 or newer, in at least 4x16
> configuration;

> - An appropriate VPS (TVS100 with 4 ports ideal);
> - 4 more 7200-series multiline-LCD phones;
> - a KX-TD193 Caller ID module if the KSU does not support CID internally.

> Open to any/all deals, but make it quick - I will be eBaying the stuff
> I don't need and putting the KSU/VPS I have into service, after which
> I'll be less inclined to trade down.

> |           James Gifford - Nitrosyncretic Press            |
> | http://www.nitrosyncretic.com for the Heinlein FAQ & more |
>
------------------------------

End of TELECOM Digest V20 #157
******************************
    
    
From editor@telecom-digest.org  Wed Feb 13 23:34:10 2002
Received: (from ptownson@localhost)
	by massis.lcs.mit.edu (8.9.1/8.9.1) id XAA24888;
	Wed, 13 Feb 2002 23:34:10 -0500 (EST)
Date: Wed, 13 Feb 2002 23:34:10 -0500 (EST)
From: editor@telecom-digest.org
Message-Id: <200202140434.XAA24888@massis.lcs.mit.edu>
To: ptownson
Approved: patsnewlist
Subject: TELECOM Digest V20 #157

TELECOM Digest     Wed, 13 Feb 2002 22:53:58 EST    Volume 20 : Issue 158

Inside This Issue:                             Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    Re: Fall of the Pre-Paid Revolution (David Clayton)
    Re: Fall of the Pre-Paid Revolution (Clarence Dold)
    Re: Fall of the Pre-Paid Revolution (Al Gillis)
    Re: Last Laugh! Peoria AZ Jails People (Gordon S. Hlavenka)
    SilkRoad,Inc. (David Wilson)
    Re: AOL Customers Livid Over Bills After Areacode Switch (Bill Levant)
    Re: Worldcom -- Time to Panic? (LARB0)
    Re: Repeated Characters on Cellphones (Joseph Singer)
    Re: Repeated Characters on Cellphones (Jay R. Ashworth)
    Re: Technical Question (Phil McKerracher)
    Re: Seattle Local Phone Service Options (Joseph Singer)
    Cordless Phones in Israel (Joseph Singer)
    Comcast Tracks Users' Web Browsing (Joe Wineburgh)
    Re: Netscape Poll on International Monitors in Israel (Joe Wineburgh)
    Last Laugh! Phone Bill Delivers a Rude Surprise (Patrick Townson)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
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----------------------------------------------------------------------

From: David Clayton <dcstar@acslink.net.au>
Subject: Re: Fall of the Pre-Paid Revolution
Date: Thu, 14 Feb 2002 09:32:02 +1100
Organization: Customer of Connect.com.au Pty. Ltd.
Reply-To: dcstar@acslink.net.au


Liam Hatton <me@liamhatton.com> contributed the following:

> Here in Australia, the government requires that people present a
> recognised form of ID (Medicare Card, Drivers Licence, Passport, ATM
> or credit card) when purchasing prepaid phones. The ID numbers from
> the ID which you present are written onto a special form. When you
> connect the prepaid service (the customer rings a special number from
> the new phone or sim card) they also ask for the details from your
> form of ID.

> The ACA (Australian Communications Authority) maintains a database
> with this information, according to the information on the form (when
> I was buying a prepaid phone for a friend) explaining how my personal
> information would be used.

When I signed up for a pre-paid mobile SIM last year, (Virgin Mobile)
all I did was fill out a web form.

The only thing I had to do was provide a "real" address for delivery and
a credit card number.


Regards,

David Clayton, e-mail: dcstar@acslink.net.au
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

Dilbert's words of wisdom #18: Never argue with an idiot. They drag
you down to their level then beat you with experience.

------------------------------

From: dold@72.usenet.us.com
Subject: Re: Fall of the Pre-Paid Revolution
Date: 13 Feb 2002 23:13:23 GMT
Organization: Wintercreek Data


> [TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Did anyone ever notice how prepaid
> service which *should* cost less because (a) there is no collection

This conversation veered off from your pre-paid cellular to a rant about
pre-paid cards.

My pre-paid card is cheaper than what AT&T wants to charge me for LD,
and I'm PIC to them.  They either want a monthly fee, or $0.35 per
minute.  My prepaid card was $4.97 for 60 minutes at Staples.  It's a
Sprint card, and hasn't failed to work anywhere, which is more than I
can say for my AT&T Cell Phone in rural areas.


Clarence A Dold - dold@email.rahul.net
	        - Pope Valley (Napa County) CA.


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note:  I was talking in my original post
about pre-paid cellular service, although prepaid long distance is
almost as bad, price-wise.   PAT]

------------------------------

From: Al Gillis <alg@aracnet.com>
Subject: Re: Fall of the Pre-Paid Revolution
Date: Wed, 13 Feb 2002 17:04:26 -0800
Organization: http://extra.newsguy.com
Reply-To: Al Gillis <alg@aracnet.com>


Requiring "proper" identification is certainly a good technique to
scare off the meek.  Unfortunately, in the United States at least,
false ID is almost as easy to get as a cold!  Ask a junior high school
student -- I'll bet they know a source or two.  So arranging for one of
these pre-paid accounts shouldn't be to hard to do for one who's bent
on some sort of underhanded shenanigans.

I don't know the solution to the fake ID problem of course.  But it's
a factor to consider when identifying people.  Also, the chances are
good that if you couldn't find a fake ID purveyor a crisp new $20
slipped to the clerk might help "grease the skids" to a successful
unidentified purchase.

Happy Valentine's Day to All!


Al

Liam Hatton <me@liamhatton.com> wrote in message
news:telecom20.157.10@telecom-digest.org...

> On 12/2/02 2:29 PM, in article telecom20.156.1@telecom-digest.org, TELECOM
> Digest Editor responded to Jay Ashworth <jra@dorothy.baylink.com>:

>> [TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Except, at least in theory, the agent
>> setting up the 'Smart Pay' account (as they are usually called)
>> requires the petitioner or customer to present one good piece of
>> identification as well as their social security number. I had a couple
>> of these accounts set up recently at Radio Shack here in Indendence.
>> One was for my elderly mother who does not know anything at all about
>> cellular but decided she wanted to experiment with one on the days
>> when her senior citizens group takes their bus rides to luncheon
>> gatherings, etc. The other was for a sixteen year old neighbor who
>> has designs on being a baby hacklet (?) if he could learn what to do.
>> In both cases, Kevin and Duane, (the Radio Shack guys here in town)
>> had to copy down my social and other details on my state-issued ID card.
>> But when they called Kansas Cellular (aka Altell) to have my phones
>> turned on, I did not hear them read the information from the poorly-
>> filled out forms over the phone to the operator. But neither did I
>> see them later toss the forms in the trash can. I suspect *someone*
>> eventually gets the forms in the event someone from some government
>> agency has ugly thoughts.  PAT]

> Here in Australia, the government requires that people present a
> recognised form of ID (Medicare Card, Drivers Licence, Passport, ATM
> or credit card) when purchasing prepaid phones. The ID numbers from
> the ID which you present are written onto a special form. When you
> connect the prepaid service (the customer rings a special number from
> the new phone or sim card) they also ask for the details from your
> form of ID.

> The ACA (Australian Communications Authority) maintains a database
> with this information, according to the information on the form (when
> I buying a prepaid phone for a friend) explaining how my personal
> information would be used.

------------------------------

From: Gordon S. Hlavenka <nospam@crashelex.com>
Organization: Crash Electronics, Inc.
Subject: Re: Last Laugh! Peoria AZ Jails People Who Don't Take Down Lights
Date: Wed, 13 Feb 2002 19:55:36 -0600


Jack Hamilton wrote:

> If I lived in Peoria, I'd celebrate the Feast of the Circumcision in
> January, Saint Brigid of Ireland in February, Charles the Good in
> March... (etc.)

But I, on the other hand, just like little multicolored lights, jolly
animated figures, and swaths of hanging greenery.  So I put them up
all year -- as part of my normal landscaping, not in celebration of
any particular holiday at all.

(Well, no I don't really.  But in Peoria I might develop new habits :-)


Gordon S. Hlavenka               O-             nospam@crashelex.com
		I have no use for any dog I can punt.

------------------------------

From: David Wilson <derbywilson@earthlink.net>
Subject: SilkRoad,Inc.
Organization: The Dragon Guild
Date: Thu, 14 Feb 2002 00:16:05 GMT


Does anyone know what happened to the technology SilkRoad, Inc. was
developing?  Understand the company went bus two years ago due to lack
of financing, but the founders started a new company in San Diego?


Thanks.

------------------------------

From: Wlevant@aol.com
Date: Wed, 13 Feb 2002 20:02:01 EST
Subject: Re: AOL Customers Livid Over Huge Bills After Areacode Switch 


> Sounds like the customer's LD carriers failed to make the appropriate
> change in NPAs.  This information is in the LERG so it looks like
> someone dropped the ball.

    Nope.  More likely, the customers' LEC didn't update the
translations in the CO switch, and by default, untranslated NPA-NXX
combinations are handed off to the selected IXC, who -- upon receiving
a setup packet for what appears to be an in-state toll call -- happily
routes the call back to the LEC, and charges LD rates.

   Makes sense, if you think about it.  For new codes added outside
the "home" LATA (or the current equivalent nomenclature), the LEC
wouldn't have to change anything.  Only new "short distance" or local
NPA-NXX combinations would have to be programmed into the switch.

   This happened to me a while back ... it took a couple of calls, but
I finally got to the right person at Verizon, who made the changes
pretty much while I waited *and* credited me back for about $120.00 in
toll-charged local calls with absolutely zero fuss.


Bill

------------------------------

From: larb0@aol.com (LARB0)
Date: 13 Feb 2002 15:22:55 GMT
Organization: AOL http://www.aol.com
Subject: Re: Worldcom -- Time to Panic?


There is a huge difference between a CLEC or DLEC (Northpoint, eg) and
an ILEC or Tier 1 Carrier. Pat is on the money with his analysis.

------------------------------

From: Joseph Singer <joeofseattle@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: Repeated Characters on Cellphones
Date: Wed, 13 Feb 2002 07:30:02 -0800
Organization: Drizzle
Reply-To: joeofseattle@yahoo.com


On Mon, 11 Feb 2002 18:20:47 -0500, Gail M. Hall <gmhall@apk.net>
wrote:

> I can live with the klunky process of entering letters on wireless
> phones if all I want to do is add a name to my phone directory.  But
> now they are trying to promote text messaging!  I see that as just
> another way to get you to use more minutes and get you into the EXTRA
> minutes charges.

Text messages don't have anything to do with air time minutes and are
billed separately.

> For me the best use of the phone would be for VOICE input and output,
> not displayed text or input text.

That's fine for *you*, but some people like to be able to send text
messages.  It's either cheaper or easier than making a voice call.

Modern mobile phones have text input help.  Some phones use "T9" text
input so that you don't have to do "multi-tap" to get the letters and
in fact let you just hit one corresponding key after the next and the
word is automatically displayed e.g. on the multi-tap for the word
hello you'd have to type 44, 33, 55, 55, 666 but on a predictive text
input you'd only have to key 43556.  That's one key press for each
letter of the word rather than 11 keypresses.

> A wireless phone peripheral with a letter/punctuation keypad and a
> larger display that would hook up to a wireless phone?  That might
> work and be attractive to people if it's not too high-priced.

Ericsson has just such a keyboard for several of their phones.


Personal replies are likely not read.  Please reply in the newsgroup

------------------------------

From: Jay R. Ashworth <jra@dorothy.baylink.com>
Subject: Re: Repeated Characters on Cellphones
Reply-To: jra@baylink.com
Date: Wed, 13 Feb 2002 17:03:42 GMT
Organization: RoadRunner - TampaBay


Stanley settled back into the couch, and Gail M Hall <gmhall@apk.net>
said to him:

>  I can live with the klunky process of entering letters on wireless
>  phones if all I want to do is add a name to my phone directory.  But
>  now they are trying to promote text messaging!  I see that as just
>  another way to get you to use more minutes and get you into the EXTRA
>  minutes charges.

Right in one.

>  Right now I use VerizonWireless and am getting adds to get me to
>  register to use their internet via the phone.  Aside from the klunky
>  text entry problem, there is that LITTLE display on the phone that is
>  hard to see in certain kinds of light.  I can't IMAGINE trying to use
>  that thing to do anything on the Internet.

It was free for the holidays.

Now it's $.10 a message to send, and $.02 a message to receive.  

Anyone want into the pool on how much they're gonna write off?

>  If you have *any* trouble reading that print, then you probably would
>  have trouble reading the text on a wireless phone.

Nice one.  ;-)

>  But wireless phones for text entry?  FORGET IT!

Unless you have no other choice.  Being able to ping-test a machine
from Nextel Online is occasionally handy.

>  Otherwise people who NEED to connect to the Internet while away from
>  home or office will use a palm-size computer or laptop computer hooked
>  to whatever type of phone that can give them the best service for
>  where they are.  Wireless connections would probably be their last
>  choice but might be worth it if they can't hook up to landline or
>  satellite, etc.

It's not always possible to carry something like that with you.

No, you won't be writing Moby Dick on a cell phone, but "your plane was
moved to gate 26" is reasonable.


Cheers,

Jay R. Ashworth                                         jra@baylink.com
Member of the Technical Staff     Baylink
The Suncoast Freenet         The Things I Think
Tampa Bay, Florida        http://baylink.pitas.com      +1 727 647 1274

        God, unlike Anya, is fond of bunnies.  -- Chelsea Christenson

------------------------------

From: Phil McKerracher <phil.mckerracher@dataflex.com>
Subject: Re: Technical Question
Date: Wed, 13 Feb 2002 12:37:29 -0000


"nsachs" <nsachs@usc.edu> wrote in message
news:telecom20.150.2@telecom-digest.org ...

> I have a bit of a technical question I was hoping you might be able to
> help with.  I'm working on a project at the University of Southern
> California that involoves making a connection over a standard phone line.
> However, we have to give a demonstration of the project and won't have
> access to a phone jack.  Is there any way to simulate a connection between
> two phones by connecting them directly using an RJ-11 cord and external
> power source, or possibly some other similar configuration?  Any help you
> could provide would be much appreciated.

If you don't need to dial or ring the phones, a simple 12V battery in
series with the two phones will usually give you a speech path. A 50V
battery in series with a 600 ohm resistor would be even better, giving
you proper sidetone levels etc. A simple transformer with a 30V AC
output at mains frequency will usually get a phone to ring. 70V at 25
Hz would be even more likely to work, and so on. There are many small
cheap PBXs with half a dozen extensions around that can recognise
dialling as well. They often have ISDN network interfaces, but you can
ignore that and just use the analogue extension ports.


Phil McKerracher
www.mckerracher.org

------------------------------

From: Joseph Singer <joeofseattle@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: Seattle Local Phone Service Options
Date: Wed, 13 Feb 2002 07:32:58 -0800
Organization: Drizzle
Reply-To: joeofseattle@yahoo.com


On 11 Feb 2002 11:14:52 -0800, richards1052@attbi.com (Richard
Silverstein) wrote:

> I'm trying to identify any local phone companies which might be
> competing with Qwest (yuck!) here in Seattle.  Does anyone out there
> know if any of the major local phone service companies operate here?

Try:  http://www.featurefon.com/ they offer service with many extra
added services as part of the base charge for $19.95 per month.  If
you need to have ADSL though it's not an option.


Personal replies are likely not read.  Please reply in the newsgroup.

------------------------------

From: Joseph Singer <joeofseattle@yahoo.com>
Subject: Cordless Phones in Israel
Date: Wed, 13 Feb 2002 07:49:10 -0800
Organization: Drizzle
Reply-To: joeofseattle@yahoo.com


I have been asked to bring a cordless phone to Israel, but from my
understanding cordless phones in use in the USA i.e. 900 Mhz and 2.6
Ghz are illegal.  Does anyone know what frequency cordless phones
would work in Israel?

Personal replies are likely not read.  Please reply in the newsgroup.

------------------------------

From: Joe Wineburgh <jwineburgh@yahoo.com>
Subject: Comcast Tracks Users' Web Browsing
Date: Wed, 13 Feb 2002 11:29:59 -0500


By Ted Bridis
Associated Press 
Published February 13, 2002, 8:23 AM CST

WASHINGTON -- Comcast Corp., the nation's third-largest cable company,
has begun recording the Web browsing activities of its 1 million
high-speed Internet subscribers without notifying them of the change.

Comcast said Tuesday the recording of each Web page a subscriber
visits was part of a technology overhaul designed to save money and
improve the speed of cable Internet service to its customers and was
not intended to infringe on privacy. The company said it believes the
recording was permitted by language in their service agreement with
subscribers.

Technology experts cautioned that the data could be subpoenaed by law
enforcement agencies or lawyers in civil cases, and they questioned
whether Comcast's move reflects a more cavalier attitude toward online
privacy in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

More at:
http://chicagotribune.com/technology/chi-020213comcast.story

------------------------------

From: Joe Wineburgh <jwineburgh@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: Netscape Poll on International Monitors in Israel
Date: Wed, 13 Feb 2002 11:49:18 -0500


Doesn't work unless you drop the '/click' at the end...

http://home.Netscape.com/ex/shak/international/packages/mideast

BTW the vote is now:

  Poll: Should international monitors be sent to Israel and the
Palestinian territories? 

 
Yes:   79%   8494293 votes
 
No:   21%   2261558 votes
 
	   10755856  votes total.
 
I'm guessing we're not talking about 'internet' or 'IP' monitoring, but
rather some type of UN group overseeing the military?


JOE

------------------------------

From: ptownson@sbcglobal.net (Patrick Townson)
Date: Wed, 13 Feb 2002 08:55:20 PST
Subject: Last Laugh!  Phone Bill Delivers a Rude Surprise 


You really need to read this item on CNN news Tuesday. It seems a 
man was a fairly regular complainer to his phone company. There 
was always something or another wrong in his opinion.  When his
phone bill came last month, he was accessed a penalty for 'being
an arrogant bastard'. It was printed by computer on his phone bill.
Seriously. Phone company says they don't know how it happened. I've
left the links intact below so you can put it up in your browser
and read the story for yourself from CNN  yesterday. I used that
'email this story to someone' link to send it here to myself.  

Patrick

Title: CNN.com - Phone bill delivers a rude surprise - February 12, 2002
  
Copy and paste the following into your Web browser to access the sent
link:
http://www.emailthis.clickability.com/et/emailThis?clickMap=viewThis&etMailToID=285300497&pt=Y

Copy and paste the following into your Web browser to SAVE THIS link:
http://www.savethis.clickability.com/st/saveThisPopupApp?clickMap=saveFromET&partnerID=2006&etMailToID=285300497&pt=Y
 
Copy and paste the following into your Web browser to forward this link:
http://www.emailthis.clickability.com/et/emailThis?clickMap=forward&etMailToID=285300497&partnerID=2006&pt=Y
  
Email pages from any Web site you visit - add the EMAIL THIS button to
your browser, copy and paste the following into your Web browser:

http://www.emailthis.clickability.com/et/emailThis?clickMap=browserButtons&pt=Y"

Instructions:

If your e-mail program doesn't recognize Web addresses:
1. With your mouse, highlight the Web Address above. Be sure to highlight the entire Web address, even if it spans more than one line in your email. 
2. Select Copy from the Edit menu at the top of your screen. 
3. Launch your Web browser.
4. Paste the address into your Web browser by selecting Paste from the Edit menu.
5. Click Go or press Enter or Return on your keyboard. 

<!--file:/etHTMLEmail.html template:HTMLEmail1-->

------------------------------

End of TELECOM Digest V20 #158
******************************
    
    
From editor@telecom-digest.org  Wed Feb 13 23:35:10 2002
Received: (from ptownson@localhost)
	by massis.lcs.mit.edu (8.9.1/8.9.1) id XAA25168;
	Wed, 13 Feb 2002 23:35:10 -0500 (EST)
Date: Wed, 13 Feb 2002 23:35:10 -0500 (EST)
From: editor@telecom-digest.org
Message-Id: <200202140435.XAA25168@massis.lcs.mit.edu>
To: ptownson
Approved: patsnewlist
Subject: TELECOM Digest V20 #158

TELECOM Digest     Wed, 13 Feb 2002 22:53:58 EST    Volume 20 : Issue 158

Inside This Issue:                             Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    Re: Fall of the Pre-Paid Revolution (David Clayton)
    Re: Fall of the Pre-Paid Revolution (Clarence Dold)
    Re: Fall of the Pre-Paid Revolution (Al Gillis)
    Re: Last Laugh! Peoria AZ Jails People (Gordon S. Hlavenka)
    SilkRoad,Inc. (David Wilson)
    Re: AOL Customers Livid Over Bills After Areacode Switch (Bill Levant)
    Re: Worldcom -- Time to Panic? (LARB0)
    Re: Repeated Characters on Cellphones (Joseph Singer)
    Re: Repeated Characters on Cellphones (Jay R. Ashworth)
    Re: Technical Question (Phil McKerracher)
    Re: Seattle Local Phone Service Options (Joseph Singer)
    Cordless Phones in Israel (Joseph Singer)
    Comcast Tracks Users' Web Browsing (Joe Wineburgh)
    Re: Netscape Poll on International Monitors in Israel (Joe Wineburgh)
    Last Laugh! Phone Bill Delivers a Rude Surprise (Patrick Townson)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
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----------------------------------------------------------------------

From: David Clayton <dcstar@acslink.net.au>
Subject: Re: Fall of the Pre-Paid Revolution
Date: Thu, 14 Feb 2002 09:32:02 +1100
Organization: Customer of Connect.com.au Pty. Ltd.
Reply-To: dcstar@acslink.net.au


Liam Hatton <me@liamhatton.com> contributed the following:

> Here in Australia, the government requires that people present a
> recognised form of ID (Medicare Card, Drivers Licence, Passport, ATM
> or credit card) when purchasing prepaid phones. The ID numbers from
> the ID which you present are written onto a special form. When you
> connect the prepaid service (the customer rings a special number from
> the new phone or sim card) they also ask for the details from your
> form of ID.

> The ACA (Australian Communications Authority) maintains a database
> with this information, according to the information on the form (when
> I was buying a prepaid phone for a friend) explaining how my personal
> information would be used.

When I signed up for a pre-paid mobile SIM last year, (Virgin Mobile)
all I did was fill out a web form.

The only thing I had to do was provide a "real" address for delivery and
a credit card number.


Regards,

David Clayton, e-mail: dcstar@acslink.net.au
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

Dilbert's words of wisdom #18: Never argue with an idiot. They drag
you down to their level then beat you with experience.

------------------------------

From: dold@72.usenet.us.com
Subject: Re: Fall of the Pre-Paid Revolution
Date: 13 Feb 2002 23:13:23 GMT
Organization: Wintercreek Data


> [TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Did anyone ever notice how prepaid
> service which *should* cost less because (a) there is no collection

This conversation veered off from your pre-paid cellular to a rant about
pre-paid cards.

My pre-paid card is cheaper than what AT&T wants to charge me for LD,
and I'm PIC to them.  They either want a monthly fee, or $0.35 per
minute.  My prepaid card was $4.97 for 60 minutes at Staples.  It's a
Sprint card, and hasn't failed to work anywhere, which is more than I
can say for my AT&T Cell Phone in rural areas.


Clarence A Dold - dold@email.rahul.net
	        - Pope Valley (Napa County) CA.


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note:  I was talking in my original post
about pre-paid cellular service, although prepaid long distance is
almost as bad, price-wise.   PAT]

------------------------------

From: Al Gillis <alg@aracnet.com>
Subject: Re: Fall of the Pre-Paid Revolution
Date: Wed, 13 Feb 2002 17:04:26 -0800
Organization: http://extra.newsguy.com
Reply-To: Al Gillis <alg@aracnet.com>


Requiring "proper" identification is certainly a good technique to
scare off the meek.  Unfortunately, in the United States at least,
false ID is almost as easy to get as a cold!  Ask a junior high school
student -- I'll bet they know a source or two.  So arranging for one of
these pre-paid accounts shouldn't be to hard to do for one who's bent
on some sort of underhanded shenanigans.

I don't know the solution to the fake ID problem of course.  But it's
a factor to consider when identifying people.  Also, the chances are
good that if you couldn't find a fake ID purveyor a crisp new $20
slipped to the clerk might help "grease the skids" to a successful
unidentified purchase.

Happy Valentine's Day to All!


Al

Liam Hatton <me@liamhatton.com> wrote in message
news:telecom20.157.10@telecom-digest.org...

> On 12/2/02 2:29 PM, in article telecom20.156.1@telecom-digest.org, TELECOM
> Digest Editor responded to Jay Ashworth <jra@dorothy.baylink.com>:

>> [TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Except, at least in theory, the agent
>> setting up the 'Smart Pay' account (as they are usually called)
>> requires the petitioner or customer to present one good piece of
>> identification as well as their social security number. I had a couple
>> of these accounts set up recently at Radio Shack here in Indendence.
>> One was for my elderly mother who does not know anything at all about
>> cellular but decided she wanted to experiment with one on the days
>> when her senior citizens group takes their bus rides to luncheon
>> gatherings, etc. The other was for a sixteen year old neighbor who
>> has designs on being a baby hacklet (?) if he could learn what to do.
>> In both cases, Kevin and Duane, (the Radio Shack guys here in town)
>> had to copy down my social and other details on my state-issued ID card.
>> But when they called Kansas Cellular (aka Altell) to have my phones
>> turned on, I did not hear them read the information from the poorly-
>> filled out forms over the phone to the operator. But neither did I
>> see them later toss the forms in the trash can. I suspect *someone*
>> eventually gets the forms in the event someone from some government
>> agency has ugly thoughts.  PAT]

> Here in Australia, the government requires that people present a
> recognised form of ID (Medicare Card, Drivers Licence, Passport, ATM
> or credit card) when purchasing prepaid phones. The ID numbers from
> the ID which you present are written onto a special form. When you
> connect the prepaid service (the customer rings a special number from
> the new phone or sim card) they also ask for the details from your
> form of ID.

> The ACA (Australian Communications Authority) maintains a database
> with this information, according to the information on the form (when
> I buying a prepaid phone for a friend) explaining how my personal
> information would be used.

------------------------------

From: Gordon S. Hlavenka <nospam@crashelex.com>
Organization: Crash Electronics, Inc.
Subject: Re: Last Laugh! Peoria AZ Jails People Who Don't Take Down Lights
Date: Wed, 13 Feb 2002 19:55:36 -0600


Jack Hamilton wrote:

> If I lived in Peoria, I'd celebrate the Feast of the Circumcision in
> January, Saint Brigid of Ireland in February, Charles the Good in
> March... (etc.)

But I, on the other hand, just like little multicolored lights, jolly
animated figures, and swaths of hanging greenery.  So I put them up
all year -- as part of my normal landscaping, not in celebration of
any particular holiday at all.

(Well, no I don't really.  But in Peoria I might develop new habits :-)


Gordon S. Hlavenka               O-             nospam@crashelex.com
		I have no use for any dog I can punt.

------------------------------

From: David Wilson <derbywilson@earthlink.net>
Subject: SilkRoad,Inc.
Organization: The Dragon Guild
Date: Thu, 14 Feb 2002 00:16:05 GMT


Does anyone know what happened to the technology SilkRoad, Inc. was
developing?  Understand the company went bus two years ago due to lack
of financing, but the founders started a new company in San Diego?


Thanks.

------------------------------

From: Wlevant@aol.com
Date: Wed, 13 Feb 2002 20:02:01 EST
Subject: Re: AOL Customers Livid Over Huge Bills After Areacode Switch 


> Sounds like the customer's LD carriers failed to make the appropriate
> change in NPAs.  This information is in the LERG so it looks like
> someone dropped the ball.

    Nope.  More likely, the customers' LEC didn't update the
translations in the CO switch, and by default, untranslated NPA-NXX
combinations are handed off to the selected IXC, who -- upon receiving
a setup packet for what appears to be an in-state toll call -- happily
routes the call back to the LEC, and charges LD rates.

   Makes sense, if you think about it.  For new codes added outside
the "home" LATA (or the current equivalent nomenclature), the LEC
wouldn't have to change anything.  Only new "short distance" or local
NPA-NXX combinations would have to be programmed into the switch.

   This happened to me a while back ... it took a couple of calls, but
I finally got to the right person at Verizon, who made the changes
pretty much while I waited *and* credited me back for about $120.00 in
toll-charged local calls with absolutely zero fuss.


Bill

------------------------------

From: larb0@aol.com (LARB0)
Date: 13 Feb 2002 15:22:55 GMT
Organization: AOL http://www.aol.com
Subject: Re: Worldcom -- Time to Panic?


There is a huge difference between a CLEC or DLEC (Northpoint, eg) and
an ILEC or Tier 1 Carrier. Pat is on the money with his analysis.

------------------------------

From: Joseph Singer <joeofseattle@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: Repeated Characters on Cellphones
Date: Wed, 13 Feb 2002 07:30:02 -0800
Organization: Drizzle
Reply-To: joeofseattle@yahoo.com


On Mon, 11 Feb 2002 18:20:47 -0500, Gail M. Hall <gmhall@apk.net>
wrote:

> I can live with the klunky process of entering letters on wireless
> phones if all I want to do is add a name to my phone directory.  But
> now they are trying to promote text messaging!  I see that as just
> another way to get you to use more minutes and get you into the EXTRA
> minutes charges.

Text messages don't have anything to do with air time minutes and are
billed separately.

> For me the best use of the phone would be for VOICE input and output,
> not displayed text or input text.

That's fine for *you*, but some people like to be able to send text
messages.  It's either cheaper or easier than making a voice call.

Modern mobile phones have text input help.  Some phones use "T9" text
input so that you don't have to do "multi-tap" to get the letters and
in fact let you just hit one corresponding key after the next and the
word is automatically displayed e.g. on the multi-tap for the word
hello you'd have to type 44, 33, 55, 55, 666 but on a predictive text
input you'd only have to key 43556.  That's one key press for each
letter of the word rather than 11 keypresses.

> A wireless phone peripheral with a letter/punctuation keypad and a
> larger display that would hook up to a wireless phone?  That might
> work and be attractive to people if it's not too high-priced.

Ericsson has just such a keyboard for several of their phones.


Personal replies are likely not read.  Please reply in the newsgroup

------------------------------

From: Jay R. Ashworth <jra@dorothy.baylink.com>
Subject: Re: Repeated Characters on Cellphones
Reply-To: jra@baylink.com
Date: Wed, 13 Feb 2002 17:03:42 GMT
Organization: RoadRunner - TampaBay


Stanley settled back into the couch, and Gail M Hall <gmhall@apk.net>
said to him:

>  I can live with the klunky process of entering letters on wireless
>  phones if all I want to do is add a name to my phone directory.  But
>  now they are trying to promote text messaging!  I see that as just
>  another way to get you to use more minutes and get you into the EXTRA
>  minutes charges.

Right in one.

>  Right now I use VerizonWireless and am getting adds to get me to
>  register to use their internet via the phone.  Aside from the klunky
>  text entry problem, there is that LITTLE display on the phone that is
>  hard to see in certain kinds of light.  I can't IMAGINE trying to use
>  that thing to do anything on the Internet.

It was free for the holidays.

Now it's $.10 a message to send, and $.02 a message to receive.  

Anyone want into the pool on how much they're gonna write off?

>  If you have *any* trouble reading that print, then you probably would
>  have trouble reading the text on a wireless phone.

Nice one.  ;-)

>  But wireless phones for text entry?  FORGET IT!

Unless you have no other choice.  Being able to ping-test a machine
from Nextel Online is occasionally handy.

>  Otherwise people who NEED to connect to the Internet while away from
>  home or office will use a palm-size computer or laptop computer hooked
>  to whatever type of phone that can give them the best service for
>  where they are.  Wireless connections would probably be their last
>  choice but might be worth it if they can't hook up to landline or
>  satellite, etc.

It's not always possible to carry something like that with you.

No, you won't be writing Moby Dick on a cell phone, but "your plane was
moved to gate 26" is reasonable.


Cheers,

Jay R. Ashworth                                         jra@baylink.com
Member of the Technical Staff     Baylink
The Suncoast Freenet         The Things I Think
Tampa Bay, Florida        http://baylink.pitas.com      +1 727 647 1274

        God, unlike Anya, is fond of bunnies.  -- Chelsea Christenson

------------------------------

From: Phil McKerracher <phil.mckerracher@dataflex.com>
Subject: Re: Technical Question
Date: Wed, 13 Feb 2002 12:37:29 -0000


"nsachs" <nsachs@usc.edu> wrote in message
news:telecom20.150.2@telecom-digest.org ...

> I have a bit of a technical question I was hoping you might be able to
> help with.  I'm working on a project at the University of Southern
> California that involoves making a connection over a standard phone line.
> However, we have to give a demonstration of the project and won't have
> access to a phone jack.  Is there any way to simulate a connection between
> two phones by connecting them directly using an RJ-11 cord and external
> power source, or possibly some other similar configuration?  Any help you
> could provide would be much appreciated.

If you don't need to dial or ring the phones, a simple 12V battery in
series with the two phones will usually give you a speech path. A 50V
battery in series with a 600 ohm resistor would be even better, giving
you proper sidetone levels etc. A simple transformer with a 30V AC
output at mains frequency will usually get a phone to ring. 70V at 25
Hz would be even more likely to work, and so on. There are many small
cheap PBXs with half a dozen extensions around that can recognise
dialling as well. They often have ISDN network interfaces, but you can
ignore that and just use the analogue extension ports.


Phil McKerracher
www.mckerracher.org

------------------------------

From: Joseph Singer <joeofseattle@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: Seattle Local Phone Service Options
Date: Wed, 13 Feb 2002 07:32:58 -0800
Organization: Drizzle
Reply-To: joeofseattle@yahoo.com


On 11 Feb 2002 11:14:52 -0800, richards1052@attbi.com (Richard
Silverstein) wrote:

> I'm trying to identify any local phone companies which might be
> competing with Qwest (yuck!) here in Seattle.  Does anyone out there
> know if any of the major local phone service companies operate here?

Try:  http://www.featurefon.com/ they offer service with many extra
added services as part of the base charge for $19.95 per month.  If
you need to have ADSL though it's not an option.


Personal replies are likely not read.  Please reply in the newsgroup.

------------------------------

From: Joseph Singer <joeofseattle@yahoo.com>
Subject: Cordless Phones in Israel
Date: Wed, 13 Feb 2002 07:49:10 -0800
Organization: Drizzle
Reply-To: joeofseattle@yahoo.com


I have been asked to bring a cordless phone to Israel, but from my
understanding cordless phones in use in the USA i.e. 900 Mhz and 2.6
Ghz are illegal.  Does anyone know what frequency cordless phones
would work in Israel?

Personal replies are likely not read.  Please reply in the newsgroup.

------------------------------

From: Joe Wineburgh <jwineburgh@yahoo.com>
Subject: Comcast Tracks Users' Web Browsing
Date: Wed, 13 Feb 2002 11:29:59 -0500


By Ted Bridis
Associated Press 
Published February 13, 2002, 8:23 AM CST

WASHINGTON -- Comcast Corp., the nation's third-largest cable company,
has begun recording the Web browsing activities of its 1 million
high-speed Internet subscribers without notifying them of the change.

Comcast said Tuesday the recording of each Web page a subscriber
visits was part of a technology overhaul designed to save money and
improve the speed of cable Internet service to its customers and was
not intended to infringe on privacy. The company said it believes the
recording was permitted by language in their service agreement with
subscribers.

Technology experts cautioned that the data could be subpoenaed by law
enforcement agencies or lawyers in civil cases, and they questioned
whether Comcast's move reflects a more cavalier attitude toward online
privacy in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

More at:
http://chicagotribune.com/technology/chi-020213comcast.story

------------------------------

From: Joe Wineburgh <jwineburgh@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: Netscape Poll on International Monitors in Israel
Date: Wed, 13 Feb 2002 11:49:18 -0500


Doesn't work unless you drop the '/click' at the end...

http://home.Netscape.com/ex/shak/international/packages/mideast

BTW the vote is now:

  Poll: Should international monitors be sent to Israel and the
Palestinian territories? 

 
Yes:   79%   8494293 votes
 
No:   21%   2261558 votes
 
	   10755856  votes total.
 
I'm guessing we're not talking about 'internet' or 'IP' monitoring, but
rather some type of UN group overseeing the military?


JOE

------------------------------

From: ptownson@sbcglobal.net (Patrick Townson)
Date: Wed, 13 Feb 2002 08:55:20 PST
Subject: Last Laugh!  Phone Bill Delivers a Rude Surprise 


You really need to read this item on CNN news Tuesday. It seems a 
man was a fairly regular complainer to his phone company. There 
was always something or another wrong in his opinion.  When his
phone bill came last month, he was accessed a penalty for 'being
an arrogant bastard'. It was printed by computer on his phone bill.
Seriously. Phone company says they don't know how it happened. I've
left the links intact below so you can put it up in your browser
and read the story for yourself from CNN  yesterday. I used that
'email this story to someone' link to send it here to myself.  

Patrick

Title: CNN.com - Phone bill delivers a rude surprise - February 12, 2002
  
Copy and paste the following into your Web browser to access the sent
link:
http://www.emailthis.clickability.com/et/emailThis?clickMap=viewThis&etMailToID=285300497&pt=Y

Copy and paste the following into your Web browser to SAVE THIS link:
http://www.savethis.clickability.com/st/saveThisPopupApp?clickMap=saveFromET&partnerID=2006&etMailToID=285300497&pt=Y
 
Copy and paste the following into your Web browser to forward this link:
http://www.emailthis.clickability.com/et/emailThis?clickMap=forward&etMailToID=285300497&partnerID=2006&pt=Y
  
Email pages from any Web site you visit - add the EMAIL THIS button to
your browser, copy and paste the following into your Web browser:

http://www.emailthis.clickability.com/et/emailThis?clickMap=browserButtons&pt=Y"

Instructions:

If your e-mail program doesn't recognize Web addresses:
1. With your mouse, highlight the Web Address above. Be sure to highlight the entire Web address, even if it spans more than one line in your email. 
2. Select Copy from the Edit menu at the top of your screen. 
3. Launch your Web browser.
4. Paste the address into your Web browser by selecting Paste from the Edit menu.
5. Click Go or press Enter or Return on your keyboard. 

<!--file:/etHTMLEmail.html template:HTMLEmail1-->

------------------------------

End of TELECOM Digest V20 #158
******************************
    
    
From editor@telecom-digest.org  Thu Feb 14 12:55:40 2002
Received: (from ptownson@localhost)
	by massis.lcs.mit.edu (8.9.1/8.9.1) id MAA07998;
	Thu, 14 Feb 2002 12:55:40 -0500 (EST)
Date: Thu, 14 Feb 2002 12:55:40 -0500 (EST)
From: editor@telecom-digest.org
Message-Id: <200202141755.MAA07998@massis.lcs.mit.edu>
To: ptownson
Approved: patsnewlist
Subject: TELECOM Digest V20 #159

TELECOM Digest     Thu, 14 Feb 2002 12:56:00 EST    Volume 20 : Issue 159

Inside This Issue:                             Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    AM vs. PM Thread (1/6/02) (Nitoy)
    Re: Fall of the Pre-Paid Revolution (Marcus Didius Falco)
    Re: Fall of the Pre-Paid Revolution (Liam Hatton)
    Re: Repeated Characters on Cellphones (Mark Crispin)
    Re: Repeated Characters on Cellphones (gpn@techie.com)
    Re: AOL Customers Livid Over Huge Phone Bills After Areacode (gpn@techie)
    Re: International Ringtones in the USA (caipira)
    Re: GSM International Ringtones in the USA (John R. Covert)
    Calling Card Startups (Doctor Java)
    Is This the Death of Dial-up? (Walter Dnes)
    Re: A Likely Urban Legend (Robert Dover)
    Wireless Phones for Text (was: Repeated Characters) (Marcus D. Falco)
    Re: Netscape Poll on International Monitors in Israel (John R. Covert)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
exclusively to telecommunications topics. It is circulated anywhere
there is email, in addition to various telecom forums on a variety of
networks such as Compuserve and America On Line, and other forums.
It is also gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated 
newsgroup 'comp.dcom.telecom'.

TELECOM Digest is a not-for-profit, mostly non-commercial educational
service offered to the Internet by Patrick Townson. All the contents
of the Digest are compilation-copyrighted. You may reprint articles in
some other media on an occasional basis, but please attribute my work
and that of the original author.

Contact information:    Patrick Townson/TELECOM Digest
                        Post Office Box 50
                        Independence, KS 67301
                        Phone: 630-841-7174
                        Email: editor@telecom-digest.org

Subscribe:  telecom-subscribe@telecom-digest.org
Unsubscribe:telecom-unsubscribe@telecom-digest.org


This Digest is the oldest continuing e-journal about telecomm-
unications on the Internet, having been founded in August, 1981 and
published continuously since then.  Our archives are available for
your review/research. We believe we are the second oldest e-zine/
mailing list on the internet in any category!

URL information:        http://telecom-digest.org

Anonymous FTP: hyperarchive.lcs.mit.edu/telecom-archives/archives
  (or use our mirror site: ftp.epix.net/pub/telecom-archives)

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      Send a simple, one line note to that automated address for
      a help file on how to use the automatic retrieval system
      for archives files. You can get desired files in email.

*************************************************************************
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*   Judith Oppenheimer, President of ICB Inc. and purveyor of accurate  *
*   800 & Dot Com News, Intelligence, Analysis, and Consulting.         *
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*   Views expressed herein should not be construed as representing      *
*   views of Judith Oppenheimer or ICB Inc.                             *
*************************************************************************

ICB Toll Free News.  Contact information is not sold, rented or leased.
Access to Premium (P) links requires upgrade to a paid subscription.

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Copyright 2000 ICB, Inc. and TELECOM Digest. All rights reserved.
Our attorney is Bill Levant, of Blue Bell, PA.

   In addition, a gift from Mike Sandman, Chicago's Telecom Expert
   has enabled me to replace some obsolete computer equipment and
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All opinions expressed herein are deemed to be those of the author. Any
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should not be considered any official expression by the organization.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

From: nitoy69@hotmail.com (Nitoy)
Subject: AM vs. PM thread (1/6/02)
Date: 13 Feb 2002 21:19:37 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


David-

I find your comments about teachers more common than interesting.  As
a telecoms professional who is leaving the field to teach secondary
school Mathematics I have had ample opportunity to have my eyes
opened.  By keeping an open mind I have been able to develop a much
greater appreciation for the art and science of teaching.  Comments
about teachers in the U.S. abound, but when you think about it they
are generally no more accurate then depicting us engineers as socially
irrelevant geeks with soldering irons.

Food for thought.

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 14 Feb 2002 00:59:10 -0500
From: Marcus Didius Falco <marcus_d_falco@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: Fall of the Pre-Paid Revolution 


> From: Gail M. Hall <gmhall@apk.net>
> Subject: Re: Fall of the Pre-Paid Revolution
> Date: Mon, 11 Feb 2002 18:20:45 -0500
> Reply-To: gmhall@apk.net

> One big disadvantage of those prepaid calling cards and maybe even
> other calling cards is that they don't work from everywhere.  We found
> that out when my sister tried to use her prepaid calling card from a
> motel room.

I had this happen once with a reseller calling card. I called the
motel front desk. They hadn't turned on long-distance on the phone in
my room when I registered.

------------------------------

From: Liam Hatton <me@liamhatton.com>
Subject: Re: Fall of the Pre-Paid Revolution
Date: Fri, 15 Feb 2002 00:01:15 +0800
Organization: Customer of Connect.com.au Pty. Ltd.


On 14/2/02 6:32 AM, in article telecom20.158.1@telecom-digest.org, "David
Clayton" <dcstar@acslink.net.au> wrote:

> When I signed up for a pre-paid mobile SIM last year, (Virgin Mobile)
> all I did was fill out a web form.

> The only thing I had to do was provide a "real" address for delivery and
> a credit card number.

The ACA (Australian Communications Authority) explains about it at
http://www.aca.gov.au/consumer/brochure/pre-paid.htm , although they
are not very clear on how the information is shared or used.

The law is not very well enforced. A Shell service station sold me a
pack (for a friend) with no ID, and an Optus store sold my friend a
pack with only an ATM card (an ATM card is considered Category B, and
one category A type ID or two category B type IDs need to be
presented).

If you really wanted to be anonymous you could purchase a cheap
prepaid roaming SIM from somebody like MINT
(http://www.mintmiddleeast.com/) and use it in Australia (or any other
country).


Liam Hatton

------------------------------

From: Mark Crispin <mrc@CAC.Washington.EDU>
Subject: Re: Repeated Characters on Cellphones
Date: Wed, 13 Feb 2002 22:53:42 -0800
Organization: Pandamonium Reigns


On Wed, 13 Feb 2002, Joseph Singer wrote:

>> I can live with the klunky process of entering letters on wireless
>> phones if all I want to do is add a name to my phone directory.  But
>> now they are trying to promote text messaging!  I see that as just
>> another way to get you to use more minutes and get you into the EXTRA
>> minutes charges.

> Text messages don't have anything to do with air time minutes and are
> billed separately.

That's not always the case.  For most carriers, it is; but on Sprint
PCS text messaging is done via Wireless Web meaning that the minutes
are ticking while you key in a text message.  This was a factor in my
decision to fire Sprint in favor of another carrier.


Mark

http://staff.washington.edu/mrc
Science does not emerge from voting, party politics, or public debate.

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 14 Feb 2002 11:29:31 -0500
From: gpn@techie.com
Subject: Re: Repeated Characters on Cellphones


On Wed, 13 Feb 2002 07:30:02 -0800, Joseph Singer
<joeofseattle@yahoo.com> wrote:

> e.g. on the multi-tap for the word
> hello you'd have to type 44, 33, 55, 55, 666 but on a predictive text
> input you'd only have to key 43556.  That's one key press for each
> letter of the word rather than 11 keypresses.

Now, suppose I'm trying to punch in a Valentine's Day love note, and
press 5477.

How does the phone know if I meant "kiss" or "lips"?

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 14 Feb 2002 10:19:12 -0500
From: gpn@techie.com
Subject: Re: AOL Customers Livid Over Huge Phone Bills After Areacode


On Mon, 11 Feb 2002 16:44:34 GMT, Phil Smiley <epsmiley@epix.net>
wrote:

> Sounds like the customer's LD carriers failed to make the appropriate 
> change in NPAs.  This information is in the LERG so it looks like
> someone dropped the ball.

I don't know why the LD carriers would be involved at all.

There is a town about five miles west of here that is in my local
(free) calling area.  Always has been.  Although it started out being
in the same NPA as we are, there have been about six splits and two
overlays in the original "201" area since then, and it's now necessary
to use 1+10 digit dialing to reach them.

But it's still a free call.  None of the splits or overlays have ever
changed anyone's local calling area.  These calls are not handed to,
carried on, or billed by any LD carrier, so they shouldn't get the
credit if it works, or the blame if it doesn't.

I'm trying to figure out what scenario would cost me a lot of money by
being inattentive to my auto-dialing string, and I just don't see it.
Say I'm auto-dialing a network point of presence in that town.  Now
suppose there's an area code split that splits off that exchange, and
then suppose they re-used that same NXX code for a distant portion of
my home NPA. I guess I could then be dialing toll calls without
knowing it.

However, before that, in fact the moment the permissive period ended,
my automatic dialing to the old number would suddenly begin to fail
and I would be unable to connect.  I would then surely know something
was wrong, and would have to change the dialing string to include the
correct new area code, or I wouldn't be able to get on-line at all.

If I were such a light user of the service that the entire permissive
period and the subsequent change moratorium managed to completely
escape my notice, then I don't see how my usage would be high enough
to generate multi-thousand-dollar bills.

Maybe it's bad reporting in these news articles, but I still have no
idea how this could have happened in real life.

------------------------------

From: sycaipira@hotmail.com (caipira)
Subject: Re: International Ringtones in the USA
Date: 14 Feb 2002 09:09:34 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


Paul N. Hrisko <neural@prodigy.net> wrote in message
news:<telecom20.157.7@telecom-digest.org> ...
 
> While in Europe, people calling my number would receive the proper
> Euro.  ringtones for the country in which I was roaming (i.e. 
> ring-ring or riiiiiiing, etc.) Now that I'm back in the US, they
> sometimes receive these tones or the Mexican tone when calling. Most
> of the time they get the usual US ring. There's no pattern on time or
> day, or cell I'm in (I'm assuming this since I'm in certain parts of
> New York City most of the time).  Some hang up because they think it's
> a busy signal. Call waiting is on and the phone can handle four way
> conference calls.

> Does anyone have any idea as to why this might happen? I'm at a loss
> and VoiceStream seems to have no clue either.

I'm on Voicestream and have the same thing happening, no explanation
provided.  But does your phone ring, or is it silent when this
happens?


caipira
http://www.planetbeep.com

------------------------------

Date: Wed, 13 Feb 2002 23:52:20 EST
From: John R. Covert <nospam@covert.org>
Subject: Re: GSM International Ringtones in the USA


> Now that I'm back in the US, [callers sometimes receive Euro
> ringtones]

This happened to me after my first trip to Europe with my brand new
Omnipoint phone way back in April 1997.  After I got back, people
would sometimes reach a Vodaphone "unreachable" message.

What's happening, I am almost certain, is that one of the switches you
visited is having hiccups and being restarted and restores its memory
from a saved state which happens to be while you were there.

When it comes back up, it sends a stale but valid copy of your VLR
(visitor location record) back to Voicestream, and Voicestream
dutifully sends your calls there until the VLR times out.  Then the
remote switch has another hiccup and picks up the stale VLR again, and
so on.

The technical guy for roaming at Omnipoint just would not believe my
theory, and at one point we were talking about sending in my SIM card
to dump its contents to "prove" that I had gone back to England again
and just wasn't admitting it ...

I've BCC'd him (or someone with the same name who is now wondering
what we're talking about and why I sent him mail) just in case he
feels like joining the conversation in TELECOM Digest.


/john

P.S.: don't reply to the nospam address; I won't see it.

------------------------------

Reply-To: Doctor Java <javadevelopersjournal@chiltown.com>
From: Doctor Java <javadevelopersjournal@chiltown.com>
Subject: Calling Card Startups
Organization: Java Developers Journal
Date: Thu, 14 Feb 2002 11:42:26 GMT


Does anyone know of a good site that explains from a business
perspective the calling card market?

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 14 Feb 2002 07:12:07 -0500
From: Walter Dnes <waltdnes@waltdnes.org>
Subject: Is This the Death of Dial-Up ?


http://www.newswire.ca/releases/February2002/13/c1677.html

 Note: prices are in Canadian currency, CDN$ approx 63 cents US.

      ================= begin excerpt ================
Rogers Cable launches new Internet Lite product

TORONTO, Feb. 13 /CNW/ - Rogers Cable Inc. is pleased to announce a
new cable Internet service aimed specifically at dial-up Internet
users.  This new service will be available April 2002.

    Much faster than a dial-up connection, Rogers Internet Lite
service offers the advantage of access through Rogers Cable, which
removes the need to dial in. It eliminates the possibility of busy
signals and also eliminates the need for a second phone line for those
who do not want to incur the high cost of an extra phone line or
Internet Call Display.

    "We estimate there are more than a million people in our service
area who still use a dial-up service to access the Internet at home"
said Alek Krstajic, senior vice president, sales and marketing, Rogers
Cable. "This new product is ideal for people who only need one Email
address and surf the web occasionally. It will provide them an
opportunity to move to a more reliable, convenient and much faster way
to access the Internet for approximately the same price as dial-up and
with less frustration."

    Rogers Internet Lite service is priced at $24.95, including the
cable modem rental, with an installation fee from $49.95.

    Rogers Internet Lite will offer one unique @Rogers.com e-mail
address, up to 128 kbps download and 64 kbps upload speeds and
unlimited time online.

    Customers can obtain further information on the Rogers website at
www.rogers.com.

    ================== end excerpt =================

   Will this concept kill the viability of dial-up-only ISP's?  I can
still listen to streaming audio from 16 kbps (ugh) to 96 kbps on this
service.  The vast majority will not notice the difference between
this and 1 or 2 megabit service when surfing or downloading email.
The limit is what the server at the other end can pump out, and
internet congestion.  To borrow a tired old cliche/analogy, there's
really no difference between a Porsche and a Chevette on the
information superhighway if the speed limit is 55.  The really big
downloads will take longer, but they don't happen that often for most
people.

  This makes a lot of business sense.  Grab people from dial-up, but
don't offer enough speed to attract bandwidth hogs who download tons
of porn/warez/mp3.  The only worry is whether this will cannibalize
any of Rogers' current broadband business.


Walter Dnes <waltdnes@waltdnes.org>

If you had purchased $1000 of @home stock in 1999, today you would
have $1.30.  If you had purchased $1000 of beer in 1999, today you
would still have $59 in empty cans.

------------------------------

From: Robert Dover <dover@nortelnetworks.com>
Subject: Re: A Likely Urban Legend
Date: Thu, 14 Feb 2002 10:12:18 -0600
Organization: Nortel


Mike Hartley wrote in message news:telecom20.157.4@telecom-digest.org:

>> Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Card, which
>> contains all subscriber related data

> *BBBBBZZZZZ!!! Wrong. Some fairly important info, but most of it is
> on the HLR.

True, but the IMSI and some critical Authentication info do reside in
the SIM.  However, pressing "#anything" during a call ain't gonna
provide anything.


BD

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 14 Feb 2002 00:21:05 -0500
From: Marcus Didius Falco <marcus_d_falco@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: Wireless Phones For Text (was Re: Repeated Characters)


> From: Joseph Singer <joeofseattle@yahoo.com>
> Subject: Re: Repeated Characters on Cellphones
> Date: Wed, 13 Feb 2002 07:30:02 -0800
> Organization: Drizzle
> Reply-To: joeofseattle@yahoo.com

> On Mon, 11 Feb 2002 18:20:47 -0500, Gail M. Hall <gmhall@apk.net>
> wrote:

>> I can live with the klunky process of entering letters on wireless
>> phones if all I want to do is add a name to my phone directory.  But
>> now they are trying to promote text messaging!  I see that as just
>> another way to get you to use more minutes and get you into the EXTRA
>> minutes charges.

> Text messages don't have anything to do with air time minutes and are
> billed separately.

>> For me the best use of the phone would be for VOICE input and output,
>> not displayed text or input text.

> That's fine for *you*, but some people like to be able to send text
> messages.  It's either cheaper or easier than making a voice call.

>> A wireless phone peripheral with a letter/punctuation keypad and a
>> larger display that would hook up to a wireless phone?  That might
>> work and be attractive to people if it's not too high-priced.

> Ericsson has just such a keyboard for several of their phones.

And such phones are popular in Japan.

On another list I have seen a story of someone who was on Cape Cod on
9/11.  He wanted to call his wife in Boston to see whether she would
come down to him, or he return home. Phones in the east were
impossible that day. He sent her a text message, she got it on her
email, and he got her reply on his cell phone. It took a couple of
minutes.

More commonly, the major airlines will now email you (to your
cellphone or pager) with information on your flights -- delays,
cancellations, changes of gates, all the information that may save you
some annoyance.

None of these are major markets, but, if the investment is trivial
enough, Verizon may make a few cents.

The real issue is whether American kids are going to take up massive
text messaging the way Japanese kids have. I see no sign of it. I see
kids just chatting away on their cell phones, but I rarely if ever see
anyone trying to enter text or read it.

On the other hand, there was one real-estate operator in Phoenix,
Arizona who was SPAMming text messages into cell phones or
pagers. It's easy, because the SPAMmer just has to know which block of
numbers each operator has. (The address is something like
telephoneNumber@message.sprint.com.)  Moreover, I am registered with
United Airlines to get messages about flights, and they just sent me a
SPAM. I logged on (using my computer, not my phone) and told them that
they better not EVER do that again -- that I let them SPAM my regular
accounts, but they better not ever spam my cell phone.  We shall
see -- it's been over a day and they still haven't responded.

>>  Otherwise people who NEED to connect to the Internet while away from
>>  home or office will use a palm-size computer or laptop computer hooked
>>  to whatever type of phone that can give them the best service for
>>  where they are.  Wireless connections would probably be their last
>>  choice but might be worth it if they can't hook up to landline or
>>  satellite, etc.

> It's not always possible to carry something like that with you.

> No, you won't be writing Moby Dick on a cell phone, but "your plane was
> moved to gate 26" is reasonable.
 
And there are combined Palm-Pilots and cell phones coming to market
(some from Palm, some from other makers).

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 14 Feb 2002 00:01:24 -0500 (EST)
From: John R. Covert <nospam@covert.org>
Subject: Re: Netscape Poll on International Monitors in Israel


Not sure why we're discussing this in Telecom:

> Should international monitors be sent to Israel and the
> Palestinian territories?

> Yes: 79% ...
> No:  21% ...

If I remember correctly the Palestinians BEGGING for international
monitors about a year ago, and Israel was saying NO WAY at all.


 /john

------------------------------

End of TELECOM Digest V20 #159
******************************
    
    
From editor@telecom-digest.org  Thu Feb 14 20:11:49 2002
Received: (from ptownson@localhost)
	by massis.lcs.mit.edu (8.9.1/8.9.1) id UAA16017;
	Thu, 14 Feb 2002 20:11:49 -0500 (EST)
Date: Thu, 14 Feb 2002 20:11:49 -0500 (EST)
From: editor@telecom-digest.org
Message-Id: <200202150111.UAA16017@massis.lcs.mit.edu>
To: ptownson
Approved: patsnewlist
Subject: TELECOM Digest V20 #160

TELECOM Digest     Thu, 14 Feb 2002 20:12:00 EST    Volume 20 : Issue 160

Inside This Issue:                             Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    Comcast Stops Recording Customer Web Browsing (Joe Wineburgh)
    Re: Comcast Tracks Users' Web Browsing (Robert Bonomi)
    Need Data (PB)
    Re: GSM International Ring Tone (Paul N. Hrisko)
    Re: Repeated Characters on Cellphones (Peter Corlett)
    Re: Repeated Characters on Cellphones (Liam Hatton)
    Re: Repeated Characters on Cellphones (Joseph Singer)
    Re: Cordless Phones in Israel (Daniel Rosenzweig)
    Re: Calling Card Startups (Jan Chowdhury)
    Last Laugh! An Amusing "Cryptoquip" (Linc Madison)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
exclusively to telecommunications topics. It is circulated anywhere
there is email, in addition to various telecom forums on a variety of
networks such as Compuserve and America On Line, and other forums.
It is also gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated 
newsgroup 'comp.dcom.telecom'.

TELECOM Digest is a not-for-profit, mostly non-commercial educational
service offered to the Internet by Patrick Townson. All the contents
of the Digest are compilation-copyrighted. You may reprint articles in
some other media on an occasional basis, but please attribute my work
and that of the original author.

Contact information:    Patrick Townson/TELECOM Digest
                        Post Office Box 50
                        Independence, KS 67301
                        Phone: 630-841-7174
                        Email: editor@telecom-digest.org

Subscribe:  telecom-subscribe@telecom-digest.org
Unsubscribe:telecom-unsubscribe@telecom-digest.org


This Digest is the oldest continuing e-journal about telecomm-
unications on the Internet, having been founded in August, 1981 and
published continuously since then.  Our archives are available for
your review/research. We believe we are the second oldest e-zine/
mailing list on the internet in any category!

URL information:        http://telecom-digest.org

Anonymous FTP: hyperarchive.lcs.mit.edu/telecom-archives/archives
  (or use our mirror site: ftp.epix.net/pub/telecom-archives)

Email <==> FTP:  telecom-archives@telecom-digest.org 

      Send a simple, one line note to that automated address for
      a help file on how to use the automatic retrieval system
      for archives files. You can get desired files in email.

*************************************************************************
*   TELECOM Digest is partially funded by a grant from                  *
*   Judith Oppenheimer, President of ICB Inc. and purveyor of accurate  *
*   800 & Dot Com News, Intelligence, Analysis, and Consulting.         *
*   http://ICBTollFree.com, http://1800TheExpert.com                    *
*   Views expressed herein should not be construed as representing      *
*   views of Judith Oppenheimer or ICB Inc.                             *
*************************************************************************

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Access to Premium (P) links requires upgrade to a paid subscription.

One click a day feeds a person a meal.  Go to http://www.thehungersite.com

Only subscribers or registered users of ICB Toll Free News web site
will be able to access all or some of the full text of URLs provided.

LEGAL STUFF: TELECOM Digest (sm) is owned by Patrick Townson.
Copyright 2000 ICB, Inc. and TELECOM Digest. All rights reserved.
Our attorney is Bill Levant, of Blue Bell, PA.

   In addition, a gift from Mike Sandman, Chicago's Telecom Expert
   has enabled me to replace some obsolete computer equipment and
   enter the 21st century sort of on schedule. His mail order 
   telephone parts/supplies service based in the Chicago area has
   been widely recognized by Digest readers as a reliable and very
   inexpensive source of telecom-related equipment. Please request
   a free catalog today at http://www.sandman.com 
   ---------------------------------------------------------------
    
Finally, the Digest is funded by gifts from generous readers such as
yourself who provide funding in amounts deemed appropriate. Your help
is important and appreciated. A suggested donation of twenty dollars
per year per reader is considered appropriate. See our address above.
Please make at least a single donation to cover the cost of processing
your name to the mailing list.

All opinions expressed herein are deemed to be those of the author. Any
organizations listed are for identification purposes only and messages
should not be considered any official expression by the organization.
---------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Joe Wineburgh <jwineburgh@yahoo.com>
Subject: Comcast Stops Recording Customer Web Browsing
Date: Thu, 14 Feb 2002 13:35:18 -0500


http://chicagotribune.com/technology/chi-020213comcast.story?coll=chi%2D
technology%2Dhed

By Ted Bridis
Associated Press 
Published February 13, 2002, 1:37 PM CST

WASHINGTON -- Comcast Corp., the nation's third-largest cable company,
pledged Wednesday to immediately stop recording the Web browsing
activities of each of its 1 million high-speed Internet subscribers.

Comcast said in a statement that it will stop storing the information
"to completely reassure our customers that the privacy of their
information is secure."

The Associated Press reported Tuesday that the company had started
recording each customer's visit to a Web page as part of a technology
overhaul to save money and speed up the network.

Comcast reassured customers today that the information had been stored
only temporarily, was purged automatically every few days and "has
never been connected to individual subscribers." But it said it will
stop recording the information, anyway.

In response to the AP's coverage, Rep. Ed Markey, an aggressive
privacy advocate in Congress, pressed Comcast President Brian Roberts
in a letter today about the recording. Markey said the company's
action could be in violation of federal law.

Markey (D-Mass.) wrote that he was concerned about "the nature and
extent of any transgressions of the law that may have resulted in
consumer privacy being compromised."

The ranking Democrat on the House Commerce subcommittee on
telecommunications and the Internet, Markey said the 1984 Cable Act
prohibits Comcast from collecting personal information from its Internet
subscribers without obtaining "prior written or electronic consent." The
act was originally intended to protect the privacy of cable TV
customers.

The 1984 law does allow cable operators to collect private information
if it can show it needs the information to operate its service.

Comcast Executive Vice President Dave Watson said Tuesday that the
company was recording no more information about its customers than is
common in the industry and no more than needed to optimize its network.

He said that while the company was recording details about customer Web
browsing, it did not use the information to build profiles of online
consumer behavior.

"Comcast absolutely does not share personal information about our
customers, and we have the utmost respect for our customers' privacy,"
Watson said.

Outside experts, including the vendor whose powerful software Comcast
is using, said Comcast was recording more information about the online
activities of customers than necessary for the technology
enhancements.

"It's not needed," said Steve Russell, a vice president of Inktomi
Corp.  Russell said Inktomi's software also records other information
from Comcast subscribers, which can include passwords for Web sites
and credit-card numbers under limited circumstances.

Russell discounted privacy concerns, saying engineers are using some
of the information to improve Comcast's performance and that many
other Internet devices record data racing across computer networks.

But two of the nation's largest Internet providers, America Online and
Earthlink, said they purposely do not collect details about the Web
browsing of their combined 35 million subscribers.

"We definitely would have no interest in doing that at all,"
Earthlink's chief privacy officer, Les Seagraves, said. "We don't want
to have customer records about where they've visited."

AOL spokesman Nicholas Graham said, "We do not track the personal Web
activity of our members for privacy reasons."

A Comcast spokesman, Tim Fitzpatrick, said Web browsing was already
being recorded for its subscribers in Detroit and in parts of Delaware
and Virginia, and would be extended across the nation by the end of this
week.

"I'm furious," said George Imburgia, an Internet security expert in
Dover, Del., and a Comcast customer. "They're monitoring and logging
everybody's activities." Imburgia compared the monitoring to the
surveillance software the FBI uses. "It's an evil, Carnivore-type
thing," he said.

Comcast's recording is part of an overhaul requiring new and existing
customers to use behind-the-scenes technology known as a "proxy,"
which funnels a person's Web surfing through powerful, centralized
Internet computers controlled by Comcast. Customers previously could
volunteer to use these proxy computers, but they are automatically
activated under the new system for all subscribers.

To speed performance, these proxy computers retain copies of the
most-popular Web sites that customers visit. Comcast said it records
which are the most popular Web sites to determine which ones it should
copy to its centralized computers, although leading industry experts
said there was no need to match Web surfing back to the specific
Internet addresses of subscribers.

Experts said Comcast's own records of online activity would be
available to police and the FBI with a court order and to lawyers in
civil lawsuits, though Comcast said it did not begin the tracking
because of a government request.

"Once you're sitting on it, you're really inviting all kinds of
requests," said David Sobel of the Washington-based Electronic Privacy
Information Center, a civil-liberties group. "If they can't identify a
need to be collecting it, they should take the necessary steps to
eliminate it."  Copyright C 2002, Chicago Tribune 

------------------------------

Subject: Re: Comcast Tracks Users' Web Browsing
From: robert@bonomi.invalid
Organization: Not Much
Date: Thu, 14 Feb 2002 20:36:01 GMT


Reported in today's (Feb 14) Wall Street Journal, Comcast has backed off
_completely_ from doing this. Says they will not keep any such data.

In article <telecom20.158.13@telecom-digest.org>,
Joe Wineburgh  <jwineburgh@yahoo.com> wrote:
> By Ted Bridis
> Associated Press 
> Published February 13, 2002, 8:23 AM CST

> WASHINGTON -- Comcast Corp., the nation's third-largest cable company,
> has begun recording the Web browsing activities of its 1 million
> high-speed Internet subscribers without notifying them of the change.
> Comcast said Tuesday the recording of each Web page a subscriber
> improve the speed of cable Internet service to its customers and was
> not intended to infringe on privacy. The company said it believes the

------------------------------

From: McMillin, Stephen H <sm1638@sbc.com>
Subject: Need Data
Date: Thu, 14 Feb 2002 11:11:56 -0800


Patrick,

Is there a site that I can find revenue/inservice data for long distance
companies.  It is for a report at school.

Thanks!


Stephen McMillin
Area Manager-AIN Service M&P
2600 Camino Ramon  3S450C
San Ramon, CA  94583
925-901-6471
e-mail: shmcmil@sbc.com
AIN Home - http://inso.sbc.com/AINhome/AINHOME.htm

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 14 Feb 2002 15:02:29 -0500
From: Paul N. Hrisko <neural@prodigy.net>
Subject: Re: GSM International Ringtones


That's kind of what I thought -- a switch somewhere thinks I'm still
out of the country. The puzzle is that I've never been to Mexico nor
do I think they have GSM there either.

At 12:55 PM 14-02-02 -0500, you wrote:
> Date: Wed, 13 Feb 2002 23:52: 20 EST
> From: John R. Covert <nospa m@ covert.org>
> Subject: Re: GSM International Ringtones in the USA

>> Now that I'm back in the US, [callers sometimes receive Euro
>> ringtones]

At 12:55 PM 14-02-02 -0500, you wrote:

>> Does anyone have any idea as to why this might happen? I'm at a loss
>> and VoiceStream seems to have no clue either.

> I'm on Voicestream and have the same thing happening, no explanation
> provided.  But does your phone ring, or is it silent when this
> happens?

My phone usually rings - BUT, I also had some weird trouble with
voicemail where callers would get (paraphrased), "The cellular
customer is out of range and cannot accept calls" which you'd think
wouldn't happen -> the call going directly to VM instead.

They 'fixed the problem' by giving me a new number which strangely
enough has different prompts and menu choices for voicemail. I'm
wondering if it's because they've been upgrading systems since
Deutsche Telecom bought into them.

Customer service is great though -- they credited me for the ringtones
I had downloaded and let me pull them down again.

------------------------------

From: abuse@mooli.org.uk (Peter Corlett)
Subject: Re: Repeated Characters on Cellphones
Date: Thu, 14 Feb 2002 20:40:55 +0000 (UTC)
Organization: cabal.org.uk news service, Leeds, UK.


On Wed, 13 Feb 2002 07:30:02 -0800, Joseph Singer
<joeofseattle@yahoo.com> wrote:

>> e.g. on the multi-tap for the word
>> hello you'd have to type 44, 33, 55, 55, 666 but on a predictive text
>> input you'd only have to key 43556.  That's one key press for each
>> letter of the word rather than 11 keypresses.

> Now, suppose I'm trying to punch in a Valentine's Day love note, and
> press 5477.

> How does the phone know if I meant "kiss" or "lips"?

On all my Nokia phones, it guesses[0]. If the guess was wrong, you can
tap "*" to cycle round all the alternatives it has. If it still
doesn't get it, you get the option to tap the word in in the
old-fashioned way and add it to a dictionary for next time. Some
people love it, some people hate it. Most fall in the first camp.


[0] Massive handwave. It uses a statistical system that appears to be
    part-based on a real English dictionary, and part on joining word parts.
    It gets the right word about 95% of the time, which usually means that
    one can type in a message without looking at the screen, and end up
    inviting people to the pub for a quick adds.

------------------------------

From: Liam Hatton <me@liamhatton.com>
Subject: Re: Repeated Characters on Cellphones
Date: Fri, 15 Feb 2002 04:56:26 +0800
Organization: Customer of Connect.com.au Pty. Ltd.


On 15/2/02 12:29 AM, in article telecom20.159.5@telecom-digest.org,
"gpn@techie.com" <gpn@techie.com> wrote:

> On Wed, 13 Feb 2002 07:30:02 -0800, Joseph Singer
> <joeofseattle@yahoo.com> wrote:

>> e.g. on the multi-tap for the word
>> hello you'd have to type 44, 33, 55, 55, 666 but on a predictive text
>> input you'd only have to key 43556.  That's one key press for each
>> letter of the word rather than 11 keypresses.

> Now, suppose I'm trying to punch in a Valentine's Day love note, and
> press 5477.

> How does the phone know if I meant "kiss" or "lips"?

It may display 'kiss' at first, but (at least on my phone) you can
press the star key to cycle through the possible matches (to select
'lips').


Liam Hatton

------------------------------

From: Joseph Singer <joeofseattle@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: Repeated Characters on Cellphones
Date: Thu, 14 Feb 2002 15:49:12 -0800
Organization: Drizzle
Reply-To: joeofseattle@yahoo.com


On Thu, 14 Feb 2002 11:29:31 -0500, gpn@techie.com wrote:

> On Wed, 13 Feb 2002 07:30:02 -0800, Joseph Singer
> <joeofseattle@yahoo.com> wrote:

>> e.g. on the multi-tap for the word
>> hello you'd have to type 44, 33, 55, 55, 666 but on a predictive text
>> input you'd only have to key 43556.  That's one key press for each
>> letter of the word rather than 11 keypresses.

> Now, suppose I'm trying to punch in a Valentine's Day love note, and
> press 5477.

> How does the phone know if I meant "kiss" or "lips"?

Actually, with the T9 the first choice is lips, but if you press the *
button for other options the second word that comes up is kiss :) T9
can also learn word spellings.  It also comes up with lisp! :)


Personal replies are likely not read.  Please reply in the newsgroup

------------------------------

From: danielzr@netzero.net (Daniel Rosenzweig)
Subject: Re: Cordless Phones in Israel
Date: 14 Feb 2002 15:47:53 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


Well, the details regarding wireless devices are listed -- IN HEBREW
at the Israel Ministry of Communication's website:

Details regarding licensing Wireless devices for use in Israel:
 <http://www.moc.gov.il/moc/doa_iis.dll/Serve/item/English/1.1.5.1.1.html>
 http://www.moc.gov.il/moc/doa_iis.dll/Serve/item/English/1.1.5.1.1.html
(the URL says English -- but it's in Hebrew)

Telephone number for further questions +3-5198281 or 2 (The Ministry
of Communication's Office of the Electromagnetic Spectrum). It talks
about people importing/manufacturing needing to obtain a license for
selling the device (which you don't need)... another license to
approve the model of device itself (and for some wireless devices, an
operating license.)  I don't know if that means that once a specific
model is oked in Israel, your ok... or if YOU have to get a permit for
that type ... and then you can sell (or use) as many of these models as
ou'd like.

It may say somewhere, which I'm not reading ... and my Hebrew is
decent -- but I may miss a few of the more tech/law specific
things... so don't rely 100% on what I'm saying. I'd call the number
listed above to be 100% sure.  As of a few years ago, for people who
bring in CELLULAR phones ... the cellular carriers will NOT activate
them, until the specific model the user brought it to the Ministry of
Communications -- but things are probably different.  I don't have the
time right now to read every section of the document.

Frequencies / power allowed:
 <http://www.moc.gov.il/new/documents/frequences/acrobat/com_con1.pdf>
 http://www.moc.gov.il/new/documents/frequences/acrobat/com_con1.pdf

Short range wireless information is:

a) 43.710-44.490, 46.600-46.980,48.750-49.510,49.660-50.000 (mHz). For
communications and different purposes. Not more than 10 mW from a
distance of 3 meters of the device. The device needs a device type
permit and an exemption from needing a wireless permit. (again - I
don't know if individuals who brought devices in would need a permit
for device or not).

b)1.6 mHz-1.8 mHz,
26.96-27.2 mHz For different types of purposes. not more than 100 mW.
Needs same permits as above.

Basically, I think that most of those 10-40 channel (49 mHz) ones
would probably work. I know someone who used a 900 mHz phone near BG
airport. He got called and told that he was interfering with airport
communications -- and that he must stop using it.

Joseph Singer <joeofseattle@yahoo.com> wrote in message news:<telecom20.158.12@telecom-digest.org>...

> I have been asked to bring a cordless phone to Israel, but from my
> understanding cordless phones in use in the USA i.e. 900 Mhz and 2.6
> Ghz are illegal.  Does anyone know what frequency cordless phones
> would work in Israel?

------------------------------

From: Jan Chowdhury <jan@goaccessdirect.com>
Subject: Re: Calling Card Startups
Date: Thu, 14 Feb 2002 21:00:12 GMT


I am looking for the same. I am in the market for same.


Jan

Doctor Java <javadevelopersjournal@chiltown.com> wrote in message
news:telecom20.159.9@telecom-digest.org...

> Does anyone know of a good site that explains from a business
> perspective the calling card market?

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 14 Feb 2002 13:17:59 -0800
From: Linc Madison <lincmad001@telecom-digest.zzn.com>
Subject: Last Laugh! An Amusing "Cryptoquip"


King Features Syndicate has a copyrighted feature called "Cryptoquip"
which appears in daily newspapers including the San Francisco
Chronicle. The puzzle for Tuesday, February 12, I thought was
especially appropriate to this Digest.

"The Cryptoquip is a substitution cipher in which one letter stands
for another. If you think X equals O it will equal O throughout the
puzzle. Single letters, short words, and words using an apostrophe
give you clues to locating vowels. Solution is by trial and error."

QGRCB W IMHEBMWBOF BOJOQWMNOBOM EOON XETVCGWBMGV COJX GI CO CWF BUU 
QWST CWSR-HXE?

The clue and answer are below, Rot-13 encoded.

Clue: P rdhnyf U
Answer: ZVTUG N SEHFGENGRQ GRYRZNEXRGRE FRRX CFLPUVNGEVP URYC VS UR 
UNQ GBB ZNAL UNAT-HCF?

(Just in case there's anyone out there who doesn't know what rot-13 is:

ABCDEFGHIJKLM
NOPQRSTUVWXYZ

Find each letter in the diagram above, and replace it with the letter 
above or below it. Better yet, look for the "rot-13" command in your 
newsreader or e-mail program.)

If you enjoyed this Cryptoquip, look for it in your local newspaper.

------------------------------

End of TELECOM Digest V20 #160
******************************
    
    
From editor@telecom-digest.org  Sat Feb 16 00:53:54 2002
Received: (from ptownson@localhost)
	by massis.lcs.mit.edu (8.9.1/8.9.1) id AAA13341;
	Sat, 16 Feb 2002 00:53:54 -0500 (EST)
Date: Sat, 16 Feb 2002 00:53:54 -0500 (EST)
From: editor@telecom-digest.org
Message-Id: <200202160553.AAA13341@massis.lcs.mit.edu>
To: ptownson
Approved: patsnewlist
Subject: TELECOM Digest V20 #161

TELECOM Digest     Sat, 16 Feb 2002 00:52:00 EST    Volume 20 : Issue 161

Inside This Issue:                             Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    2/15/2002  ICB HeadsUp Headlines (Judith Oppenheimer)
    'Star Trek' Tech Gets Limited Approval (Monty Solomon)
    FCC Rules Seek High-Speed Shift (Monty Solomon)
    Re: Wireless Phones For Text (was Re: Repeated Characters)(Jay Ashworth)
    Re: Netscape Poll on International Monitors in Israel (Gary Novosielski)
    Telecom Argentina (Silvio Halcon)
    FCC Moving to Legalize ILEC Monopolies on DSL (David Chessler)
    Re: Need Data (Marcus Didius Falco)
    Cell Phone Booster Antennas (Lou Jahn)
    Re: AOL Customers Livid Over Huge Phone Bills After Areacode (D.Esan)
    What Can Use a HYBRID LINE Card on a DEFINITY Switch? (Dirk)
    Re: Comcast Tracks Users' Web Browsing (Loren Cahlander)
    Motorola V66,V60 Unlock + IMEI Change, Language Installation (Victor)
    Re: Need Data (John R. Levine)
    Re: Repeated Characters on Cellphones (John R. Levine)
    Re: Small Office Phone System (Mike V.)
    Broadband Bill Set For House Floor Action Feb. 27 (Marcus Didius Falco)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
exclusively to telecommunications topics. It is circulated anywhere
there is email, in addition to various telecom forums on a variety of
networks such as Compuserve and America On Line, and other forums.
It is also gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated 
newsgroup 'comp.dcom.telecom'.

TELECOM Digest is a not-for-profit, mostly non-commercial educational
service offered to the Internet by Patrick Townson. All the contents
of the Digest are compilation-copyrighted. You may reprint articles in
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and that of the original author.

Contact information:    Patrick Townson/TELECOM Digest
                        Post Office Box 50
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*************************************************************************
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Access to Premium (P) links requires upgrade to a paid subscription.

One click a day feeds a person a meal.  Go to http://www.thehungersite.com

Only subscribers or registered users of ICB Toll Free News web site
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LEGAL STUFF: TELECOM Digest (sm) is owned by Patrick Townson.
Copyright 2000 ICB, Inc. and TELECOM Digest. All rights reserved.
Our attorney is Bill Levant, of Blue Bell, PA.

   In addition, a gift from Mike Sandman, Chicago's Telecom Expert
   has enabled me to replace some obsolete computer equipment and
   enter the 21st century sort of on schedule. His mail order 
   telephone parts/supplies service based in the Chicago area has
   been widely recognized by Digest readers as a reliable and very
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   a free catalog today at http://www.sandman.com 
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Finally, the Digest is funded by gifts from generous readers such as
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Please make at least a single donation to cover the cost of processing
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All opinions expressed herein are deemed to be those of the author. Any
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should not be considered any official expression by the organization.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Judith Oppenheimer <joppenheimer@icbtollfree.com>
Subject: 2/15/2002  ICB HeadsUp Headlines
Date: Fri, 15 Feb 2002 22:14:27 -0500


http://ICBTollFreeNews.Com HEADS UP HEADLINES

 from ICB Toll Free News - Covering the Political, Legal
and Marketing Arenas of 800, ENUM and Dot Com.

CONTENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDING FEBRUARY 15, 2002

FEATURE STORY:

P - THIS REVOLUTION, WILL NOT BE TELEVISED.
Mike Roberts, former ICANN President and more recently member of its
"Program Committee", seems intent on driving home the message that
ordinary Internet users should pay ICANN, or abdicate voting rights.
p.s. Remote webcast withdrawn, this revolution will not be televised.

CONTINUED HERE:  http://www.icbtollfree.com/article.cfm?articleId=5595

- THIS REVOLUTION, WILL NOT BE TELEVISED.

- NTIA'S INTERNET: A RUNAWAY TRAIN?

- SPEAKING OF NEUSTAR

- IS NEUSTAR A F*CKED COMPANY?

- INSIDE JOB: ICANN HIRES CRISPIN

/=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= advertisement =-=-=-\

ENUM changes all the rules. Will you be ready?

***  http://www.judithoppenheimer.com/enumsurvival.html  ***

\=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=/

- FCC 800 ROUNDTABLE SCHEDULED FOR MARCH 4

- FCC ANTHRAX ACTION

- WORLDCOM BREAKS RANKS

- IF ITS GOOD FOR THE GOOSE ...

- IF ALM'S YOUR ISSUE, SKIP GHANA

- ICANN CONTINUES PADDING ITS PAYROLL

ARTICLE ACCESS CODE LEGEND

ICB Toll Free News offers two valuable service options:
F = Free - News and Features articles
P = Premium - Unlimited Site Access including all Articles and Documents.

Registration information is not sold, leased or rented.

***  For additional information about topics and stories,
keyword search here:  http://www.icbtollfree.com/Search.cfm.

P - THIS REVOLUTION, WILL NOT BE TELEVISED.

Mike Roberts, former ICANN President and more recently member of its
"Program Committee", seems intent on driving home the message that
ordinary Internet users should pay ICANN, or abdicate voting rights:
"At Large comes up for the final vote in Ghana in March and it's
nearly dead" ... "There are tens of millions of Internet users," he
said earlier, "who routinely use credit cards for secure online
transactions," adding later, "If' there's no money where the mouth is
[membership fees payable to ICANN} ... the handwriting is on the
wall."  p.s. Remote webcast withdrawn, this revolution will not be
televised.  CONTINUED HERE:
http://www.icbtollfree.com/article.cfm?articleId=5595

P - NTIA'S INTERNET: A RUNAWAY TRAIN?

U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy: "The
Administrative Procedure Act (APA) ensures that unelected
administrators, who are not directly accountable to the populace, are
forced to justify their quasi-legislative rulemaking before an
informed and skeptical public."  Apparently, at least when it comes to
the internet, the National Telecommunications and Information
Administration (NTIA) could care less.  CONTINUED HERE:
http://www.icbtollfree.com/article.cfm?articleId=5594

F - SPEAKING OF NEUSTAR

What ever happened to the "policy advisory" body it promised to create
for dotUS?  CONTINUED HERE:
http://www.icbtollfree.com/article.cfm?articleId=5593

F - IS NEUSTAR A F*CKED COMPANY?

"I can't believe we can continue to service the deals we have. After
the dotBIZ fiasco, the dotUS disaster is going to be even bigger. So
we will have two failed gTLD's, and a oversized, overstaffed, overpaid
senior management team."  CONTINUED HERE:
http://www.icbtollfree.com/article.cfm?articleId=5591

F - INSIDE JOB: ICANN HIRES CRISPIN

"... depending on how you want to look at it, after this "long
international search," ICANN has either rewarded Crispin for keeping
secrets (if he did what they told him to) or chosen the one person on
the planet they know from direct experience cannot be relied on to do
professional technical work." by Ted Byfield 
CONTINUED HERE: http://www.icbtollfree.com/article.cfm?articleId=5592

/=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= advertisement =-=-=-\

-- Lost and Stolen Number Retrieval  --  ENUM Survival Strategies
-- Crisis Resolution  --  Vanity Number Issues, Guidance & Navigation
-- Tollfree Number Traces  --  Representation at SNAC, ENUM & ICANN Forums
-- Strategic Leadership + Competitive Intelligence  --  Custom Research
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-- Custom Problem Solving: disputes, litigation support, RespOrg issues,
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ICB Consultancy  --  http://1800TheExpert.com

\=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=.=/

Looking for the best 800 and long distance rates available today?
Choose from multiple programs - Rates as low as 2.9 per minute,
with no monthly minimums or hidden service charges!
Click here:  http://WhoSells800.com

\=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=/

F - FCC 800 ROUNDTABLE SCHEDULED FOR MARCH 4

This forum is open to the public. Parties interested in attending the
forum, but not participating in the roundtable discussion, will have
an opportunity to comment or ask questions.  CONTINUED HERE:
http://www.icbtollfree.com/article.cfm?articleId=5590

F - FCC ANTHRAX ACTION 
Preliminary test results indicated a small
amount of anthrax contamination at the FCC's off-site mail processing
center in Capitol Heights, Maryland.  CONTINUED HERE:
http://www.icbtollfree.com/article.cfm?articleId=5586

P - WORLDCOM BREAKS RANKS

What new Worldcom 800 agenda does this apparent strategy and/or policy
shift represent?        CONTINUED HERE:
http://www.icbtollfree.com/article.cfm?articleId=5584

F - IF ITS GOOD FOR THE GOOSE ...

The last time we looked, thanks to cannibalizing corporate trademark
interests, everyone ain't free to use "m", "t", or the rest of the
alphabet.  End rant.  CONTINUED HERE:
http://www.icbtollfree.com/article.cfm?articleId=5585

P - IF ALM'S YOUR ISSUE, SKIP GHANA

Word is, the fate of the At Large Membership will be decided during
ICANN's private retreat, three weeks earlier.  CONTINUED HERE:
http://www.icbtollfree.com/article.cfm?articleId=5587

P - ICANN CONTINUES PADDING ITS PAYROLL

Congratulations, Kent. In true ICANN fashion, you've earned it.
CONTINUED HERE:  http://www.icbtollfree.com/article.cfm?articleId=5588

EVERY 3.6 SECONDS SOMEONE DIES FROM HUNGER
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------------------------------

Date: Fri, 15 Feb 2002 23:17:33 -0500
From: Monty Solomon <monty@roscom.com>
Subject: 'Star Trek' Tech Gets Limited Approval


'Star Trek' Tech Gets Limited Approval

By Yuki Noguchi
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, February 15, 2002; Page E01

Federal regulators gave a tentative go-ahead yesterday for a new
wireless technology that would make it possible for home machines to
"talk" to one another, for federal agents to locate hidden or lost
people behind walls, and for cars to stop automatically before hitting
a pedestrian.

Start-up companies, the Department of Commerce and analysts hailed the
Federal Communications Commission's decision as a victory for
consumers and the industry.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A12590-2002Feb14.html

------------------------------

Date: Fri, 15 Feb 2002 23:50:11 -0500
From: Monty Solomon <monty@roscom.com>
Subject: FCC Rules Seek High-Speed Shift


Phone Firms Would Keep Cable Rights

By Jonathan Krim
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, February 15, 2002; Page E01

The Federal Communications Commission yesterday proposed that
high-speed Internet access provided by telephone companies not be
subject to the same regulations governing basic telephone service, a
move that could redefine how Americans receive broadband service.

If adopted, the rules would hand large regional telephone companies a 
key victory: They would not be required to allow competitors to offer 
Internet access, e-mail and other services over the same souped-up 
telephone lines the regional carriers use to deliver high-speed 
service.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A12815-2002Feb14.html

------------------------------

From: Jay R. Ashworth <jra@dorothy.baylink.com>
Subject: Re: Wireless Phones For Text (was Re: Repeated Characters)
Reply-To: jra@baylink.com
Date: Fri, 15 Feb 2002 02:15:49 GMT
Organization: RoadRunner - TampaBay


Stanley settled back into the couch, and Marcus Didius Falco
<marcus_d_falco@yahoo.com> said to him:

>  On another list I have seen a story of someone who was on Cape Cod on
>  9/11.  He wanted to call his wife in Boston to see whether she would
>  come down to him, or he return home. Phones in the east were
>  impossible that day. He sent her a text message, she got it on her
>  email, and he got her reply on his cell phone. It took a couple of
>  minutes.

This was computer security writer Simson Garfinkel, writing for, I
believe, Wired.  Excellent piece, indeed.  Low bandwidth
communications do have their place.

I can hear the "no, I had to learn Morse; you have to learn it too"
hams' saying "I told you so" all the way from here...


Cheers,

Jay R. Ashworth                                      jra@baylink.com
Member of the Technical Staff     Baylink
The Suncoast Freenet         The Things I Think
Tampa Bay, Florida        http://baylink.pitas.com   +1 727 647 1274

        God, unlike Anya, is fond of bunnies.  -- Chelsea Christenson

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 14 Feb 2002 21:19:30 -0500
From: Gary Novosielski <gpn@techie.com>
Subject: Re: Netscape Poll on International Monitors in Israel


On Thu, 14 Feb 2002 00:01:24 -0500 (EST), John R. Covert 
<nospam@covert.org> wrote:

> Not sure why we're discussing this in Telecom:
>> Should international monitors be sent to Israel and the
>> Palestinian territories?
>> Yes: 79% ...
>> No:  21% ...

> If I remember correctly the Palestinians BEGGING for international
> monitors about a year ago, and Israel was saying NO WAY at all.

Yeah, they still are.  I'm still surprised the poll is below 90%. I 
damn-sure voted yes.  Who in their right mind wouldn't?

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 14 Feb 2002 23:38:24 ART
From: <silvio_halcon2001@yahoo.com.ar>
Subject: Telecom Argentina


No entiendo el idioma por eso no puedo leer la pagina esa me
interesaria saber mas de ustedes pero en espaol y saber si me
pueden ayudar.

[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note:  Will one of you guys please read the
above to me?  I am hoping its not spam.    PAT]

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 14 Feb 2002 21:25:27 -0500
From: David Chessler <chessler@usa.net>
Subject: FCC Moving to Legalize ILEC Monopolies on DSL


Looks as if the FCC is blowing another opportunity to get some
competition in the local exchange market.

* Original: FROM ... Dave Farber

  ------ Forwarded Message
  From: "Mike O'Dell"
  Date: Thu, 14 Feb 2002 16:06:21 -0500 (EST)

http://www.newsbytes.com/news/02/174510.html

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) today said it has
tentatively concluded that broadband Internet access provided over
phone lines constitutes an "information service," and as such may not
be subject to the open-access rules that govern the nation's phone
networks.

While the text of today's "notice of proposed rulemaking" probably
won't be made publicly available for a couple days, the FCC signaled
that it intends to remove some of the regulatory fetters that dictate
how the nation's four Bell phone giants offer broadband services.

<snip>

For archives see:
http://www.interesting-people.org/archives/interesting-people/

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 14 Feb 2002 22:50:03 -0500
From: Marcus Didius Falco <marcus_d_falco@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: Need Data


McMillin, Stephen H <sm1638@sbc.com> said:

> Patrick,

> Is there a site that I can find revenue/inservice data for long distance
> companies.  It is for a report at school.

This is on the FCC's web site. The best place to get it is in the
ARMIS reports that carriers file:
http://gullfoss.fcc.gov:8080/cgi-bin/websql/prod/ccb/armis1/forms/armis.hts

or summarized by the Economics division in the various annual reports.
You're specifically looking for Statistics of Common Carriers. I think
you can link to that off the ARMIS page.

http://www.fcc.gov/ccb/armis/ or just follow the links from the Common
Carrier main page www.fcc.gov/ccb

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 14 Feb 2002 22:58:29 -0500
From: Lou Jahn <LouJahn@compuserve.com>
Subject: Cell Phone Booster Antennas


Pat-

Could I enter in this request into a future digest?  I am looking for
comments by TD readers as to whether Cell Phone Booster Antennas
really work or help? The only ones I've seen are the flat type that
fit under the battery.

Is there practical way to extend the range of a typical Nokia phone?
We lose signal strength on the AT&T system and the weirdest places.


Regards,

Lou  Jahn

------------------------------

From: davidesan@att.net (David Esan)
Subject: Re: AOL Customers Livid Over Huge Phone Bills After Areacode
Date: 15 Feb 2002 04:49:40 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


The morning paper here in Rochester, where this has occurred, says
that Frontier has agreed not to charge the customers, but they blame
AOL.  AOL blames Frontier for their implementation of the area code
split.

My best guess is that is an AOL problem.  

When the split was announced, my ISP, ATT Worldnet, automatically
changed the number I dial from 512-xxxx to 585-512-xxxx.  A good way
to go -- its really the same number, and I'm assured that it will
remain a local call.

Now lets say that AOL chose to be really fancy and examine the
telephone number of its user.  It discovers that the user is in the
716 area code (which was true prior to the split, and since we are in
the permissive period, is still true).  It then redirects the dialup
to a 716 number in the new and smaller 716 area code, eg somewhere in
Buffalo, which will incur long distance charges for the Rochester
user.

I'm not sure how Frontier figures in here anyway.  Its just a long
distance carrier.  Local service here is done by Rochester Telephone,
a division of Citizens.  (Rochester Tel used to own Frontier, which
was bought by Global Crossing, which sold RochTel to Citizens, before
its own demise.  The Global meltdown is being treated here like Enron
in Houston.)

------------------------------

From: DAM-MAN@SWBELL.NET (Dirk)
Subject: What Can Use a HYBRID LINE Card on a DEFINITY Switch?
Date: 15 Feb 2002 05:35:46 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


I have a few HYBRID LINE cards in my switch and was wondering what
model phones can actually be put on those cards?

I have heard that there are some phones that have ISDN capapbility.
Does that mean you can connect a ISDN modem to them and use it's
service? Kind of like you can use an analog modem on an 8411D?

------------------------------

From: Loren Cahlander <loren@ensodex.com>
Subject: Re: Comcast Tracks Users' Web Browsing
Date: Fri, 15 Feb 2002 09:39:48 -0600
Organization: StarNet Communications, Inc.


'robert@bonomi.invalid wrote:

> Reported in today's (Feb 14) Wall Street Journal, Comcast has backed off
> _completely_ from doing this. Says they will not keep any such data.

What is it with these large corporations?  Why do they assume that we
won't mind them tracking us?

------------------------------

From: den@comoc.ru (www.VictorGsm.net)
Subject: Motorola V66,V60 Unlock + IMEI Change, Language Installation
Date: 15 Feb 2002 11:39:32 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


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- GSM (V66,V60, T280), CDMA (V60c) , TDMA, WCDMA 

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- Language only flashing (Fast language only flashing)
- Phone flexing (Activating and deactivating phone features)
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- You can buy flashing only software and get 15 free logs, or 
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Mail us now : info@victorgsm.net
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VictorGSM.net Team
Email: info@victorgsm.net
Web..: www.victorgsm.net

------------------------------

Date: 15 Feb 2002 16:56:23 -0500
From: johnl@iecc.com (John R. Levine)
Subject: Re: Need Data
Organization: I.E.C.C., Trumansburg NY USA


> Is there a site that I can find revenue/inservice data for long distance
> companies.  It is for a report at school.

For the ones that are publicly held, which is all the big ones, you
can get lots of useful data from their quarterly and annual financial
filings.  Visit http://edgar.sec.gov.


John R. Levine, IECC, POB 727, Trumansburg NY 14886 +1 607 387 6869
johnl@iecc.com, Village Trustee and Sewer Commissioner,
http://iecc.com/johnl, Member, Provisional board, Coalition Against
Unsolicited Commercial E-mail

------------------------------

Date: 15 Feb 2002 17:00:41 -0500
From: johnl@iecc.com (John R. Levine)
Subject: Re: Repeated Characters on Cellphones
Organization: I.E.C.C., Trumansburg NY USA


>> How does the phone know if I meant "kiss" or "lips"?

> On all my Nokia phones, it guesses.

This technology is very well developed in Japan.  Written Japanese is
a combination of kana, which are phonetic characters, and kanji, which
are word symbols adapted from Chinese.  There are thousands of kanji,
so the way you type in Japanese is that you start typing the kana, and
it starts guessing the kanji until you hit a key telling it to accept
the kanji and start the next word.  Japanese has lots of homonyms,
words with different meanings and kanji but identical pronunciation
and kana, so they need very sophisticated schemes to guess the kanji
well.

Doing this on a phone keyboard is a little harder than on an
alphabetic one, but the techniques are the same.


John R. Levine, IECC, POB 727, Trumansburg NY 14886 +1 607 387 6869
johnl@iecc.com, Village Trustee and Sewer Commissioner,
http://iecc.com/johnl, Member, Provisional board, Coalition Against
Unsolicited Commercial E-mail

------------------------------

From: valemike@yahoo.com (Mike V.)
Subject: Re: Small Office Phone System
Date: 15 Feb 2002 17:17:49 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


Hello,

To expand on the Ericsson WebSwitch 2000 suggestion, looks like you
need an "M2" (i.e. two slots) WS2000. In these slots, you put in one
supplied analog trunk card, and one analog extension card. You in fact
can get up to eight analog lines in here. In fact, you dont really
even need an analog extension card. Just need an analog trunk. Get a
hub, and 5 or more IP Phones that Ericsson sells.

------------------------------

Date: Fri, 15 Feb 2002 22:07:45 -0500
From: Marcus Didius Falco <marcus_d_falco@yahoo.com>
Subject: Broadband Bill Set For House Floor Action Feb. 27 (Was:


CQ DAILY MONITOR MIDDAY UPDATE
Published by Congressional Quarterly and the CQ Daily Monitor
www.CQ.com

Thursday, February 7, 2002 - 1:57 p.m.

BROADBAND BILL SET FOR HOUSE FLOOR ACTION FEB. 27

     House Majority Leader Dick Armey, Texas, today made it official:
Legislation designed to deregulate the high-speed data market will be
on the House floor Feb. 27. It will be the primary business of the
House when it returns from the Presidents Day recess that begins next
Thursday or Friday. The broadband measure sponsored by Energy and
Commerce Committee Chairman Billy Tauzin, R-La., would loosen
restrictions in the 1996 telecommunications law (PL 104-104) that
require the Baby Bells to open local networks to competition before
they can enter the long-distance telephone and data transmission
market. The Tauzin bill, pushed by the Baby Bells, is strongly opposed
by AT&T Corp., and by smaller telecommunications service providers
that compete with the Baby Bells.

------------------------------

End of TELECOM Digest V20 #161
******************************
    
    
From editor@telecom-digest.org  Sun Feb 17 17:10:56 2002
Received: (from ptownson@localhost)
	by massis.lcs.mit.edu (8.9.1/8.9.1) id RAA16171;
	Sun, 17 Feb 2002 17:10:56 -0500 (EST)
Date: Sun, 17 Feb 2002 17:10:56 -0500 (EST)
From: editor@telecom-digest.org
Message-Id: <200202172210.RAA16171@massis.lcs.mit.edu>
To: ptownson
Approved: patsnewlist
Subject: TELECOM Digest V20 #161

TELECOM Digest     Sun, 17 Feb 2002 17:11:00 EST    Volume 20 : Issue 162

Inside This Issue:                             Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    Re: Telecom Argentina (Michael Neary)
    Re: Telecom Argentina (Robert Bonomi)
    Re: Telecom Argentina (Ed Ellers)
    Re: Telecom Argentina (Jay R. Ashworth)
    Translation From the Spanish (John Schwartz)
    Re: Cell Phone Booster Antennas (Joseph Singer)
    Re: Cell Phone Booster Antennas (Jay R. Ashworth)
    Ultra Wide Band (Robb Duffield)
    Autovon Information (Nitoy Nitoy)
    NameZero are Thieves! Anyone Else Experiencing This? (corkie)
    News From Other Media (Monty Solomon)
    The Latest Fad From Japan (Marcus Didius Falco)
    Re: Fall of the Pre-Paid Revolution (Julian Thomas)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
exclusively to telecommunications topics. It is circulated anywhere
there is email, in addition to various telecom forums on a variety of
networks such as Compuserve and America On Line, and other forums.
It is also gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated 
newsgroup 'comp.dcom.telecom'.

TELECOM Digest is a not-for-profit, mostly non-commercial educational
service offered to the Internet by Patrick Townson. All the contents
of the Digest are compilation-copyrighted. You may reprint articles in
some other media on an occasional basis, but please attribute my work
and that of the original author.

Contact information:    Patrick Townson/TELECOM Digest
                        Post Office Box 50
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                        Phone: 630-841-7174
                        Email: editor@telecom-digest.org

Subscribe:  telecom-subscribe@telecom-digest.org
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This Digest is the oldest continuing e-journal about telecomm-
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----------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Michael Neary <mike@neary.com>
Subject: Re: Telecom Argentina
Date: Fri, 15 Feb 2002 22:29:36 -0800
Reply-To: mike@neary.com


The translation from translator.dictionary.com:
Subject: Telecom Argentina

I do not understand the language for that reason I cannot read the
pagina that interesaria one to know to me but of you but in espaol and
to know if they can help me.


Mike

------------------------------

Subject: Re: Telecom Argentina
From: robert@bonomi.invalid (Robert Bonomi)
Organization: Not Much
Date: Sat, 16 Feb 2002 16:38:04 GMT


[ note: I'm not an invalid,  just a dot-com ]
In article <telecom20.161.6@telecom-digest.org>,
<silvio_halcon2001@yahoo.com.ar> wrote:

> No entiendo el idioma por eso no puedo leer la pagina esa me
> interesaria saber mas de ustedes pero en espaol y saber si me
> pueden ayudar.

> [TELECOM Digest Editor's Note:  Will one of you guys please read the
> above to me?  I am hoping its not spam.    PAT]

Roughly [ per "Babel Fish" <http://babelfish.altavista.com> ] :

  I do not understand the language for that reason I cannot read the
pages(?)  that interest(?) one to know to me but of you but in
Spanish(?) and to know if they "mepueden" to help.


Guessing (idiomatic clean-up):

I do not understand the language,  for that reason I cannot read the pages
that I am interested in learning from --  Do you have them available in 
Spanish, or know someone able to help.

Probably the best thing to do is point him to the Babel Fish (per URL
above), which will do translations for him.  You'll probably need to
run *your* reply through the 'fish, to get the Spanish for him.  Keep
the language simple, and the sentances short, and bablefish does a
pretty good job.

------------------------------

From: Ed Ellers <ed_ellers@msn.com>
Subject: Re: Telecom Argentina
Date: Sat, 16 Feb 2002 15:45:27 -0500


PAT wrote:

> "Will one of you guys please read the above to me?  I am hoping its not
> spam."

AltaVista (http://babelfish.altavista.com/) says it says:

"I do not understand the language for that reason I cannot read the
pagina that interesaria one to know to me but of you but in espaol and
to know if they can help me."

Not much, but it isn't spam.

------------------------------

Date: Sat, 16 Feb 2002 12:49:10 -0500
From: Jay R. Ashworth <jra@baylink.com>
Subject: Re: Telecom Argentina]
Organization: Ashworth & Associates, St Pete FL USA


My sis took Spanish.  :-)

Forwarded message from "Pamela J. Ashworth" <pashworth@mindspring.com>

 From: "Pamela J. Ashworth" <pashworth@mindspring.com>
 To: jra@baylink.com (Jay R. Ashworth)
 Date: Sat, 16 Feb 2002 12:26:04 -0500
 Subject: Re: Fwd: Telecom Argentina

> From: <silvio_halcon2001@yahoo.com.ar>
> Newsgroups: comp.dcom.telecom
> Subject: Telecom Argentina

> No entiendo el idioma por eso no puedo leer la pagina esa me
> interesaria saber mas de ustedes pero en espaol y saber si me
> pueden ayudar.

I don't understand the language for this can't read the page this 
interests me to know more of you but in Spanish (misspelled) and 
know if you can help me.

It would be better if the sender decided to end a sentence here and 
there. Sorry for the syntax; I couldn't tell where the sentences 
should end.

Pam from Boston

Latest Scott Bakula Appearances and News --*==*-- http://www.BakulaNews.com
      Scott Bakula starring in ENTERPRISE, Wednesdays at 8 on UPN
	     "I'm not obsessive, I'm FOCUSED"
    "It's always something. The problem is finding out *what* it is..."


Jay R. Ashworth                                       jra@baylink.com
Member of the Technical Staff     Baylink             RFC 2100
The Suncoast Freenet         The Things I Think
Tampa Bay, Florida        http://baylink.pitas.com    +1 727 647 1274

   "If you don't have a dream; how're you gonna have a dream come true?"
     -- Captain Sensible, The Damned (from South Pacific's "Happy Talk")

------------------------------

Date: 16 Feb 2002 10:54:35 MST
From: John Schwartz <schwartz@usa.net>
Subject: Translation From the Spanish


> No entiendo el idioma por eso no puedo leer la pagina esa me
> interesaria saber mas de ustedes pero en espaol y saber si me
> pueden ayudar

I don't understand the language.  Therefore I can't read the page.  It
would interest me to know more about you, but in Spanish, and know if
you can help me.


J.  

[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: To all you folks who provided me with
this translation, thanks very much.  I hope you same guys will get
back with this fellow and engage in some conversation with him and try
to find out *precisely* what it is he wants to know and how we can
help him if possible. Maybe I should change TELECOM Digest to look
more like Readers Digest, with fifty or so other languages in addition
to English.  In fact Readers Digest had been around twenty years or so
in the early 1940's when Dewitt Wallace and his wife Lila started
their first 'foreign language' edition, which I think was Spanish.
Would any of you like to take over the foreign language edition(s) of
this Digest, and pipe it through Babel-Fish (unless you know some
language well enough to do it for real) then dump it into the news-
group or operate a mailing list for that language?  I can't pay you
anything for it, but if you love telecom stuff and enjoy talking about
it, then you will get your reward.  :)

An aquaintence of mine and his wife translate the talk shows and
religious stuff on Family Stations, Inc into *Mandarin Chinese* (I
believe that is the dialect) and ship it off to Oakland, CA every day
for broadcast the next day on the Chinese shortwave station Family
Radio operates from their Oakland facilty on Hegenberg (?)
Road. Locally in SFCA it is station KEAR.  The European and African
shortwave stuff goes from their Florida facility. How would you like
to have a job where you listened to the radio all day and translated
it into another language on the spot for rebroadcasting in another
country?  To me, that would be a dream job. I would love doing it. I'm
sorry I only speak/write English, and not all that well at that.  :(
PAT]

------------------------------

From: Joseph Singer <joeofseattle@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: Cell Phone Booster Antennas
Date: Sat, 16 Feb 2002 09:15:44 -0800
Organization: Drizzle
Reply-To: joeofseattle@yahoo.com


On Thu, 14 Feb 2002 22:58:29 -0500, Lou Jahn <LouJahn@compuserve.com>
wrote:

> Pat-

> Could I enter in this request into a future digest?  I am looking for
> comments by TD readers as to whether Cell Phone Booster Antennas
> really work or help? The only ones I've seen are the flat type that
> fit under the battery.

> Is there practical way to extend the range of a typical Nokia phone?
> We lose signal strength on the AT&T system and the weirdest places.

The sticker for $19.95 as seen on TV or for 25 dollars in eBay are
worthless junk and won't do anything for you except relieve you of
some of your money. 

Personal replies are likely not read.  Please reply in the newsgroup.

------------------------------

From: Jay R. Ashworth <jra@dorothy.baylink.com>
Subject: Re: Cell Phone Booster Antennas
Reply-To: jra@baylink.com
Date: Sat, 16 Feb 2002 17:14:44 GMT
Organization: RoadRunner - TampaBay


Stanley settled back into the couch, and Lou Jahn <LouJahn@
compuserve.com> said to him:

>  Could I enter in this request into a future digest?  I am looking for
>  comments by TD readers as to whether Cell Phone Booster Antennas
>  really work or help? The only ones I've seen are the flat type that
>  fit under the battery.

>  Is there practical way to extend the range of a typical Nokia phone?
>  We lose signal strength on the AT&T system and the weirdest places.

So far as anyone I know has been able to tell, no, they don't.
Passive re-radiators are not a useless idea, but customarily, they've
been designed to be placed somewhere where they get a *better* view of
the remote radio site -- like those cellular passive antennas that you
put on your car windshield.

If you are losing signal in places you wouldn't expect -- *CALL YOUR
CARRIER AND COMPLAIN*.  Who ever said that Microsoft found it more
cost effective to promote fault-tolerant users than fault-tolerant
computing had it pegged.  You get the class of service you tolerate.

If any given carrier had *10* people in any given market who took
notes about the bad spots, and climbed all over customer service once
a week until they were fixed, we'd have better service.

Cheers,

Jay R. Ashworth                                        jra@baylink.com
Member of the Technical Staff     Baylink
The Suncoast Freenet         The Things I Think
Tampa Bay, Florida        http://baylink.pitas.com     +1 727 647 1274

 God, unlike Anya, is fond of bunnies.  -- Chelsea Christenson

[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note:  Mike Sandman said the same thing to
me: that the little stickers you put inside the phone next to the
battery are worthless junk. I thought maybe Mike (sandman.com) was
biased since he sells a lot of phone stuff in his catalog including
a repeater-like thing which uses a regular antenna on your roof then
transmits the signal to several regular cell phones inside your
premises. I've had conversations with Mike about AT&T Wireless which
is my carrier.  They're not very active in this area of Kansas, and
that leaves me with a poorer signal over all than I would like.   PAT]

------------------------------

From: duffiera@hotmail.com (Robb Duffield)
Subject: Ultra Wide Band
Date: 16 Feb 2002 16:03:38 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


Does anyone have a comment on the FCC's ruling regarding UWB?  How
about it's ramifications for the incumbent wireless, long-haul, ISP
providers, etc.?  Any recommendation on a group that discusses UWB
specifically?

------------------------------

From: Nitoy Nitoy <nitoy69@hotmail.com>
Subject: AUTOVON Information
Date: Sun, 17 Feb 2002 01:14:23 +0000


Mark-

Are you still looking for historical information on AUTOVON?  I worked
on the upgrade from the analog to digital transmission system in 1988
at AT&T.  We installed a Phillips Nx5 (I believe) 140 Mb/s system.  We
did not upgrade the coax to fiber because fiber darkens with the
incidence of atomic radiation.  If you would like more information let
me know.  I was involved with the First Office Application between
Cheyenne Mt. and Lamar (my boss wanted to go to the Mountain so I got
stuck in Lamar!).  I remember that the 60's vintage nuclear blast
detector had been turned off for some time since the trucks on the
nearest highway kept setting it off, sealing the unfortunate craft
inside the hardened facility!

------------------------------

From: google@nosfratu.com (corkie)
Subject: NameZero are Thieves! Anyone Else Experiencing This?
Date: 16 Feb 2002 18:49:31 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


Last year, I paid for a domain through them for 5 years under a
special offer they where running. (Cost $79.95). They are now looking
1 year later for more money for the domain.

1) Anyone have a domain with them and managed to transfer it else
where?

2) How do I force them in to refunding the Difference in Cost  for 5
years, to 1?

Advice please?

John O. Connell

------------------------------

Date: Sat, 16 Feb 2002 13:57:41 -0500
From: Monty Solomon <monty@roscom.com>
Subject: News From Other Media


Utah Getting Traffic 411 on 511
By Elisa Batista

2:00 a.m. Feb. 16, 2002 PST

Hundreds of thousands of Winter Olympic Game spectators are crowding
the streets of Salt Lake City, but Bill Justesen has managed to slice
into town on his daily 65-mile commute.

Justesen, a computer programmer who drives to work in downtown Salt
Lake City from the southern suburb of Payson, Utah, dials 5-1-1 on his
wireless phone as soon as he gets in his car. A pre-recorded operator
then tells him about traffic conditions and provides alternative
routes to the city if an accident were to occur.

The 511 service in Utah, free to call from any phone, is completely 
voice-activated -- the first of its kind in the country.

http://www.wired.com/news/wireless/0,1382,50355,00.html

Behind Global Crossing's failure

 From Knowledge@Wharton
Special to CNET News.com
February 16, 2002, 6:00 AM PT


It seemed like a no-brainer at the time: As more people surfed the
information superhighway, demand for bandwidth would skyrocket,
companies would send and receive ever larger amounts of data,
consumers would watch feature-length movies with a click of the mouse,
and everyone would have a sudden yearning for streaming audio at all
hours of the day.

Naturally, any company that built infrastructure to support that kind
of data transmission would be hailed as the great enabler, the
all-powerful provider of transport nirvana. From a technology
standpoint, optical networking seemed to be the perfect way to realize
this vision.

http://news.com.com/2009-1033-839335.html

Hefty bill with added insult shocks Telecom customer

Telecom has ordered an investigation after a customer received an
account charging him a "penalty for being an arrogant bastard".

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/storydisplay.cfm?storyID=939017


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: We touched on this last item from Monty
a few days ago as a Last Laugh when I pointed you all a to a link with
a story of the 'arrogant bastard tax'.   

------------------------------

Date: Sat, 16 Feb 2002 13:41:43 -0500
From: Marcus Didius Falco <marcus_d_falco@yahoo.com>
Subject: The Latest Fad From Japan


According to a short note on the BBC last night, the latest fad from
Japan is false fingernails that flash to indicate your cell phone is
ringing.

Is this the solution to the problem of cellphones ringing in concerts,
movies, museums, and other inappropriate places?

------------------------------

From: jata@jata-mj.net (Julian Thomas)
Subject: Re: Fall of the Pre-Paid Revolution
Date: Sun, 17 Feb 2002 16:44:00 -0500
Organization: Posted via Supernews, http://www.supernews.com


In <telecom20.159.2@telecom-digest.org>, on 02/14/02 at 12:59 AM,
Marcus Didius Falco <marcus_d_falco@yahoo.com> said:

> I had this happen once with a reseller calling card. I called the motel
> front desk. They hadn't turned on long-distance on the phone in my room
> when I registered.

Had a similar situation - the card I was using at that time used an 877
access number, and the motel PBX hadn't been taught to treat that the same
as 800.


Julian Thomas: jt . jt-mj @ net  http://jt-mj.net
remove letter a for email (or switch . and @)
In the beautiful Finger Lakes Wine Country of New York State!
Boardmember of POSSI.org - Phoenix OS/2 Society, Inc 
http://www.possi.org

Hard work pays off in the future. Laziness pays off now.

------------------------------

End of TELECOM Digest V20 #162
******************************
    
    
From editor@telecom-digest.org  Sun Feb 17 17:12:47 2002
Received: (from ptownson@localhost)
	by massis.lcs.mit.edu (8.9.1/8.9.1) id RAA16394;
	Sun, 17 Feb 2002 17:12:47 -0500 (EST)
Date: Sun, 17 Feb 2002 17:12:47 -0500 (EST)
From: editor@telecom-digest.org
Message-Id: <200202172212.RAA16394@massis.lcs.mit.edu>
To: ptownson
Approved: patsnewlist
Subject: TELECOM Digest V20 #162

TELECOM Digest     Sun, 17 Feb 2002 17:11:00 EST    Volume 20 : Issue 162

Inside This Issue:                             Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    Re: Telecom Argentina (Michael Neary)
    Re: Telecom Argentina (Robert Bonomi)
    Re: Telecom Argentina (Ed Ellers)
    Re: Telecom Argentina (Jay R. Ashworth)
    Translation From the Spanish (John Schwartz)
    Re: Cell Phone Booster Antennas (Joseph Singer)
    Re: Cell Phone Booster Antennas (Jay R. Ashworth)
    Ultra Wide Band (Robb Duffield)
    Autovon Information (Nitoy Nitoy)
    NameZero are Thieves! Anyone Else Experiencing This? (corkie)
    News From Other Media (Monty Solomon)
    The Latest Fad From Japan (Marcus Didius Falco)
    Re: Fall of the Pre-Paid Revolution (Julian Thomas)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
exclusively to telecommunications topics. It is circulated anywhere
there is email, in addition to various telecom forums on a variety of
networks such as Compuserve and America On Line, and other forums.
It is also gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated 
newsgroup 'comp.dcom.telecom'.

TELECOM Digest is a not-for-profit, mostly non-commercial educational
service offered to the Internet by Patrick Townson. All the contents
of the Digest are compilation-copyrighted. You may reprint articles in
some other media on an occasional basis, but please attribute my work
and that of the original author.

Contact information:    Patrick Townson/TELECOM Digest
                        Post Office Box 50
                        Independence, KS 67301
                        Phone: 630-841-7174
                        Email: editor@telecom-digest.org

Subscribe:  telecom-subscribe@telecom-digest.org
Unsubscribe:telecom-unsubscribe@telecom-digest.org


This Digest is the oldest continuing e-journal about telecomm-
unications on the Internet, having been founded in August, 1981 and
published continuously since then.  Our archives are available for
your review/research. We believe we are the second oldest e-zine/
mailing list on the internet in any category!

URL information:        http://telecom-digest.org

Anonymous FTP: hyperarchive.lcs.mit.edu/telecom-archives/archives
  (or use our mirror site: ftp.epix.net/pub/telecom-archives)

Email <==> FTP:  telecom-archives@telecom-digest.org 

      Send a simple, one line note to that automated address for
      a help file on how to use the automatic retrieval system
      for archives files. You can get desired files in email.

*************************************************************************
*   TELECOM Digest is partially funded by a grant from                  *
*   Judith Oppenheimer, President of ICB Inc. and purveyor of accurate  *
*   800 & Dot Com News, Intelligence, Analysis, and Consulting.         *
*   http://ICBTollFree.com, http://1800TheExpert.com                    *
*   Views expressed herein should not be construed as representing      *
*   views of Judith Oppenheimer or ICB Inc.                             *
*************************************************************************

ICB Toll Free News.  Contact information is not sold, rented or leased.
Access to Premium (P) links requires upgrade to a paid subscription.

One click a day feeds a person a meal.  Go to http://www.thehungersite.com

Only subscribers or registered users of ICB Toll Free News web site
will be able to access all or some of the full text of URLs provided.

LEGAL STUFF: TELECOM Digest (sm) is owned by Patrick Townson.
Copyright 2000 ICB, Inc. and TELECOM Digest. All rights reserved.
Our attorney is Bill Levant, of Blue Bell, PA.

   In addition, a gift from Mike Sandman, Chicago's Telecom Expert
   has enabled me to replace some obsolete computer equipment and
   enter the 21st century sort of on schedule. His mail order 
   telephone parts/supplies service based in the Chicago area has
   been widely recognized by Digest readers as a reliable and very
   inexpensive source of telecom-related equipment. Please request
   a free catalog today at http://www.sandman.com 
   ---------------------------------------------------------------
    
Finally, the Digest is funded by gifts from generous readers such as
yourself who provide funding in amounts deemed appropriate. Your help
is important and appreciated. A suggested donation of twenty dollars
per year per reader is considered appropriate. See our address above.
Please make at least a single donation to cover the cost of processing
your name to the mailing list.

All opinions expressed herein are deemed to be those of the author. Any
organizations listed are for identification purposes only and messages
should not be considered any official expression by the organization.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Michael Neary <mike@neary.com>
Subject: Re: Telecom Argentina
Date: Fri, 15 Feb 2002 22:29:36 -0800
Reply-To: mike@neary.com


The translation from translator.dictionary.com:
Subject: Telecom Argentina

I do not understand the language for that reason I cannot read the
pagina that interesaria one to know to me but of you but in espaol and
to know if they can help me.


Mike

------------------------------

Subject: Re: Telecom Argentina
From: robert@bonomi.invalid (Robert Bonomi)
Organization: Not Much
Date: Sat, 16 Feb 2002 16:38:04 GMT


[ note: I'm not an invalid,  just a dot-com ]
In article <telecom20.161.6@telecom-digest.org>,
<silvio_halcon2001@yahoo.com.ar> wrote:

> No entiendo el idioma por eso no puedo leer la pagina esa me
> interesaria saber mas de ustedes pero en espaol y saber si me
> pueden ayudar.

> [TELECOM Digest Editor's Note:  Will one of you guys please read the
> above to me?  I am hoping its not spam.    PAT]

Roughly [ per "Babel Fish" <http://babelfish.altavista.com> ] :

  I do not understand the language for that reason I cannot read the
pages(?)  that interest(?) one to know to me but of you but in
Spanish(?) and to know if they "mepueden" to help.


Guessing (idiomatic clean-up):

I do not understand the language,  for that reason I cannot read the pages
that I am interested in learning from --  Do you have them available in 
Spanish, or know someone able to help.

Probably the best thing to do is point him to the Babel Fish (per URL
above), which will do translations for him.  You'll probably need to
run *your* reply through the 'fish, to get the Spanish for him.  Keep
the language simple, and the sentances short, and bablefish does a
pretty good job.

------------------------------

From: Ed Ellers <ed_ellers@msn.com>
Subject: Re: Telecom Argentina
Date: Sat, 16 Feb 2002 15:45:27 -0500


PAT wrote:

> "Will one of you guys please read the above to me?  I am hoping its not
> spam."

AltaVista (http://babelfish.altavista.com/) says it says:

"I do not understand the language for that reason I cannot read the
pagina that interesaria one to know to me but of you but in espaol and
to know if they can help me."

Not much, but it isn't spam.

------------------------------

Date: Sat, 16 Feb 2002 12:49:10 -0500
From: Jay R. Ashworth <jra@baylink.com>
Subject: Re: Telecom Argentina]
Organization: Ashworth & Associates, St Pete FL USA


My sis took Spanish.  :-)

Forwarded message from "Pamela J. Ashworth" <pashworth@mindspring.com>

 From: "Pamela J. Ashworth" <pashworth@mindspring.com>
 To: jra@baylink.com (Jay R. Ashworth)
 Date: Sat, 16 Feb 2002 12:26:04 -0500
 Subject: Re: Fwd: Telecom Argentina

> From: <silvio_halcon2001@yahoo.com.ar>
> Newsgroups: comp.dcom.telecom
> Subject: Telecom Argentina

> No entiendo el idioma por eso no puedo leer la pagina esa me
> interesaria saber mas de ustedes pero en espaol y saber si me
> pueden ayudar.

I don't understand the language for this can't read the page this 
interests me to know more of you but in Spanish (misspelled) and 
know if you can help me.

It would be better if the sender decided to end a sentence here and 
there. Sorry for the syntax; I couldn't tell where the sentences 
should end.

Pam from Boston

Latest Scott Bakula Appearances and News --*==*-- http://www.BakulaNews.com
      Scott Bakula starring in ENTERPRISE, Wednesdays at 8 on UPN
	     "I'm not obsessive, I'm FOCUSED"
    "It's always something. The problem is finding out *what* it is..."


Jay R. Ashworth                                       jra@baylink.com
Member of the Technical Staff     Baylink             RFC 2100
The Suncoast Freenet         The Things I Think
Tampa Bay, Florida        http://baylink.pitas.com    +1 727 647 1274

   "If you don't have a dream; how're you gonna have a dream come true?"
     -- Captain Sensible, The Damned (from South Pacific's "Happy Talk")

------------------------------

Date: 16 Feb 2002 10:54:35 MST
From: John Schwartz <schwartz@usa.net>
Subject: Translation From the Spanish


> No entiendo el idioma por eso no puedo leer la pagina esa me
> interesaria saber mas de ustedes pero en espaol y saber si me
> pueden ayudar

I don't understand the language.  Therefore I can't read the page.  It
would interest me to know more about you, but in Spanish, and know if
you can help me.


J.  

[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: To all you folks who provided me with
this translation, thanks very much.  I hope you same guys will get
back with this fellow and engage in some conversation with him and try
to find out *precisely* what it is he wants to know and how we can
help him if possible. Maybe I should change TELECOM Digest to look
more like Readers Digest, with fifty or so other languages in addition
to English.  In fact Readers Digest had been around twenty years or so
in the early 1940's when Dewitt Wallace and his wife Lila started
their first 'foreign language' edition, which I think was Spanish.
Would any of you like to take over the foreign language edition(s) of
this Digest, and pipe it through Babel-Fish (unless you know some
language well enough to do it for real) then dump it into the news-
group or operate a mailing list for that language?  I can't pay you
anything for it, but if you love telecom stuff and enjoy talking about
it, then you will get your reward.  :)

An aquaintence of mine and his wife translate the talk shows and
religious stuff on Family Stations, Inc into *Mandarin Chinese* (I
believe that is the dialect) and ship it off to Oakland, CA every day
for broadcast the next day on the Chinese shortwave station Family
Radio operates from their Oakland facilty on Hegenberg (?)
Road. Locally in SFCA it is station KEAR.  The European and African
shortwave stuff goes from their Florida facility. How would you like
to have a job where you listened to the radio all day and translated
it into another language on the spot for rebroadcasting in another
country?  To me, that would be a dream job. I would love doing it. I'm
sorry I only speak/write English, and not all that well at that.  :(
PAT]

------------------------------

From: Joseph Singer <joeofseattle@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: Cell Phone Booster Antennas
Date: Sat, 16 Feb 2002 09:15:44 -0800
Organization: Drizzle
Reply-To: joeofseattle@yahoo.com


On Thu, 14 Feb 2002 22:58:29 -0500, Lou Jahn <LouJahn@compuserve.com>
wrote:

> Pat-

> Could I enter in this request into a future digest?  I am looking for
> comments by TD readers as to whether Cell Phone Booster Antennas
> really work or help? The only ones I've seen are the flat type that
> fit under the battery.

> Is there practical way to extend the range of a typical Nokia phone?
> We lose signal strength on the AT&T system and the weirdest places.

The sticker for $19.95 as seen on TV or for 25 dollars in eBay are
worthless junk and won't do anything for you except relieve you of
some of your money. 

Personal replies are likely not read.  Please reply in the newsgroup.

------------------------------

From: Jay R. Ashworth <jra@dorothy.baylink.com>
Subject: Re: Cell Phone Booster Antennas
Reply-To: jra@baylink.com
Date: Sat, 16 Feb 2002 17:14:44 GMT
Organization: RoadRunner - TampaBay


Stanley settled back into the couch, and Lou Jahn <LouJahn@
compuserve.com> said to him:

>  Could I enter in this request into a future digest?  I am looking for
>  comments by TD readers as to whether Cell Phone Booster Antennas
>  really work or help? The only ones I've seen are the flat type that
>  fit under the battery.

>  Is there practical way to extend the range of a typical Nokia phone?
>  We lose signal strength on the AT&T system and the weirdest places.

So far as anyone I know has been able to tell, no, they don't.
Passive re-radiators are not a useless idea, but customarily, they've
been designed to be placed somewhere where they get a *better* view of
the remote radio site -- like those cellular passive antennas that you
put on your car windshield.

If you are losing signal in places you wouldn't expect -- *CALL YOUR
CARRIER AND COMPLAIN*.  Who ever said that Microsoft found it more
cost effective to promote fault-tolerant users than fault-tolerant
computing had it pegged.  You get the class of service you tolerate.

If any given carrier had *10* people in any given market who took
notes about the bad spots, and climbed all over customer service once
a week until they were fixed, we'd have better service.

Cheers,

Jay R. Ashworth                                        jra@baylink.com
Member of the Technical Staff     Baylink
The Suncoast Freenet         The Things I Think
Tampa Bay, Florida        http://baylink.pitas.com     +1 727 647 1274

 God, unlike Anya, is fond of bunnies.  -- Chelsea Christenson

[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note:  Mike Sandman said the same thing to
me: that the little stickers you put inside the phone next to the
battery are worthless junk. I thought maybe Mike (sandman.com) was
biased since he sells a lot of phone stuff in his catalog including
a repeater-like thing which uses a regular antenna on your roof then
transmits the signal to several regular cell phones inside your
premises. I've had conversations with Mike about AT&T Wireless which
is my carrier.  They're not very active in this area of Kansas, and
that leaves me with a poorer signal over all than I would like.   PAT]

------------------------------

From: duffiera@hotmail.com (Robb Duffield)
Subject: Ultra Wide Band
Date: 16 Feb 2002 16:03:38 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


Does anyone have a comment on the FCC's ruling regarding UWB?  How
about it's ramifications for the incumbent wireless, long-haul, ISP
providers, etc.?  Any recommendation on a group that discusses UWB
specifically?

------------------------------

From: Nitoy Nitoy <nitoy69@hotmail.com>
Subject: AUTOVON Information
Date: Sun, 17 Feb 2002 01:14:23 +0000


Mark-

Are you still looking for historical information on AUTOVON?  I worked
on the upgrade from the analog to digital transmission system in 1988
at AT&T.  We installed a Phillips Nx5 (I believe) 140 Mb/s system.  We
did not upgrade the coax to fiber because fiber darkens with the
incidence of atomic radiation.  If you would like more information let
me know.  I was involved with the First Office Application between
Cheyenne Mt. and Lamar (my boss wanted to go to the Mountain so I got
stuck in Lamar!).  I remember that the 60's vintage nuclear blast
detector had been turned off for some time since the trucks on the
nearest highway kept setting it off, sealing the unfortunate craft
inside the hardened facility!

------------------------------

From: google@nosfratu.com (corkie)
Subject: NameZero are Thieves! Anyone Else Experiencing This?
Date: 16 Feb 2002 18:49:31 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


Last year, I paid for a domain through them for 5 years under a
special offer they where running. (Cost $79.95). They are now looking
1 year later for more money for the domain.

1) Anyone have a domain with them and managed to transfer it else
where?

2) How do I force them in to refunding the Difference in Cost  for 5
years, to 1?

Advice please?

John O. Connell

------------------------------

Date: Sat, 16 Feb 2002 13:57:41 -0500
From: Monty Solomon <monty@roscom.com>
Subject: News From Other Media


Utah Getting Traffic 411 on 511
By Elisa Batista

2:00 a.m. Feb. 16, 2002 PST

Hundreds of thousands of Winter Olympic Game spectators are crowding
the streets of Salt Lake City, but Bill Justesen has managed to slice
into town on his daily 65-mile commute.

Justesen, a computer programmer who drives to work in downtown Salt
Lake City from the southern suburb of Payson, Utah, dials 5-1-1 on his
wireless phone as soon as he gets in his car. A pre-recorded operator
then tells him about traffic conditions and provides alternative
routes to the city if an accident were to occur.

The 511 service in Utah, free to call from any phone, is completely 
voice-activated -- the first of its kind in the country.

http://www.wired.com/news/wireless/0,1382,50355,00.html

Behind Global Crossing's failure

 From Knowledge@Wharton
Special to CNET News.com
February 16, 2002, 6:00 AM PT


It seemed like a no-brainer at the time: As more people surfed the
information superhighway, demand for bandwidth would skyrocket,
companies would send and receive ever larger amounts of data,
consumers would watch feature-length movies with a click of the mouse,
and everyone would have a sudden yearning for streaming audio at all
hours of the day.

Naturally, any company that built infrastructure to support that kind
of data transmission would be hailed as the great enabler, the
all-powerful provider of transport nirvana. From a technology
standpoint, optical networking seemed to be the perfect way to realize
this vision.

http://news.com.com/2009-1033-839335.html

Hefty bill with added insult shocks Telecom customer

Telecom has ordered an investigation after a customer received an
account charging him a "penalty for being an arrogant bastard".

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/storydisplay.cfm?storyID=939017


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: We touched on this last item from Monty
a few days ago as a Last Laugh when I pointed you all a to a link with
a story of the 'arrogant bastard tax'.   

------------------------------

Date: Sat, 16 Feb 2002 13:41:43 -0500
From: Marcus Didius Falco <marcus_d_falco@yahoo.com>
Subject: The Latest Fad From Japan


According to a short note on the BBC last night, the latest fad from
Japan is false fingernails that flash to indicate your cell phone is
ringing.

Is this the solution to the problem of cellphones ringing in concerts,
movies, museums, and other inappropriate places?

------------------------------

From: jata@jata-mj.net (Julian Thomas)
Subject: Re: Fall of the Pre-Paid Revolution
Date: Sun, 17 Feb 2002 16:44:00 -0500
Organization: Posted via Supernews, http://www.supernews.com


In <telecom20.159.2@telecom-digest.org>, on 02/14/02 at 12:59 AM,
Marcus Didius Falco <marcus_d_falco@yahoo.com> said:

> I had this happen once with a reseller calling card. I called the motel
> front desk. They hadn't turned on long-distance on the phone in my room
> when I registered.

Had a similar situation - the card I was using at that time used an 877
access number, and the motel PBX hadn't been taught to treat that the same
as 800.


Julian Thomas: jt . jt-mj @ net  http://jt-mj.net
remove letter a for email (or switch . and @)
In the beautiful Finger Lakes Wine Country of New York State!
Boardmember of POSSI.org - Phoenix OS/2 Society, Inc 
http://www.possi.org

Hard work pays off in the future. Laziness pays off now.

------------------------------

End of TELECOM Digest V20 #162
******************************
    
    
From editor@telecom-digest.org  Mon Feb 18 15:19:36 2002
Received: (from ptownson@localhost)
	by massis.lcs.mit.edu (8.9.1/8.9.1) id PAA05191;
	Mon, 18 Feb 2002 15:19:36 -0500 (EST)
Date: Mon, 18 Feb 2002 15:19:36 -0500 (EST)
From: editor@telecom-digest.org
Message-Id: <200202182019.PAA05191@massis.lcs.mit.edu>
To: ptownson
Approved: patsnewlist
Subject: TELECOM Digest V20 #163

TELECOM Digest     Mon, 18 Feb 2002 15:19:00 EST    Volume 20 : Issue 163

Inside This Issue:                             Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    Telecom Update (Canada) #320, February 18, 2002 (Angus TeleManagement)
    Book Review: "HTML & XHTML: The Definitive Guide" (Rob Slade)
    Re: Cell Phone Booster Antennas (Don Kimberlin)
    Re: NameZero are Thieves! Anyone Else Experiencing This? (R. Mereniuk)
    Re: The Latest Fad From Japan (H. Peter Anvin)

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----------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Mon, 18 Feb 2002 10:05:07 -0500
From: Angus TeleManagement <jriddell@angustel.ca>
Subject: Telecom Update (Canada) #320, February 18, 2002


TELECOM UPDATE

published weekly by Angus TeleManagement Group
http://www.angustel.ca

Number 320: February 18, 2002

Publication of Telecom Update is made possible by generous
financial support from:
** AT&T CANADA http://www.attcanada.com
** BELL CANADA http://www.bell.ca
** GROUP TELECOM http://www.gt.ca
** LUCENT TECHNOLOGIES CANADA http://www.lucent.ca
** PRIMUS CANADA: http://www.primustel.ca
** Q9 NETWORKS: http://www.Q9.com
** TELUS: http://www.telus.com
** UNISPHERE NETWORKS: http://www.unispherenetworks.com

IN THIS ISSUE:

** New Dialing Rules for Mexico
** Major Vulnerabilities Found in SNMP
** Nortel Warns of Falling Sales
** Telus Revenues Grow 11%
** Globalstar Files Chapter 11
** Q9 Buys Exodus Data Centre
** Shaw, Rogers Offer "Lite" Internet Access
** Bell Mobility Launches Higher-Speed Network
** Bell Makes Answer Supervision Mandatory
** BCI Completes Brazil Reorganization
** Sprint Offers BCS Video Service
** Telcos' Price Flexibility Curbed
** Telus Rate Changes Denied
** Microcell Reports Increased EBITDA
** Telesystem, BCE Increase Stake in Look
** Total Telcom Exits U.S.
** Rogers to Intro Video on Demand
** DragonWave Offers Broadband Wireless Gear
** Sigem to Be Renamed Mobile Knowledge
** How to Get the Best Cellphone Contract

NEW DIALING RULES FOR MEXICO: All calls to Mexico must now be
dialed using the country's new 2- or 3-digit long distance
codes, which replace the old city codes. To call from Canada,
dial 011 + 52 (Country Code) + LD Code + the 7- or 8-digit
local number.

MAJOR VULNERABILITIES FOUND IN SNMP: The CERT Coordination
Centre has reported a large number of previously undetected
security problems with the widely used Simple Network
Management Protocol (SNMP). Potential threats include
unauthorized privileged access and denial-of-service attacks.

** Ottawa's Office of Critical Infrastructure Protection and
    Emergency Preparedness (OCIPEP) has posted risk mitigation
    guidelines at:

http://www.epc-pcc.gc.ca/emergencies/advisories/AV02-006_e.html

NORTEL WARNS OF FALLING SALES: CEO Frank Dunn said February
12 that Nortel Networks would have difficulty meeting its
sales target for January-March, which was 10% lower than
sales in the previous quarter.

** CFO Terry Hungle resigned February 11 because of
    irregularities in his stock trading. Frank Dunn is
    interim CFO.

TELUS REVENUES GROW 11%: Telus's fourth-quarter sales were
$1.904 billion, 11.2% more than last year. Wireline revenues,
which include $129 million from out-of-region operations,
grew 3.5%. Data sales increased 28%; wireless sales, 13.5%.
Net loss: $46.5 million.

** Telus added 160,400 wireless subscribers in the quarter,
    bringing its total to 2.58 million.

GLOBALSTAR FILES CHAPTER 11: Satellite phone carrier
Globalstar LP filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in
California on Friday. The company says it has reached an
agreement with creditors for a restructuring that would
transfer all of its assets to a new company owned by the
creditors.

** Globalstar Canada President Peter White says that "there
    will be no interruption of service or support to our
    customers."

Q9 BUYS EXODUS DATA CENTRE: Q9 Networks, a Toronto-based
Internet services provider, has agreed to buy a Web hosting
centre in Brampton, Ontario, from Exodus Communications.
Exodus, which was in bankruptcy proceedings, was bought this
month by Cable & Wireless.

SHAW, ROGERS OFFER "LITE" INTERNET ACCESS: Shaw
Communications has launched Lite-Speed Internet, an access
service targeted at dial-up users that provides 128 Kbps
download and 64 Kbps upload for $29.95/month ($24.95 for
cable customers).

** Rogers Internet Lite will launch in April, with the same
    prices.

BELL MOBILITY LAUNCHES HIGHER-SPEED NETWORK: Bell Mobility
has launched its 1XRTT wireless network, which offers data
services at up to 86 Kbps. Coverage, now limited to Greater
Toronto, will be offered in London, Ottawa, Montreal, and
Quebec City this spring.

BELL MAKES ANSWER SUPERVISION MANDATORY: Beginning April 22,
business phone systems that do not return Answer Supervision
will be unable to receive long distance calls over Bell
Canada trunks. Bell is advising customers to contact their
maintenance companies to ensure necessary changes are made to
electronic key systems, PBXs, IVR units, and other equipment.

** Answer Supervision is the electronic signal that triggers
    long distance billing. It is required by Industry Canada
    Standard CS-03.

BCI COMPLETES BRAZIL REORGANIZATION: Bell Canada
International has reorganized its Latin American joint
venture, Telecom Americas, to operate only in Brazil, where
it has four million subscribers. BCI has also raised US$300
million in new equity.

SPRINT OFFERS BCS VIDEO SERVICE: Sprint Canada has launched a
video conferencing and collaboration service using technology
from Broadband Collaborative Solutions, based in Richmond
Hill, Ontario.

TELCOS' PRICE FLEXIBILITY CURBED: The CRTC has told both
Telus and Aliant that they must file company-specific costs
(not amalgamated costs) to support tariff changes under
current price cap rules.

http://www.crtc.gc.ca/archive/ENG/Decisions/2002/dt2002-6.htm
http://www.crtc.gc.ca/archive/ENG/Decisions/2002/dt2002-9.htm

TELUS RATE CHANGES DENIED: The CRTC has turned down Telus
proposals to raise local business contract rates in higher-
cost bands, while decreasing digital network access (DNA)
rates in competitive bands, in both Alberta and B.C. It also
denied an application to amalgamate Telus's DNA tariffs for
both provinces.

http://www.crtc.gc.ca/archive/ENG/Decisions/2002/dt2002-7.htm
http://www.crtc.gc.ca/archive/ENG/Decisions/2002/dt2002-8.htm
http://www.crtc.gc.ca/archive/ENG/Decisions/2002/dt2002-10.htm

MICROCELL REPORTS INCREASED EBITDA: Microcell Telecom's
fourth quarter revenues were $146 million, up 19% from last
year. EBITDA was $13.3 million, compared to $5.4 million the
previous quarter and a $43 million loss last year. Net loss:
$108 million. (See Telecom Update #316)

TELESYSTEM, BCE INCREASE STAKE IN LOOK: The restructuring of
Look Communications has increased the equity stakes of
Telesystem and BCE (through Teleglobe) to 39% and 34%
respectively. Telesystem and Teleglobe agreed in August that
they would have no representatives on Look's Board and would
vote their shares with Look's management. (See Telecom Update
#313, 319)

** Look has appointed Paul Lamontagne as Chief Executive
    Officer, replacing Interim CEO Michael Cytrynbaum.

TOTAL TELCOM EXITS U.S.: Total Telcom, which owns a fibre
network in Alberta and B.C., has sold its operations in the
United States. (See Telecom Update #302)

ROGERS TO INTRO VIDEO ON DEMAND: Rogers Cable will announce a
video on demand (VOD) service in Toronto tomorrow.

** On February 8, the CRTC extended the deadline for Rogers
    to introduce VOD to December. Last week it granted similar
    extensions to Videon Cablesystems, Corus Entertainment,
    Cogeco Cable, and Alliance Communications.

DRAGONWAVE OFFERS BROADBAND WIRELESS GEAR: Ottawa-based
DragonWave, a fixed wireless supplier, now offers equipment
that transmits wireless Ethernet at 50-100 Mbps between
buildings up to 10 miles apart.

SIGEM TO BE RENAMED MOBILE KNOWLEDGE: Sigem, an Ottawa-based
provider of wireless, location-sensitive fleet management
equipment, is asking its shareholders to approve a name
change to Mobile Knowledge Inc.

HOW TO GET THE BEST CELLPHONE CONTRACT: In the February issue
of Telemanagement, Mike Dunne and John Riddell examine how to
obtain the best terms from carriers for corporate wireless
service.

** Copies of Telemanagement #192 are $75 each: call 905-686-
    5050 ext 500 and charge to Visa, American Express, or
    Mastercard.

** Until February 28, new subscribers to Telemanagement will
    save $50 on the price of a one-year subscription, with a
    money-back guarantee.

** To subscribe, go to http://www.angustel.ca/teleman/tm.html.


HOW TO SUBMIT ITEMS FOR TELECOM UPDATE

E-MAIL: editors@angustel.ca

FAX:    905-686-2655

MAIL:   TELECOM UPDATE
         Angus TeleManagement Group
         8 Old Kingston Road
         Ajax, Ontario Canada L1T 2Z7


HOW TO SUBSCRIBE (OR UNSUBSCRIBE)

TELECOM UPDATE is provided in electronic form only. There
are two formats available:

1. The fully-formatted edition is posted on the World
    Wide Web on the first business day of the week at
    http://www.angustel.ca

2. The e-mail edition is distributed free of charge.
    To subscribe, send an e-mail message to:
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COPYRIGHT AND CONDITIONS OF USE: All contents copyright 2002
Angus TeleManagement Group Inc. All rights reserved. For
further information, including permission to reprint or
reproduce, please e-mail rosita@angustel.ca or phone
905-686-5050 ext 500.

The information and data included has been obtained from
sources which we believe to be reliable, but Angus
TeleManagement makes no warranties or representations
whatsoever regarding accuracy, completeness, or adequacy.
Opinions expressed are based on interpretation of available
information, and are subject to change. If expert advice on
the subject matter is required, the services of a competent
professional should be obtained.

------------------------------

From: Rob Slade <rslade@sprint.ca>
Organization: Vancouver Institute for Research into User 
Date: Mon, 18 Feb 2002 07:49:28 -0800
Subject: Book Review: "HTML & XHTML: The Definitive Guide"
Reply-To: rslade@sprint.ca


BKHTMLDG.RVW   20011129

"HTML & XHTML: The Definitive Guide", Chuck Musciano/Bill Kennedy,
2000, 0-596-00026-X, U$34.95/C$51.95
%A   Chuck Musciano cmusciano@aol.com
%A   Bill Kennedy bkennedy@activmedia.com
%C   103 Morris Street, Suite A, Sebastopol, CA   95472
%D   2000
%G   0-596-00026-X
%I   O'Reilly & Associates, Inc.
%O   U$34.95/C$51.95 800-998-9938 fax: 707-829-0104 nuts@ora.com
%P   680 p.
%T   "HTML & XHTML: The Definitive Guide", 3rd edition

If you are serious about designing documents and Web pages with HTML
(HyperText Markup Language) then you *must* have this book.

First of all, it *is* definitive.  Many books, though much longer,
don't begin to match the depth of this current work.  Musciano and
Kennedy cover the standard HTML up to 4.01 and XHTML 1.0, and, more
importantly, include the non-standard extensions of Netscape and
Internet Explorer.  The basics, text, rules, multimedia, links, lists,
forms, tables, frames and more are all thoroughly covered, point by
point and attribute by attribute.  There is even the SGML (Standard
Generalized Markup Language) DTD (Document Type Definition) for HTML
and the XML (eXtensible Markup Language) DTD for XHTML.  (This must be
definitive: it's the definition of the languages.)

Second, it *is* a guide, and a very good one.  Lemay's "Web Publishing
With HTML" (cf. BKWPHTML.RVW) is no longer as approachable as a
beginner's introduction to Web page creation, while Musciano and
Kennedy can easily welcome the newcomer as well.  The structure is
logical and the explanations are crystal clear.

In spite of all this, the book contains even more.  Web design is not
given a separate section, but seamlessly permeates every section of
the book.  Readers are constantly reminded that while extensions may
be fun, not everyone in the world has the same browser.  Alternative
methods are suggested for non-standard effects and functions. 
Shortcuts, suitable to only one browser or server, are recommended
against in order to ensure the utmost compatibility with all systems. 
The authors no longer have coverage of CGI (Common Gateway Interface)
programming, but they do explain the use of email to collect form
data, which is much more useful for maintainers of small Web sites
without access to extensive server functions.  The new chapter on XML
is brief, but is probably all that most people will need to know about
the language.

All this, and readable, too.  The content is straightforward and
lucid.  While you might not read this book for laughs, it is not the
tome to choose to put yourself to sleep at night, either.

I can recommend this book, without reservation, to anyone who wants to
learn HTML programming and use.  It is, still, the definitive guide
and the only one I find I need to keep on my shelf.

copyright Robert M. Slade, 1996 - 2001   BKHTMLDG.RVW   20011129


======================  (quote inserted randomly by Pegasus Mailer)
rslade@vcn.bc.ca  rslade@sprint.ca  slade@victoria.tc.ca p1@canada.com
                In terms of paradigms, shift happens.
http://victoria.tc.ca/techrev    or    http://sun.soci.niu.edu/~rslade

------------------------------

From: Don Kimberlin <dkimberlin@prodigy.net>
Subject: Re: Cell Phone Booster Antennas
Date: Sun, 17 Feb 2002 23:33:43 -0500
Organization: Prodigy Internet


In article <Sat, 16 Feb 2002 17:14:44 GMT > Jay R. Ashworth
(jra@dorothy.baylink.com) and later, PAT wrote:

>> Is there practical way to extend the range of a typical Nokia phone?
>> We lose signal strength on the AT&T system and the weirdest places.


So far as anyone I know has been able to tell, no, they don't.
Passive re-radiators are not a useless idea, but customarily, they've
been designed to be placed somewhere where they get a *better* view of
the remote radio site -- like those cellular passive antennas that you
put on your car windshield.

The hope of the "stickers" is that they might help with multipath
cancellation that can occur at 2 GHz inside buildings and such.  They are in
no way a device that should extend distances in rural situations.  Thus,
they MIGHT help in urban fades, which is probably where their Chinese
originators got the notion.

Oh, as to the cost of the "stickers:" Two dollars or less each on
EBay; as low as 70 cents each in 100 lots on Ebay.  Just search on
"antenna booster."

As to the "passive re-radiator," you're close.  The accepted name is
"passive repeater," and you can find them under that name in Wal-Mart
for $12; somewhat less on Ebay under the same name.

> <PAT added:> TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Mike Sandman said the same
> thing to me: that the little stickers you put inside the phone next to
> the battery are worthless junk. I thought maybe Mike (sandman.com) was
> biased since he sells a lot of phone stuff in his catalog including a
> repeater-like thing which uses a regular antenna on your roof then
> transmits the signal to several regular cell phones inside your
> premises. I've had conversations with Mike about AT&T Wireless which
> is my carrier. They're not very active in this area of Kansas, and
> that leaves me with a poorer signal over all than I would like. PAT]

PAT, since you once mentioned you have the widely-used Nokia 5165 on
AT&T, it would probably help you to know that in rural areas, AT&T
rents a *lot* of 900 MHz analog towers from Cellular One. It's their
way of getting coverage the others don't have.  However, that really
convenient little stubby antenna on the Nokia 5100 phones is not
efficient on 900 MHz at all.  So, don't beat up on the carrier so
much. Get a more efficient antenna. I found external antennas on EBay
that plug into the coaxial connector on the rear of Nokia 5100 phones,
with a magnetic base to mount on t he car roof.  What a difference for
cross-country driving on the AT&T Wireless network!  On trips between
North Carolina to Iowa and Texas and return, I found not one single
dead spot on the AT&T Wireless network -- so long as I used that
external rooftop antenna on my Nokia 5165.  I proved it by unplugging
the external antenna occasionall in rural areas and the signal dropped
way down or off the screen when I did so. I recommend you get an
external antenna.

[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: I knew about the Cellular One
arrangement.  When I was talking one day to the AT&T representative,
complaining as usual about my service, she said to me 'hold on a
minute, I am going to locate you.'  She came back on the line a minute
or so later and told me, 'You are on Dobson's towers in Liberty, KS.'
She went on to say that Dobson was a company they dealt with that is
out of Tulsa, OK somewhere. When I am actually in Tulsa, my phone
gets a message saying 'AT&T' on the screen. Ditto when I was in
Chicago. But as the bus moved northward toward Kansas (I was on the
Jefferson Lines bus from Tulsa to Kansas City) eventually the AT&T
message on the screen disappeared and the message 'Extended Area'
appeared, which is what has been on the screen ever since. The service
rep said 'Dobson has towers all over Oklahoma and areas of Kansas.
They also rent to Cellular One, Altell and a few other carriers.'
The rep denied what Mike Sandman had said to me, which was about
this:  'AT&T holds on to their customers as long as they can, until
the signal gets so bad they completely lose the signal, and then
AT&T will pass the customer off to Cellular One if possible, and
to a third-party roaming service if no Cell One around. Mike further
said 'if the received signal is somewhere around one or better, AT&T
will clutch on to it, even if another local *could* give better 
service. But if AT&T loses you totally, then a local will pick you
up.' The service rep said to me that was a lie. She said that sounded
to her like someone who hates AT&T.

However, when I showed up at Cellular One (and also Radio Shack/Altell) 
with my Nokia 5165 phone and asked them to put it on their service
but let me keep the same phone, the Cell One lady said, 'it is a
5165 but it just looks like our phone. The firmware inside is AT&T
and that means it is written in the ROM and there is no way to use
that particular phone on our service, i.e. buy the same phone without
the AT&T firmware (in other words get it from a Cell One dealer) and
then you get 'real' Cell One service.  Kevin at Radio Shack saw me 
coming and shook his head and said "uh uh. It probably sounds like
the dealers want to sell you a new phone, but I don't care. You could
go over to the Altell kiosk at Walmart which is a corporate store
(of Altell, nee Kansas Cellular) and see if they could do it. I walked
over to Walmart and the Altell kiosk. The guy there told me the same
thing:  Kevin and the lady from Cellular One were not lying. If 
that phone goes off AT&T service, you may as well toss it in the
trash can. It *is* a Nokia 5165, but a bastardized version built for
AT&T. Kevin and the Cellular One lady both agreed with that asessment.

The AT&T service rep said what the competitors had told me was
essentially correct. That's *our* phone, she admitted, but she insisted
'AT&T does NOT insist on holding your service on a given set of 
towers no matter what. Any tower that has a poor reading on you will
drop you as soon as it can; when it cannot hold you any longer, and
she reiterated what she had said earlier about 'some people just
do not like AT&T and make up stories about us doing something like
that.'

My last visit was to the local Cingular Wireless shop. The lady
there told me she would make a confession to me:  "When AT&T had
service around here, I used to work for them. I worked for them for
a couple years. Then AT&T decided to get out of this local market
and my final job for AT&T was 'migrating' all the AT&T customers
over to Cellular One. Then one day they took down all the AT&T
signs and the place became a Cell One dealer. That was about
two years ago. A few months ago I started working here at Cingular
Wireless instead. Dobson rents to all of us. That's why you do
not get the AT&T features like #121 news service here, and you do
get Cellular One customer service when you press 611.  And even 
though double-zero (00) no longer gets you nationwide directory
assistance (because Southwestern Bell telco operates that out
of Tulsa) without giving them a calling card number to bill it 
on at their high price, you *can* do the same thing by dialing
411 from your cell phone (which is also	answered in Tulsa by
SW Bell Telco [or SBC as they like to be known now]) and get two
free calls each month before additional calls are 75 cents to
nationwide-directory, or any-directory. Either Pac Bell or Ameritech
thought that one up. They're both part of SW Bell now-days." 

Now about the external antenna: Mike Sandman sells an external
antenna which screws into a pedastel on the floor. You do take
the coax from that and plug it into the little opening on the
back of the Nokia 5165. That would be great if I sat in my room
all the time or could carry the antenna around with me. My 
physical circumstances are that since my brain aneurysm and
subsequent poor locomotion, I walk around by shuffling my feet
slowly as I walk, and getting in or out of a car is difficult.
Because our little village is about 2x3 miles in size, with a
population of only eight thousand people, I tend to walk almost
everywhere. North and south streets are generally numbered, one
through twenty-one  while east and west streets are tree names
such as Poplar, Oak, Pine, etc. I carry my phone in my jacket 
pocket, so I will try the little 'sticker' and see if it helps
any.   PAT]

------------------------------

From: Raymond D. Mereniuk <Raymond@fbntech.com>
Organization: FBN Technical Services
Date: Sun, 17 Feb 2002 15:32:21 -0800
Subject: Re: NameZero are Thieves! Anyone Else Experiencing This?


16 Feb 2002 18:49:31 -0800 google@nosfratu.com (corkie) wrote

> Last year, I paid for a domain through them for 5 years under a
> special offer they where running. (Cost $79.95). They are now looking
> 1 year later for more money for the domain.

Assume you are writing about the domain nosfratu.com which is
registered to a John O'Connell.  If this a bad assumption the rest of
this message is junk.  Looks like you registered it on or about
18-Jun-2001 for two years or so as the expiry date is 19-Aug-2003.
You should not have to pay for domain name renewal to on or about that
date.

It would appear your domain is hosted by IDIRECTIONS.COM which appears
to be owned by Namezero.com.  If you paid $79.95 for a 5 year domain
name registration what do you pay for web space and mail domain
hosting?  These are two separate billable items.  Web space and mail
domain hosting charges can be a variable charge item depending on
usage.  Nosfratu.com appears to offer free Email accounts.

If you are just worried about domain name registration it is easy to
switch and I would recommend going with the OpenSRS registry, just
pick a suitable OpenSRS dealer.  When you transfer a domain to the
OpenSRS system they charge a one year renewal charge but add one year
to your domain name registration.  Your domain name was only
registered for two years and if you have a billing dispute in regards
to web space and mail domain hosting with NameZero you are unlikely to
see the balance of the domain name registration period.

Are they asking for more money for domain name renewal or for your
hosting package?  I am not actually asking for details on what you pay
but only to determine if the disputed amount is for domain name
registration or hosting charges.


Virtually,


Raymond D. Mereniuk
Raymond@fbntech.com
FBN - Harnessing The Dynamics of The Internet 
http://www.fbntech.com

------------------------------

From: H. Peter Anvin <hpa@zytor.com>
Subject: Re: The Latest Fad From Japan
Date: 17 Feb 2002 16:27:40 -0800
Organization: Transmeta Corporation, Santa Clara CA


In newsgroup: comp.dcom.telecom

> According to a short note on the BBC last night, the latest fad from
> Japan is false fingernails that flash to indicate your cell phone is
> ringing.

> Is this the solution to the problem of cellphones ringing in concerts,
> movies, museums, and other inappropriate places?

Most cell phones these days can be set to silent alert (vibrate), and
that doesn't seem to help since too many people are too stupid to
actually use it.


hpa

<hpa@transmeta.com> at work, <hpa@zytor.com> in private!
"Unix gives you enough rope to shoot yourself in the foot."
http://www.zytor.com/~hpa/puzzle.txt	<amsp@zytor.com>


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Back to my Nokia 5165 I was told that
in order to activate the vibrating mode, I had to purchase a
'vibrating battery', and the phone would know when thus equipped and
offer vibrator as a menu option, but not until then. Is that true?  PAT]

------------------------------

End of TELECOM Digest V20 #163
******************************
    
    
From editor@telecom-digest.org  Mon Feb 18 20:25:57 2002
Received: (from ptownson@localhost)
	by massis.lcs.mit.edu (8.9.1/8.9.1) id UAA11767;
	Mon, 18 Feb 2002 20:25:57 -0500 (EST)
Date: Mon, 18 Feb 2002 20:25:57 -0500 (EST)
From: editor@telecom-digest.org
Message-Id: <200202190125.UAA11767@massis.lcs.mit.edu>
To: ptownson
Approved: patsnewlist
Subject: TELECOM Digest V20 #164

TELECOM Digest     Mon, 18 Feb 2002 20:26:00 EST    Volume 20 : Issue 164

Inside This Issue:                             Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    Re: Cell Phone Booster Antennas (Don Kimberlin)
    Re: Cell Phone Booster Antennas (John R. Levine)
    Vibrating Cellphone Alert (Don Kimberlin)
    Panasonic KX-TD/VM Help (James Gifford)
    Re: AUTOVON Information (Al Gillis)
    Re: AUTOVON Information (Don Kimberlin)
    Re: Fall of the Pre-Paid Revolution (Stanley Cline)
    Re: GSM International Ringtones (Don Kimberlin)
    Octel / Definity Message Lamp Problem (Mike)
    Re: The Latest Fad From Japan (Joe Wineburgh)
    Re: Wireless Phones For Text (was Re: Repeated Characters) (D Kimberlin)
    Cordless Phones (Ramakrishna S)
    Spanish Grammar Lesson (Chris N. Acuma)
    Re: Telecom Argentina (puntomaupunto_at_tin.it@example.invalid)
    Another Spanish Lesson (Schilling, Ben)
    More Entries For the Business Directory (David B. Horvath)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
exclusively to telecommunications topics. It is circulated anywhere
there is email, in addition to various telecom forums on a variety of
networks such as Compuserve and America On Line, and other forums.
It is also gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated 
newsgroup 'comp.dcom.telecom'.

TELECOM Digest is a not-for-profit, mostly non-commercial educational
service offered to the Internet by Patrick Townson. All the contents
of the Digest are compilation-copyrighted. You may reprint articles in
some other media on an occasional basis, but please attribute my work
and that of the original author.

Contact information:    Patrick Townson/TELECOM Digest
                        Post Office Box 50
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----------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Don Kimberlin <dkimberlin@prodigy.net>
Subject: Re: Cell Phone Booster Antennas
Date: Mon, 18 Feb 2002 17:51:40 -0500
Organization: Prodigy Internet


Getting into all the gobbledegook of consumer cellphones gets, like
"Alice in Wonderland," curioser and curiouser.  As to an external
antenna that might help PAT in his rural town on the 900 mHx towers, I
have seen clip-on dipoles made to fit the stubby little
"mini-rubber-ducky"antenna of the Nokia phones. Some EBay searching on
"5165 antenna" might turn one up.  Simply getting more "skyhook" for
the 5165 should be helpful.

As to other matters of the operating software (these puppies are
heavily software-based, even to changing frequency bands and
modulation characteristics, such that the selfsame hardware phone will
not operate on a different network at all ... and they basically are so
cheap that they are not repaired.  A "factory refurb" consists of
washing them and reprogramming them on a test bench.)

In article <Sun, 17 Feb 2002 23:33:43 -0500 PAT wrote (in part):

> If that phone goes off AT&T service, you may as well toss it in the
> trash can. It *is* a Nokia 5165, but a bastardized version built for
> AT&T. Kevin and the Cellular One lady both agreed with that asessment.
> The AT&T service rep said what the competitors had told me was
> essentially correct. That's *our* phone....

Well, it's really only theirs in terms of the software load. It's not
a burned ROM - it's an EEPROM And here is the NEWS for anyone so
inclined.  Nokia's software loaders have been pirated and can be had
on a bunch of hacker websites.  With a serial port cable and the
software loader, you can reprogram a Nokia for the network you
wish. Just hunt for the brand name and model number, and largely
around Eastern Europe and Russia, you'll start finding websites with
lots of curious stuff.  BEWARE: I will not guarantee you won't ruin
your phone.  This software lets you wipe it out, and whether you get
it back in workable form is your risk!

Now, the nature of our business world being so narrow in the mindset
it teaches its employees, even the people who work in the refurb
centers probably don't even know that the hardware they hold can be
programmed to work on the competition's network.

I'm not here to tell you that figuring it out and getting it done is
simple, but what you ought to now is there is a world of cellphone
hackers out there who do it for sport -- and occasionally to make a
buck. The economics probably wouldn't work out for Joe Consumer, but
for those into the "sport" of it, some neat tricks can be done.  One
that I have seen is to cause a Nokia display to constantly show its
received signal level in dBm -- kind of an interesting exercise for a
radio engineer to have on his Nokia.

[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Getting the field strength is easy.
Just enter *3001#12345# from the keypad of a Nokia 5165 phone. You
then get a new screen with maintainence conditions. Look for Field
Test and turn it on.  You have to then power the phone off and back
on. To change the on/off status in the future, enter 'menu 10' which
is not there previously.   PAT]

------------------------------

Date: 18 Feb 2002 16:24:04 -0500
From: johnl@iecc.com (John R. Levine)
Subject: Re: Cell Phone Booster Antennas
Organization: I.E.C.C., Trumansburg NY USA


> I am looking for comments by TD readers as to whether Cell 
> Phone Booster Antennas really work or help?

Seems pretty implausible.  The last I heard, cell phone makers
employed large numbers of presumably competent engineers, so if there
were a way to make the antenna on the phone more effective, they would
do it.

The good hands-free kits (which at the moment only Nokia seems to
make) have a connection for a external antenna, usually a half-wave
antenna like car phones all used to have, that will improve your
phone's performance.

Also, you can buy antenna boosters that sit in line between the phone
and the external antenna and amplifies the signal up to 3W.  They
require external power, usually 12V so you can install them in your
car.

http://www.jdteck.com/
http://boatantenna.com/cellular/booster.html
http://www.orausa.com/amp_mobile/sb2000.jsp

These things are not cheap, about $200, but they look like they should
really work unlike the little doozits that go inside the phone.


John R. Levine, IECC, POB 727, Trumansburg NY 14886 +1 607 387 6869
johnl@iecc.com, Village Trustee and Sewer Commissioner http://iecc.com/johnl, 
Member, Provisional board, Coalition Against Unsolicited Commercial E-mail

------------------------------

From: Don Kimberlin <dkimberlin@prodigy.net>
Subject: Vibrating Cellphone Alert
Date: Mon, 18 Feb 2002 17:58:22 -0500
Organization: Prodigy Internet


In article <17 Feb 2002 16:27:40 -0800 PAT wrote:

> [TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Back to my Nokia 5165 I was told that
> in order to activate the vibrating mode, I had to purchase a
> 'vibrating battery', and the phone would know when thus equipped and
> offer vibrator as a menu option, but not until then. Is that true? PAT]

S'true, Pat ... the vibrating battery option and a number of others
are sensed by contacts when you place the appropriate sort of battery
on the phone.

I even have a battery with a speakerphone built in, such that when I
place that battery on the phone, the speakerphone (which also has its
own little "on/off" switch) causes the display to read "handsfree"
when the speakerphone is on.  Surprisingly, despite the noise in my
old car, the speakerphone works audibly even when riding along down
the road. (What a far cry from our attempts at "speakerphones" of the
1960's!)

------------------------------

From: James Gifford <jgifford@surewest.not>
Subject: Panasonic KX-TD/VM help
Date: Mon, 18 Feb 2002 15:18:48 -0800
Organization: Nitrosyncretic Press
Reply-To: jgifford@surewest.not


All right. I give up. Uncle! I surrender!

Despite a fair amount of experience with CTI, voicemail, telecom, and
PC-based telephony systems, I am completely stumped by my new
Panasonic system. Despite having all the manuals, I cannot make this
*&^%#$ combination work the way I want; I suspect it's a limitation of
Panasonic's sort of peculiar organization of CO and extension
management.

I have a KX-TD1232-1 KSU, no expansion modules (8x16). I have a
KX-TVS200 voicemail system, two TVS-102 port modules. This combination
services 5 CO lines, about 6 extensions, and four different logical
entities (2 house, 2 business).

After much hacking and careful reading of the manuals, I have them 
connected (DPITS mode) and four VM ports operating - at least, I can 
dial each of them directly. I can't for the life of me figure out how to 
get them to pick up incoming calls in either VM or AA mode.

How in THE HELL do I make the VM system pick up after 4 rings on a 
selected trunk line?



|           James Gifford - Nitrosyncretic Press            |
| http://www.nitrosyncretic.com for the Heinlein FAQ & more |
|  Tired of auto-spam... change "not" to "net" for replies  |

------------------------------

From: Al Gillis <alg@aracnet.com>
Subject: Re: AUTOVON Information
Date: Sun, 17 Feb 2002 17:23:06 -0800
Organization: http://extra.newsguy.com
Reply-To: Al Gillis <alg@aracnet.com>


Reference to an AUTOVON web page would be very interesting, if anyone
knows of one!  For those interested in things of that ilk there is
whitealice.com.


Al


Nitoy Nitoy <nitoy69@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:telecom20.162.9@telecom-digest.org...

> Are you still looking for historical information on AUTOVON?  I worked
> on the upgrade from the analog to digital transmission system in 1988
> at AT&T.  We installed a Phillips Nx5 (I believe) 140 Mb/s system.  We
> did not upgrade the coax to fiber because fiber darkens with the
> incidence of atomic radiation.  If you would like more information let
> me know.  I was involved with the First Office Application between
> Cheyenne Mt. and Lamar (my boss wanted to go to the Mountain so I got
> stuck in Lamar!).  I remember that the 60's vintage nuclear blast
> detector had been turned off for some time since the trucks on the
> nearest highway kept setting it off, sealing the unfortunate craft
> inside the hardened facility!

------------------------------

From: Don Kimberlin <dkimberlin@prodigy.net>
Subject: AUTOVON Information
Date: Sun, 17 Feb 2002 23:50:57 -0500
Organization: Prodigy Internet


In article < Sun, 17 Feb 2002 01:14:23 +0000 > Nitoy Nitoy
(nitoy69@hotmail.com) wrote (in part):

> I remember that the 60's vintage nuclear blast
> detector had been turned off for some time since the trucks on the
> nearest highway kept setting it off, sealing the unfortunate craft
> inside the hardened facility!

Ha!  Similar story for the one at AT&T in Polk City, Florida, many
miles off the main highway.  There, the energy from the lightning in
Florida thunderstorms would trip the d---- thing every afternoon.
Bell Labs said, "Impossible!" but of course deigned to ascertain the
truth of the matter.

Similarly, we'd have very infrequent but very real total microwave
fades of the entire 3700-4200 MHz TD-2 band that lasted up to ten
minutes.  When they happened, we could run outside and see the heavy
black cloud some miles away in the direction of the fade -- but Bell
Labs had stock answers.  The stock answer for this one was, "There
have never been raindrops large enough to become absorptive elements
at 4 GHz."

Of course, they wouldn't come out to our country location in Florida
to see the phenomenon, either. (If they ever found out that Polk City
was only a half hour from Disney World, we probably would have been
very popular with Bell Labs.)

------------------------------

From: Stanley Cline <sc1@roamer1.org>
Subject: Re: Fall of the Pre-Paid Revolution
Date: Sun, 17 Feb 2002 20:10:03 -0500
Organization: roamer1.org, Dunwoody (Atlanta), GA, USA
Reply-To: sc1@roamer1.org


On Sun, 17 Feb 2002 16:44:00 -0500, jata@jata-mj.net (Julian Thomas)
wrote:

> Had a similar situation - the card I was using at that time used an 877
> access number, and the motel PBX hadn't been taught to treat that the same
> as 800.

I know of some payphones at a mall in the Atlanta area that *STILL* do
not recognize 877, 866, local numbers in NPA 256 (568 and 579 NXXs),
or 101xxxx carrier codes -- EVEN AFTER COMPLAINTS TO THE GEORGIA PSC!
(The phones in question are "AT&T" private payphones, which Lucent NO
LONGER SUPPORTS, owned by the *MALL* itself and not a COCOT company.)

That said, "rogue" payphones and PBXs are a lot less common now than
they used to be.


Stanley Cline -- sc1 at roamer1 dot org -- http://www.roamer1.org/

"Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today.  There might
be a law against it by that time."  -/usr/games/fortune

------------------------------

From: Don Kimberlin <dkimberlin@prodigy.net>
Subject: Re: GSM International Ringtones
Date: Sun, 17 Feb 2002 22:56:24 -0500
Organization: Prodigy Internet


In message <Thu, 14 Feb 2002 15:02:29 -0500>  Paul N. Hrisko
(neural@prodigy.net) wrote:

> That's kind of what I thought -- a switch somewhere thinks I'm still
> out of the country. The puzzle is that I've never been to Mexico nor
> do I think they have GSM there either.

What you are calling "Mexican ringtone" could well be what LM Ericcson
telephone equipment has provided as a pacifier ring for decades all
over the world, wherever there is Ericcson equipment.  That sound can
be found in nations ranging from Argentina to Zambia, wherever
Ericcson has been sold.  So, if your cellular provider in England has
Ericcson equipment, they would likely send the normative Ericcson
pacifier ring that you know as being "Mexican."

------------------------------

From: anon225588@yahoo.com (Mike)
Subject: Octel / Definity Message Lamp Problem
Date: 18 Feb 2002 08:06:48 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


Hello,

I have a Definity G3si Release 6 BCS with an Octel 250.  We have about
75 users. About five to eight users have experienced this problem, the
message lamp either does not turn on when there is a new message or
the message lamp stays on even after the message is listened to.  I
have switched phones to no avail.  We have 6408D+.

I have done two troubleshooting steps:

1. Ran "Clear AMW All [EXT]" on the Definity.
2. Had them delete all their voicemails.

This has corrected the problem for about 4 people.  There are still a
few left who continue to experience this problem.  I am all out of
ideas.  If anyone is aware of the solution to this please let me know.

Thank you!


Mike

------------------------------

From: Joe Wineburgh <jwineburgh@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: The Latest Fad From Japan
Date: Mon, 18 Feb 2002 15:57:45 -0500


It is true. I had a 6160, which I bought a vibrate battery for -- lo
and behold after putting the vibrate battery on (and charging it) I
went into the menu for ring options and there was now an option for
vibrate/ring+vib/etc. I'd give you the name of the manufacturer, but I
wasn't happy with the performance of the battery. Be warned - buy from
a reputable manufacturer! They also make vibrating/light up pens you
can put in your shirt pocket and I'm sure many other strange things.

A caution -- I believe it's AT&T that does this (as well as
others). If the majority of your calls are from out of the area where
your cellular number is, they may give you grief. I remember reading
about this elsewhere -- the policy may have changed since then. They
may force you to get a local (to the area you use it most) number, or
if they've since abandoned service there - cancel the service
altogether.


JOE

> [TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Back to my Nokia 5165 I was told that in
> order to activate the vibrating mode, I had to purchase a 'vibrating
> battery', and the phone would know when thus equipped and offer vibrator
> as a menu option, but not until then. Is that true?  PAT]

------------------------------

From: Don Kimberlin <dkimberlin@prodigy.net>
Subject: Re: Wireless Phones For Text (was Re: Repeated Characters)
Date: Sun, 17 Feb 2002 23:04:38 -0500
Organization: Prodigy Internet


In article <Fri, 15 Feb 2002 02:15:49 GMT > Jay R. Ashworth
(jra@dorothy.baylink.com) wrote:

> This was computer security writer Simson Garfinkel, writing for, I
> believe, Wired. Excellent piece, indeed. Low bandwidth
> communications do have their place.

If you dig deeply enough into submarine cable history, you will find
the story about how messages were relayed from New York to Boston via
Paris on submarine cables across the Atlantic and back when, in the
Great Blizzard of the 1880's, all lines between New York and Boston
were out for an extended period.  That was probably the world's first
international alternate route backup.  But more to the point:

> I can hear the "no, I had to learn Morse; you have to learn it too" hams'
> saying "I told you so" all the way from here...

Ha!  You should see how fast the teens who do take to text messaging
are rediscovering informal modes of shorthand ... like the famous NYC
"Speedwriting" adverts on the subway that read, "I cn gt a gd jb n mr
pa."

Just another example of "what goes around comes around," it seems.

------------------------------

From: srkrishna@bhelrpt.co.in (Ramakrishna S)
Subject: Cordless Phones
Date: 18 Feb 2002 03:17:54 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


We have bought few sets of cordless phones of KINGTEL MAKE. There is
peculiar problems observed in these phones. We are not able to make
calls to the numbers starting with 0 from handset. However from the
base station we are able to make the call with numbers starting with
0. Hence STD calls could not be made from handset.

Can you give us solutions for the above problem.

Thanking You in advance.

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 17 Feb 2002 21:04:55 MST
From: acuma@aztec.asu.edu (Chris N. Acuma)
Subject: A Spanish Grammar Lesson
Reply-To: acuma@aztec.asu.edu


"mepueden" correctly spelled as "me pueden" means "they can" and in
the context used seems to mean "they can help me"


"Good intentions will always be pleaded for every assumption of authority. 
It is hardly too strong to say that the Constitution was made to guard the 
people against the dangers of good intentions.  They promise to be good 
masters, but they mean to be masters." -- Noah Webster

------------------------------

From: puntomaupunto_at_tin.it@example.invalid
Subject: Re: Telecom Argentina
Organization: you are kidding, right?
Date: Mon, 18 Feb 2002 13:51:12 GMT


> No entiendo el idioma por eso no puedo leer la pagina esa me
> interesaria saber mas de ustedes pero en espaol y saber si me
> pueden ayudar.

Tu puedes leer http://www.telecom.com.ar/ . Es este qu deseas? Aqui'
no hablamos espa~nol!

ciao, .mau.

> [TELECOM Digest Editor's Note:  Will one of you guys please read
> the above to me?  I am hoping its not spam.    PAT]

He roughly asks if there is somebody who may help him to find news in
Spanish about Telecom Argentina. 

http://www.telecom.com.ar/ may be an answer, but I do not have enough
context to be sure it is actually what he wants - I do not speak Spanish
either.

Per soli italiani: http://xmau.com/

------------------------------

From: Schilling, Ben <Ben.Schilling@oci.state.wi.us>
Subject: Another Spanish Lesson
Date: Mon, 18 Feb 2002 08:06:20 -0600


No entiendo el idioma por eso no puedo leer la pagina esa me
interesaria saber mas de ustedes pero en espanol y saber si me pueden
ayudar.

I don't understand that language so I can't read that page.  I'm
interested in learning more from you (plural) but in Spanish and
learning if you can help me.


Ben Schilling
Telecomm Manager
Office of the Commissioner of Insurance
608-266-1615 ben.schilling@oci.state.wi.us 

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 17 Feb 2002 20:08:32 -0500
From: dhorvath@cobs.com (David B. Horvath, CCP)
Subject: More Entries For the Business Directory


This list may include repeats; I've just trimmed down the emails I've
gotten and forwarded them on.

Credit Card Machines For Sell [sic]
We have a limited supply of minimally used
Credit Card Machines that we wish to sell.
These machines originally cost us $799-$1200 each.

Verifone Trans 460 - $200
Dassault AT Talento - $300
Lip Nutrit 1090 Cellular - $400

Very Limited Supply so call soon!
1-888-848-2507

    -----------

Technological Breakthrough...
A revolutionary new technology has just been released by a well-known,
established company and 
you are one of the First to hear about it!

This exclusive and proprietary technology will change how weeducate,
inform, communicate, market and sell products and services both on and
off the Net!

Call 1-888-389-2914
for a 3 minute overview message

We offer the  HOTTEST NEW PRODUCTS + HOTTEST PAY PLAN 
For A Timely & Rewarding Financial Opportunity!

      -----------

mortgage, Debt, Sales Leads

EXPLODE Your Profits  BULK EMAIL MARKETING WORKS! 

<rates deleted, just call them>

We also have Debt and Mortgage Leads 
Call for Details 
  
CALL 1-888-235-7851 (toll free)


David B. Horvath, CCP
Consultant, Author, International Lecturer, Adjunct Professor
Board Member: ICCP Educational Foundation, ICCP Test Council, and
Philadelphia Association of Systems Administrators

------------------------------

End of TELECOM Digest V20 #164
******************************
    
    
From editor@telecom-digest.org  Wed Feb 20 00:11:06 2002
Received: (from ptownson@localhost)
	by massis.lcs.mit.edu (8.9.1/8.9.1) id AAA08177;
	Wed, 20 Feb 2002 00:11:06 -0500 (EST)
Date: Wed, 20 Feb 2002 00:11:06 -0500 (EST)
From: editor@telecom-digest.org
Message-Id: <200202200511.AAA08177@massis.lcs.mit.edu>
To: ptownson
Approved: patsnewlist
Subject: TELECOM Digest V20 #165

TELECOM Digest     Wed, 20 Feb 2002 00:11:00 EST    Volume 20 : Issue 165

Inside This Issue:                             Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    Action Alert: Oppose H.R. 1542 (Monty Solomon)
    I Collect Autovon Stuff, Any Sources for Autovon Card Dialers (Tom Brown)
    Re: Octel / Definity Message Lamp Problem (David De Trolio)
    Re: Wireless Phones For Text (was Re: Repeated Characters) (Jay Ashworth)
    Re: Another Spanish Lesson (Jay R. Ashworth)
    Re: Cell Phone Booster Antennas (Gail M. Hall)
    Need a Better Deal For Low-Volume Business Service (Claire Pieterek)
    Long Delay in Telemarketer Calls (Mike O'Dorney)
    Re: The Latest Fad From Japan (Dale Farmer)
    Datakinetics SS7 (Rob)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
exclusively to telecommunications topics. It is circulated anywhere
there is email, in addition to various telecom forums on a variety of
networks such as Compuserve and America On Line, and other forums.
It is also gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated 
newsgroup 'comp.dcom.telecom'.

TELECOM Digest is a not-for-profit, mostly non-commercial educational
service offered to the Internet by Patrick Townson. All the contents
of the Digest are compilation-copyrighted. You may reprint articles in
some other media on an occasional basis, but please attribute my work
and that of the original author.

Contact information:    Patrick Townson/TELECOM Digest
                        Post Office Box 50
                        Independence, KS 67301
                        Phone: 630-841-7174
                        Email: editor@telecom-digest.org

Subscribe:  telecom-subscribe@telecom-digest.org
Unsubscribe:telecom-unsubscribe@telecom-digest.org


This Digest is the oldest continuing e-journal about telecomm-
unications on the Internet, having been founded in August, 1981 and
published continuously since then.  Our archives are available for
your review/research. We believe we are the second oldest e-zine/
mailing list on the internet in any category!

URL information:        http://telecom-digest.org

Anonymous FTP: hyperarchive.lcs.mit.edu/telecom-archives/archives
  (or use our mirror site: ftp.epix.net/pub/telecom-archives)

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----------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Tue, 19 Feb 2002 12:16:43 -0500
From: Monty Solomon <monty@roscom.com>
Subject: Action Alert: Oppose H.R. 1542


Published by NetAction            Issue No. 81              February 19, 2002

Repost where appropriate. Copyright and subscription info at end of message.
* * * * * * *
In This Issue:
ACTION ALERT: Vote Scheduled on Bell Deregulation Bill - Oppose H.R. 1542
A Second Look at NetAction's Security Survey Results and Microsoft Comments
About NetAction Notes

ACTION ALERT: Vote Scheduled on Bell Deregulation Bill

(Date of alert: February 19, 2002)

* * * Circulate this alert until February 27, 2002 * * *

Contents of this alert:
1) Oppose H.R. 1542 (The Internet Freedom and Broadband Deployment Act of 2001)
2) Why this bill is bad news for consumers
3) Talking points
4) Who to contact in Congress
5) More background


1)Oppose H.R. 1542

A bill that would eliminate key consumer protections in 
telecommunications is scheduled for a floor vote on February 27, 
2002, in the House of Representatives. NetAction is urging Internet 
users to contact their House representative today to urge a "no" vote 
on H.R. 1542, the Internet Freedom and Broadband Deployment Act of 
2001. The bill poses a threat to the continued deployment of 
affordable broadband and dial-up Internet services, both of which are 
crucial to bridging the digital divide. In addition, state regulators 
have warned that the bill could exacerbate the decline in service 
quality that consumers have experienced under deregulation. (See: 
http://www.naruc.org/tauzin_dingell.pdf.)

2) Why this bill threatens broadband Internet access

H.R. 1542 would free the four remaining Bell phone monopolies -- SBC 
Communications, Verizon, BellSouth and Qwest Communications 
International -- from their obligation to open their networks to 
competitors. Rep. Billy Tauzin of Louisiana, who co-authored H.R. 
1542 with Rep. John Dingell of Michigan, is an unabashed Bell 
supporter.

One of the key consumer protections that Congress included in the 
Telecommunications Act of 1996 was the requirement that the Bells 
open their local phone markets to competition before they are allowed 
into the long distance markets.  This requirement is the only 
incentive the Bells have to treat their customers and competitors 
fairly. H.R. 1542 would waive this requirement for long distance data 
markets, giving the Bells control of the nation's telecommunications 
and technology infrastructure and threatening the future deployment 
of both broadband and dial-up Internet access, as well as of 
competitive telephone service. The result for consumers would be less 
choice, lower quality service and higher prices for everything from 
basic phone service to Internet access.


3) Talking points

* H. R. 1542 will not promote competition.
	The Bells sat on DSL technology for years, deploying it 
widely only after competition developed.

* H.R. 1542 does not ensure that broadband services will be available 
in rural communities.
	Despite Tauzin's rhetoric, there is nothing in the bill that 
would require the Bells to deploy broadband service in rural areas. 
In fact, the Bells have been selling off their rural assets as fast 
as possible in recent years.

* The Bells can't be trusted to offer broadband service if the 
current restrictions are lifted.
	In the 1990s the Bells promised to deploy high-speed fiber 
optic networks in exchange for relaxed rate-of-return regulation. But 
instead of delivering on those promises, they pocketed the profits.

* H.R. 1542 will make it more difficult to bridge the digital divide.
	With less competition, the cost of Internet access will 
increase, making the service even less affordable to low-income 
consumers.

* H.R. 1542 will undercut efforts to address consumer complaints 
about declining service quality.
	According to the National Association of Utility Regulatory 
Commissioners (NARUC), H.R. 1542 could also lead to additional 
litigation over state jurisdiction.


4) Who to contact in Congress

News reports indicate a floor vote is scheduled for February 27, 
2002. Calls to all House members are urgently needed.

All House members can be contacted through the Capitol Switchboard: 
202-224-3121. Or visit http://www.house.gov/house/MemberWWW.html to 
look up your Representative's direct House or District phone number. 
(If you don't know who represents your district, the site includes a 
zip code search tool to locate your Representative.)


5) More background

Tauzin's claim that allowing the Bells into long distance data 
markets before local phone markets are truly competitive is necessary 
to ensure widespread deployment of broadband, particularly in rural 
communities, is an old ploy. In fact, it's one the Bells have used 
before.

In June 2000 NetAction released a comprehensive report describing how 
the Bells had broken the promises they made to regulators in the 
1990s to deploy high-speed fiber optic networks. (See 
http://www.netaction.org/broadband/bells.) In many instances the 
promises to deploy fiber optic networks were made in exchange for 
relief from important pro-consumer regulations. In many states where 
regulators went along with these schemes, traditional rate-of-return 
regulation - intended to protect consumers from profit-gouging - was 
replaced with incentive or price cap regulation.

The new regulatory schemes gave the Bells more profits, ostensibly to 
be used to build the promised fiber optic networks. But instead of 
building the networks, the companies simply pocketed the higher 
profits. This is one of the reasons that the four remaining Bell 
monopolies are among the most profitable companies in the nation.

If the Bells had made a good faith effort to meet the conditions 
spelled out in the Telecommunications Act of 1996, we might already 
have vigorous competition in both broadband and local phone service. 
But the Bells chose instead to stonewall competition by engaging in 
protracted legal and regulatory maneuvers, and by lobbying Congress 
to change the law. Changing the Act now would reward the Bells for 
failing to follow the rules.

In addition to threatening the future availability of affordable 
broadband and dial-up Internet access, H.R. 1542 could lead to higher 
phone bills. The bill broadly preempts state regulators, leaving the 
states with only limited authority over voice phone services.

A Second Look at NetAction's Security Survey Results and Microsoft Comments

Because of problems with NetAction's list software, many of our 
readers did not receive the last issue of NetAction Notes (No. 80, 
published Jan. 29, 2002). The issue included the results of our 
survey of computer security practices in nonprofit organizations, and 
a pointer to NetAction's comments on the Microsoft antitrust 
settlement. Now that our list is working again, we wanted to provide 
those pointers again for readers who missed the last issue.

The Security Practices Survey

Our report on the survey results, "Computer Practices in Nonprofit 
Organizations," is available at: http://netaction.org/security/.

Despite the growing importance of computers to nearly every aspect of 
nonprofit operations, our survey found substantial room for 
improvement, especially in maintaining the security of confidential 
and/or sensitive files, user work habits, and disaster planning.

Many of the respondents acknowledged the need to improve their 
security practices. When asked to identify specific security issues 
their organization needs to address, about two-thirds of the survey 
respondents listed user work habits and disaster planning, about half 
listed data backups and encryption, and about one third listed virus 
protection and firewalls.

The Microsoft Comments

NetAction's comments on the proposed Microsoft antitrust settlement are at:
http://www.netaction.org/msoft/doj-comments.html. They are also 
included in the listing of major comments published recently by the 
U.S. Department of Justice, at: 
http://www.usdoj.gov/atr/cases/ms-major.htm.

NetAction and Computer Professionals for Social Responsibility (CPSR) 
filed joint comments warning that consumers will have to make 
substantial investments in new hardware and software in order to 
benefit from the terms of the proposed settlement of the Microsoft 
antitrust case. NetAction and CPSR argued that the proposal is not in 
the public interest and urged Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly to either 
reject the proposed settlement or order additional proceedings to 
eliminate its many ambiguities.

If you want to read the whole issue, it's at: 
http://www.netaction.org/notes/notes80.html.


About NetAction Notes

NetAction Notes is a free electronic newsletter, published by 
NetAction. NetAction is a national, nonprofit organization dedicated 
to promoting use of the Internet for grassroots citizen action, and 
to educating the public and policy makers about technology policy 
issues.

To subscribe to NetAction Notes, send a message to: <majordomo@netaction.org>
The body of the message should state: <subscribe netaction>
To unsubscribe at any time, send a message to: <majordomo@netaction.org>
The body of the message should state: <unsubscribe netaction>

NetAction is supported by individual contributions and grants. You
can make a credit card donation from NetAction's secure server at:
<https://secure.manymedia.com/netaction/form.html>.

For more information about contributing to NetAction, contact Audrie
Krause by phone at (415) 775-8674, by E-mail at
mailto:audrie@netaction.org>, visit the NetAction Web site at
<http://www.netaction.org>, or write to:
NetAction * 601 Van Ness Ave., No. 631 * San Francisco, CA 94102
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Copyright 1996-2001 by NetAction/The Tides Center.  All rights reserved.
Material may be reposted or reproduced for non-commercial use provided
NetAction is cited as the source.  NetAction is a project of The Tides
Center, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

------------------------------

From: kibri@eudoramail.com (Tom Brown)
Subject: I Collect Autovon Stuff, Any Sources for Autovon Card Dialers
Date: 18 Feb 2002 18:23:14 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


Hi, I collect old Autovon Phones.  I am looking for a source for some
of the Old Autovon Puch Cards, I am also trying to hook up an autovon
dial in a standard two wire Western Electric Phone for use without
command keys and as a conversation piece.  I would be interested in a
complete Autovon Card Dialer, and A complete Autovon single line phone
(4 wire) for my collection.

Any sources of supply or fellow collectors interested in selling or
trading equipment please drop me a note.

If you have any instructions on how to get the autovon dial to work in
a standard Western Electric phone (We 2500) please advice me of the
proper connections for the dial.  I managed to get the dial to work
hooked up in parallel with a 12 button dial, however cannot get it to
work alone.  I have three wires left over.  I lack telco experience,
just an interested collector of odd phones from Western Electric.
Thanks for your assistance.

------------------------------

Reply-To: David De Trolio <david.de.trolio@home.com>
From: David De Trolio <david.de.trolio@home.com>
Subject: Re: Octel / Definity Message Lamp Problem
Date: Tue, 19 Feb 2002 05:47:34 GMT
Organization: Excite@Home - The Leader in Broadband http://home.com/faster


We have a Release 9.5.2 (we are doing VOIP) and use our Intuity Voice
Mail to service the entire company.  I did find if I do not have the
subscriber switch number in the required subscriber field, or have an
incorrect switch number, the lights will not light or will not go out.

When was the last time you rebooted the voice mail?

Updated firmware and software?

Do you have the phones in the system identified as digital phones?

Let me know if I can be of any help.


Dave

"Mike" <anon225588@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:telecom20.164.9@telecom-digest.org...

> Hello,

> I have a Definity G3si Release 6 BCS with an Octel 250.  We have about
> 75 users. About five to eight users have experienced this problem, the
> message lamp either does not turn on when there is a new message or
> the message lamp stays on even after the message is listened to.  I
> have switched phones to no avail.  We have 6408D+.

> I have done two troubleshooting steps:

> 1. Ran "Clear AMW All [EXT]" on the Definity.
> 2. Had them delete all their voicemails.

> This has corrected the problem for about 4 people.  There are still a
> few left who continue to experience this problem.  I am all out of
> ideas.  If anyone is aware of the solution to this please let me know.

------------------------------

From: Jay R. Ashworth <jra@dorothy.baylink.com>
Subject: Re: Wireless Phones For Text (was Re: Repeated Characters)
Reply-To: jra@baylink.com
Date: Tue, 19 Feb 2002 06:24:56 GMT
Organization: RoadRunner - TampaBay


Stanley settled back into the couch, and Don Kimberlin
<dkimberlin@prodigy.net> said to him:

> "Speedwriting" adverts on the subway that read, "I cn gt a gd jb n mr
> pa."

"f u cn rd ths, u cn us unx"

Cheers,

Jay R. Ashworth                                         jra@baylink.com
Member of the Technical Staff     Baylink
The Suncoast Freenet         The Things I Think
Tampa Bay, Florida        http://baylink.pitas.com     +1 727 647 1274

        God, unlike Anya, is fond of bunnies.  -- Chelsea Christenson

------------------------------

From: Jay R. Ashworth <jra@dorothy.baylink.com>
Subject: Re: Another Spanish Lesson
Reply-To: jra@baylink.com
Date: Tue, 19 Feb 2002 06:25:36 GMT
Organization: RoadRunner - TampaBay


Stanley settled back into the couch, and Schilling, Ben
<Ben.Schilling@oci.state.wi.us> said to him:

>  No entiendo el idioma por eso no puedo leer la pagina esa me
>  interesaria saber mas de ustedes pero en espanol y saber si me pueden
>  ayudar.

>  I don't understand that language so I can't read that page.  I'm
>  interested in learning more from you (plural) but in Spanish and
>  learning if you can help me.

I believe Ben has mispelled "y'all" in this translation.

:-)


Cheers,
-- jr 'see?  it does have a use' a

Jay R. Ashworth                                          jra@baylink.com
Member of the Technical Staff     Baylink
The Suncoast Freenet         The Things I Think
Tampa Bay, Florida        http://baylink.pitas.com       +1 727 647 1274

        God, unlike Anya, is fond of bunnies.  -- Chelsea Christenson

------------------------------

From: Gail M. Hall <gmhall@apk.net>
Subject: Re: Cell Phone Booster Antennas
Date: Tue, 19 Feb 2002 03:36:10 -0500
Reply-To: gmhall@apk.net


On Sat, 16 Feb 2002 09:15:44 -0800, in comp.dcom.telecom, you (Joseph
Singer <joeofseattle@yahoo.com>) wrote:

> On Thu, 14 Feb 2002 22:58:29 -0500, Lou Jahn <LouJahn@compuserve.com>
> wrote:

>> Pat-

>> Could I enter in this request into a future digest?  I am looking for
>> comments by TD readers as to whether Cell Phone Booster Antennas
>> really work or help? The only ones I've seen are the flat type that
>> fit under the battery.

Thanks for saving me the trouble.  I have received spam about such
things, but when I started seeing the ads on late-night/early-morning
TV, I began to wonder about these things.

>> Is there practical way to extend the range of a typical Nokia phone?

I also wondered about that.  They sell hands-free sets that contain a
microphone to talk into and earpiece to listen with.

>> We lose signal strength on the AT&T system and the weirdest places.

Why not an antenna extender of some kind?  The antenna on my phone is
hard-wried in there and they say not to try to extend it or disconnect it.

What would be so wrong about having an attachment that you could
attach to a more powerful antenna that was also connected in such a
way as to protect your head from dangerous signals -- just in case
such signals are dangerous.

> The sticker for $19.95 as seen on TV or for 25 dollars in eBay are
> worthless junk and won't do anything for you except relieve you of
> some of your money. 

Just like the fat-recucers and muscle-builder belts are, I suspect.

But I also wonder how much it would cost country people to build a
repeater type thing in their neighborhood to extend the signal from a
normal pole located in the town.

For example, one relative lives at the 7-mile marker on a country
road.  The furthest my relatives can get a signal on their cell phones
is at the 5-mile marker.  There is lots of BLM land and private
timerland on hills behind all the houses along the road.  Could there
be a relatively inexpensive repeater type pole built on the BLM land
that would extend the signal further out into that area for people who
live out there.

The appearance of the poles certainly wouldn't be any worse than the
appearance of clear-cut logged-off areas done by people with private
land near the BLM land.  The company or neighborhood group could make
the poles green or brown to match the surrounding woods.


Gail from Ohio USA wondering about relatives in Oregon where a huge amount
of land is owned by the federal government

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 19 Feb 2002 06:59:22 -0700
From: Claire Pieterek <pieterek@spamcop.net>
Subject: Need a Better Deal For Low-Volume Business Service


Dear Digest Denizens--

My friend's been a Sprint customer since 1997, and *of course*, they
won't cut her a break.  She needs to have up to 10 two-digit
accounting codes.  Average usage is currently $50/month max, but she
anticipates that going down to $30/month.  Sprint is charging her 6.7
cents/minute, which seems awfully high to me.  If possible, she'd like
to have a calling card, but that is nice but not necessary.

If anyone knows about better deals, I know you guys do!


TIA,
Claire

surfing on a wave of nostalgia for an age yet to come

------------------------------

From: modorney@aol.com (Mike O'Dorney)
Subject: Long Delay in Telemarketer Calls
Date: 19 Feb 2002 08:58:30 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


I've noticed that the telemarketer calls take longer to identify
themselves.  These are the calls made by the war-dialer, that call
numbers, and when one answers, they are switched over to a live
person.  The switch over seems to take a lot longer -- like 5 seconds
or more.  It used to take about one second -- noticeable, but not long.

There are these boxes that announce "Please put me on the don't call
list" -- is this new delay a means of defeating the boxes?

PS -- Welcome back Pat -- I've enjoyed you over the past 11 years!


cheers,

Mike O'Dorney

[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: They are not trying to defeat the DNC
boxes. I doubt they care about those boxes at all. Most telemarketer
employees are simply trained to ignore remove requests and keep on
talking. I think the longer delay these days is because fewer
telemarketer employees are trying to handle more and more calls. I 
think the owners/operators have tried to fine-tune the ratio between
employees needed and the speed at which the predictive dialer gets
answers. If the delay ran more than the five or six seconds you wait
now, they'd have to put the recorded message back on ("please hold,
we have an important message for you") and I think most people were
hanging up on that message thinking 'your time is no more important
than mine' and disconnecting. So to keep from losing so many calls
that way, they had to be quicker about taking the new prospects they
did reach; yet they did not want to pay for unnecessary employees, 
thus the need to 'fine-tune' the predictive dialer and the employees
they did have.  Nah, the DNC message is about as useless as writing
back to a spammer telling him to drop your name. Very unlikely he 
will; very unlikely the telemarketer will either.

What's the difference between a spammer and a telemarketer?  None
really that I can see.    PAT]

------------------------------

From: Dale Farmer <Dale@cybercom.net>
Subject: Re: The Latest Fad From Japan
Date: Tue, 19 Feb 2002 12:00:04 -0500
Organization: The new clue zoo


Joe Wineburgh wrote:

> It is true. I had a 6160, which I bought a vibrate battery for -- lo
> and behold after putting the vibrate battery on (and charging it) I
> went into the menu for ring options and there was now an option for
> vibrate/ring+vib/etc. I'd give you the name of the manufacturer, but I
> wasn't happy with the performance of the battery. Be warned - buy from
> a reputable manufacturer! They also make vibrating/light up pens you
> can put in your shirt pocket and I'm sure many other strange things.

> A caution -- I believe it's AT&T that does this (as well as
> others). If the majority of your calls are from out of the area where
> your cellular number is, they may give you grief. I remember reading
> about this elsewhere -- the policy may have changed since then. They
> may force you to get a local (to the area you use it most) number, or
> if they've since abandoned service there - cancel the service
> altogether.

>> [TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Back to my Nokia 5165 I was told that in
>> order to activate the vibrating mode, I had to purchase a 'vibrating
>> battery', and the phone would know when thus equipped and offer vibrator
>> as a menu option, but not until then. Is that true?  PAT]

I heard of the radio this weekend that there is a new fad in Japan of
stick on fingernail covers that light up when your cell phone rings.
Since it wasn't the first of April when I heard this ... *shakes head*


Dale

------------------------------

From: Rob <robs4x4s@home.com>
Subject: Datakinetics SS7
Date: Tue, 19 Feb 2002 11:54:05 -0600
Organization: Verio


I have experience in configuring/troubleshooting Datakinetics
products, specifically the ISUP stack.  If you require any help,
please contact me.


Thanks,

Rob

------------------------------

End of TELECOM Digest V20 #165
******************************
    
    
From editor@telecom-digest.org  Wed Feb 20 17:08:03 2002
Received: (from ptownson@localhost)
	by massis.lcs.mit.edu (8.9.1/8.9.1) id RAA25793;
	Wed, 20 Feb 2002 17:08:03 -0500 (EST)
Date: Wed, 20 Feb 2002 17:08:03 -0500 (EST)
From: editor@telecom-digest.org
Message-Id: <200202202208.RAA25793@massis.lcs.mit.edu>
To: ptownson
Approved: patsnewlist
Subject: TELECOM Digest V20 #166

TELECOM Digest     Wed, 20 Feb 2002 17:08:00 EST    Volume 20 : Issue 166

Inside This Issue:                             Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    Co-Location Facility Available (sueadu@gate.net)
    Re: Cell Phone Booster Antennas (Eric De Mund)
    Definity G3 Solution  (Cywinski, Robert)
    Re: AOL Customers Livid Over Huge Phone Bills After Areacode (J. Decker)
    Re: Octel / Definity Message Lamp Problem (Justin Time)
    Long Range Cordless Phone Wanted! (Richard Kenward)
    An Australian Lesson (was Re: A Spanish lesson) (Colin Sutton)
    Re: Long Delay in Telemarketer Calls (Kenneth P. Stox)
    Re: Need a Better Deal For Low-Volume Business Service (Rich Greenberg)
    Re: Need a Better Deal For Low-Volume Business Service (MegA)
    Re: Long Delay in Telemarketer Calls (Barry Margolin)
    New York: Amtrak Workers Busted in Phone Scam (Carl Moore)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
exclusively to telecommunications topics. It is circulated anywhere
there is email, in addition to various telecom forums on a variety of
networks such as Compuserve and America On Line, and other forums.
It is also gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated 
newsgroup 'comp.dcom.telecom'.

TELECOM Digest is a not-for-profit, mostly non-commercial educational
service offered to the Internet by Patrick Townson. All the contents
of the Digest are compilation-copyrighted. You may reprint articles in
some other media on an occasional basis, but please attribute my work
and that of the original author.

Contact information:    Patrick Townson/TELECOM Digest
                        Post Office Box 50
                        Independence, KS 67301
                        Phone: 630-841-7174
                        Email: editor@telecom-digest.org

Subscribe:  telecom-subscribe@telecom-digest.org
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*************************************************************************
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Only subscribers or registered users of ICB Toll Free News web site
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LEGAL STUFF: TELECOM Digest (sm) is owned by Patrick Townson.
Copyright 2000 ICB, Inc. and TELECOM Digest. All rights reserved.
Our attorney is Bill Levant, of Blue Bell, PA.

   In addition, a gift from Mike Sandman, Chicago's Telecom Expert
   has enabled me to replace some obsolete computer equipment and
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should not be considered any official expression by the organization.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

From: sueadu@gate.net
Date: Wed, 20 Feb 2002 11:17:44 -0500
Subject: Co-Location Facility Available


Dear Mr. Townson,

I am hoping you will be able to help me. I have a co-location facility
available with 100 pair lines. Do you deal with customers in need of
this type of facility? It is located in North Miami Beach - between
Ft. Lauderdale and Miami. I've attached more details on the
specifications for you in this email.

Please let me know if you can help or not. If not, could you redirect
me to the correct person who handles this type of situation?

Thanking you in advance for your response,

~ Sue Sirianni
Call Processing Systems, Inc.

------------------------------

Date: Wed, 20 Feb 2002 03:44:37 (PST)
From: Eric De Mund <ead@ixian.com>
Subject: Re: Cell Phone Booster Antennas
Reply-To: Eric De Mund <ead@ixian.com>
Organization: Ixian Systems, Inc.


Hello,

John R. Levine:

>> I am looking for comments by TD readers as to whether Cell Phone
>> Booster Antennas really work or help?

> http://www.jdteck.com/
> http://boatantenna.com/cellular/booster.html
> http://www.orausa.com/amp_mobile/sb2000.jsp

> These things are not cheap, about $200, but they look like they should
> really work unlike the little doozits that go inside the phone.

Thanks for posting these pointers. I too am in need of this kind of
solution for use at home. My girlfriend lives at the seven mile marker
outside of her town, and cell phone coverage quits near the three mile
marker. Once in a blue moon I can stand in the kitchen with my Nokia
6000 series held high overhead and get one signal-strength bar on it,
but more often than not I get "No Service". Similary for her new Nokia
5165. As my and her long distance land-line charges are starting to
mount, I'm ready to look for other solutions.

One of these booster antennas, coupled with a cell service plan that
offers unlimited night and weekend calls, not to mention free long
distance calling, might be one solution.

So, this is a second to Pat's original request. Can anyone give any
testimonials regarding these pointed out by John Levine, or regarding
any others:

    - the JDTECK CB 920
    - BoatAntenna.com's BST300 ("The Booster")
    - Ora Electronics' SB2000

Though pricy, the one I run with will pay for itself in about three
months. The first of the three above has a 30-day money-back
guarantee, so I'm leaning towards trying that one first.

Regards, and Pat, thank you for posting the sequence for the hidden
"Field test" menu.


Eric De Mund <ead@ixian.com> | Ixian Systems, Inc. | 53 49 B2 23 AF 6C 20 81
http://www.ixian.com/ead/    | Mountain View, CA   | ED DD 4C 81 AA C9 D1 A5


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Although you did not mention it, Eric,
the sequence (on a Nokia 5165) of *3001#12345# produces a screen of 
more than just 'field test'. In that area, you can also make changes
in the NAM and other things. But remember, after any changes you make
there, the phone has to be completely powered off and then restarted.
Also, the last half of that sequence, the #12345# should technically
be #SECURITY CODE#  in the event you have changed yours from the
factory default of 12345. But from that menu, once you have enabled
'field test', then further uses of Field Test are done in regular mode
on the phone using MENU+10. Listen guys, before you do anything
in there with the NAM in that mode, make sure you have been authorized
by your supervisor, and other appropriate authorities.  There *are* other
four digit codes beginning with '*' in there also, which get you to
shortcuts in the NAM. I just don't know off hand what they are.  PAT]

------------------------------

Subject: Definity G3 Solution 
Date: Wed, 20 Feb 2002 08:42:32 -0500
From: Cywinski, Robert <RCywi@SPRING-FORD.k12.pa.us>


> I have a Definity G3si Release 6 BCS with an Octel 250.  We have about
> 75 users. About five to eight users have experienced this problem, the
> message lamp either does not turn on when there is a new message or
> the message lamp stays on even after the message is listened to.  I
> have switched phones to no avail.  We have 6408D+.

> I have done two troubleshooting steps:

> 1. Ran "Clear AMW All [EXT]" on the Definity.
> 2. Had them delete all their voicemails.

> This has corrected the problem for about 4 people.  There are still a
> few left who continue to experience this problem.  I am all out of
> ideas.  If anyone is aware of the solution to this please let me know.

Have had this on my G3r. Busy-out and release the affected stations.
This should do it.


Bob

------------------------------

From: Jack Decker <unspammable-8073@workbench.net>
Subject: Re: AOL Customers Livid Over Huge Phone Bills After Areacode
Date: Wed, 20 Feb 2002 06:14:04 -0500
Organization: Posted via Supernews, http://www.supernews.com


On Thu, 14 Feb 2002 10:19:12 -0500, gpn@techie.com wrote:

> I'm trying to figure out what scenario would cost me a lot of money by
> being inattentive to my auto-dialing string, and I just don't see it.
> Say I'm auto-dialing a network point of presence in that town.  Now
> suppose there's an area code split that splits off that exchange, and
> then suppose they re-used that same NXX code for a distant portion of
> my home NPA. I guess I could then be dialing toll calls without
> knowing it.

> However, before that, in fact the moment the permissive period ended,
> my automatic dialing to the old number would suddenly begin to fail
> and I would be unable to connect.  I would then surely know something
> was wrong, and would have to change the dialing string to include the
> correct new area code, or I wouldn't be able to get on-line at all.

Here in Michigan we've had similar problems following an area code
split.  Let me throw out one possible scenario and the rest of you can
tell me why it can't happen this way.  :-)

Let's say you are dialing 1-xxx-zzz-nnnn to make a local call (which
IMHO should not ever happen, since local call should never have to be
dialed with a leading "1" - sorry, I never lived anyplace that we
didn't have toll alerting) and the area code changes to
1-yyy-zzz-nnnn.

At the end of permissive dialing, instead of putting up recording
informing callers that it's now necessary to dial the new area code,
let's say the local phone company "cheaps out" or gets lazy, and
decides to simply route all calls to 1-xxx that are not now in the
local calling area to the customer's chosen long distance carrier.

So you say, okay, but for a least a short period of time there is no
1-xxx-zzz exchange (since the former xxx-zzz is now in the yyy area
code).  BUT, let's further suppose that the long distance carrier
decides that they'd rather not have to make customers redial calls
placed to the wrong area code, so they "helpfully" translate calls
dialed using the old area code to the new one within their switching
equipment for maybe another month or two (or whenever one of their
techs gets around to reprogramming their translations).

So now you have the local phone company sending calls for xxx-zzz to
the LD carrier, which translates the number to yyy-zzz and then
connects the call.  The call completes normally and the customer has
no clue that his call is being billed at toll rates, until the bill
arrives.  Note that this could not happen if the customer normally
dialed such calls without a leading "1" (I will never, until the day I
draw my dying breath, nor even after that, think that requiring
customers to dial a "1" in front of any local call is anything other
than a scam perpetrated by the phone companies to bilk customers.  And
yes, I know SBC has started doing it in Michigan on calls that cross
area code boundaries, and I could not possibly be more opposed to it,
but it appears that it will take an act of the state legislature to
get anything done about it... and I'll stop there before this turns
into a multi-paragraph rant).

Anyway, in the scenario I've envisioned, it would mean that neither
the local nor the long distance company are handling the end of
permissive dialing properly.  The local phone company should put up a
recording advising customers to dial the new area code until xxx-zzz
is reassigned, and the LD company should not be translating the area
code in this manner (but may have done so as a stopgap measure to
resolve some problems during the changeover).

What compounds the problem from the customer's standpoint is that more
than likely, neither company would want to take the blame, and if
pressed, both would probably point to the other company (or the
customer) as the source of the problem.

Of course, for this to happen, it would also require that the customer
fails to change the area code in their dialing string during the
permissive period (or, that an ISP's auto-updating software somehow
continues to use the old area code after the permissive dialing period
ends).

Now tell me, is that scenario too far-fetched to be realistic?


Jack
[Note: The "From" e-mail address in this message will be valid only until
the spammers get hold of it!]

Resources for Michigan Telephone Users page:
http://michigantelephone.workbench.net/

------------------------------

From: a_user2000@yahoo.com (Justin Time)
Subject: Re: Octel / Definity Message Lamp Problem
Date: 19 Feb 2002 10:46:58 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


anon225588@yahoo.com (Mike) wrote in message
news:<telecom20.164.9@telecom-digest.org>...

One more thing to check.  See if by any chance they have disabled
notification under administrative options in their mail box.  Quite
common.  On our particular load of Octel S/W, the option is something
like "Turn Message Indicator Off."  People will do this thinking it
will turn the light off on their phone not realizing that the light
will never light when they do receive a message.


> Hello,

> I have a Definity G3si Release 6 BCS with an Octel 250.  We have about
> 75 users. About five to eight users have experienced this problem, the
> message lamp either does not turn on when there is a new message or
> the message lamp stays on even after the message is listened to.  I
> have switched phones to no avail.  We have 6408D+.

> I have done two troubleshooting steps:

> 1. Ran "Clear AMW All [EXT]" on the Definity.
> 2. Had them delete all their voicemails.

> This has corrected the problem for about 4 people.  There are still a
> few left who continue to experience this problem.  I am all out of
> ideas.  If anyone is aware of the solution to this please let me know.

> Thank you!

> Mike

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 19 Feb 2002 21:35:17 +0000
From: Richard Kenward <kenward.rfe@ntlworld.com>
Subject: Long Range Cordless Phone Wanted!
Organization: RKDI


I am trying to source a cordless phone that I can use in the UK with a
range exceeding 1/2 mile.  Must be able to fit in a normal size pocket
please.  Only needs one line in and no answering M/C facilities ... just
powerful, basic and smallish and sensible price.

Ideas please guys.  Would a phone produced for the US market and
presumably powered at the base station at 110volts be suitable?


Thanks,

Richard Kenward

------------------------------

From: Colin Sutton <colin@sutton.wow.aust.com>
Subject: An Australian Lesson (was Re: A Spanish Lesson)
Date: Wed, 20 Feb 2002 05:27:13 GMT
Organization: BigPond Internet Services (http://www.bigpond.net.au)


> I believe Ben has mispelled "y'all" in this translation.

That's "youse" here in Aus :-)

Colin

------------------------------

From: Kenneth P. Stox <stox@imagescape.com>
Subject: Re: Long Delay in Telemarketer Calls
Date: Tue, 19 Feb 2002 23:51:41 -0600
Organization: Ministry of Silly Walks
Reply-To: stox@imagescape.com


> What's the difference between a spammer and a telemarketer?

The amount of time it takes to swing the gun site from one to the other?

No, I don't own guns, but there are targets for which they are
appropriate.

------------------------------

From: richgr@panix.com (Rich Greenberg)
Subject: Re: Need a Better Deal For Low-Volume Business Service
Date: 20 Feb 2002 07:42:34 -0500
Organization: Organized?  Me?


In article <telecom20.165.7@telecom-digest.org>, Claire Pieterek
<pieterek@spamcop.net> wrote:

> My friend's been a Sprint customer since 1997, and *of course*, they
> won't cut her a break.  She needs to have up to 10 two-digit
> accounting codes.  Average usage is currently $50/month max, but she
> anticipates that going down to $30/month.  Sprint is charging her 6.7
> cents/minute, which seems awfully high to me.  If possible, she'd like
> to have a calling card, but that is nice but not necessary.

How about this as a solution:

A small PC based PBX programmed as follows: Pick up a phone, get local
dial tone (or a voice prompt).  Enter an accounting code nn.  PC
Validates nn and if not valid, gives an error msg, otherwise saves it
and gives a CO dial tone.  PC records dialed number, start time and
accounting code, and at end of call records end time.  If call never
sups, discard the info.

This makes your friend independent of Sprint.


Rich Greenberg  Work: Rich.Greenberg atsign worldspan.com  +1 770-563-6656
N6LRT   Marietta, GA, USA   Play: richgr atsign panix.com  +1 770-321-6507
Eastern time zone.   I speak for myself & my dogs only.    VM'er since CP-67
Canines:Val(Chinook,CGC,TT), Red & Shasta(Husky,(RIP))     Owner:Chinook-L
Atlanta Siberian Husky Rescue. www.panix.com/~richgr/ Asst Owner:Sibernet-L

------------------------------

From: bryon.spahn@corporate.ge.com (MegA)
Subject: Re: Need a Better Deal For Low-Volume Business Service
Date: 20 Feb 2002 07:14:49 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


If price is her sole concern, tell her to try Qwest. They have been
offering some pretty nice rates lately. I will say that I have used
them in multiple situations and have had no problems. 6.7cpm is pretty
steep these days and with some half way descent negotiating she might
be able to get that down to 4 or so. That should help her hit that
$30/mo. she is looking to pay.

Good luck.


MegA

Claire Pieterek <pieterek@spamcop.net> wrote in message
news:<telecom20.165.7@telecom-digest.org>...

> Dear Digest Denizens--
> 
> My friend's been a Sprint customer since 1997, and *of course*, they
> won't cut her a break.  She needs to have up to 10 two-digit
> accounting codes.  Average usage is currently $50/month max, but she
> anticipates that going down to $30/month.  Sprint is charging her 6.7
> cents/minute, which seems awfully high to me.  If possible, she'd like
> to have a calling card, but that is nice but not necessary.

------------------------------

From: Barry Margolin <barmar@genuity.net>
Subject: Re: Long Delay in Telemarketer Calls
Organization: Genuity, Woburn, MA
Date: Wed, 20 Feb 2002 15:40:38 GMT


In article <telecom20.165.8@telecom-digest.org>, Mike O'Dorney
<modorney@aol.com> wrote:

>[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: They are not trying to defeat the DNC
>boxes. I doubt they care about those boxes at all. Most telemarketer
>employees are simply trained to ignore remove requests and keep on
>talking. I think the longer delay these days is because fewer
>telemarketer employees are trying to handle more and more calls.

Isn't it also because the war-dialiers try to detect answering
machines, so they can hang up instead of passing the call on to a
human?  If the phone is answered and keeps talking for several
seconds, rather than saying "hello" and waiting for a response, it's
obviously a machine.  That means the war-dialer has to listen for
several seconds to distinguish a machine from a human.


Barry Margolin, barmar@genuity.net
Genuity, Woburn, MA
*** DON'T SEND TECHNICAL QUESTIONS DIRECTLY TO ME, post them to newsgroups.
Please DON'T copy followups to me -- I'll assume it wasn't posted to the group.


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note:  Very good, Barry. I had not thought of
that possibility, which is also a good one.    PAT]

------------------------------

Date: Wed, 20 Feb 2002 15:10:55 EST
From: Carl Moore <cmoore@ARL.ARMY.MIL>
Subject: New York: "Amtrak Workers Busted in Phone Scam"


16 Amtrak employees charged with using credit card and phone cards
(left behind by passengers) to make personal calls on GTE Railfones.
The accused were assigned to clean the trains at Amtrak's yard in
Sunnyside, NYC borough of Queens.

------------------------------

End of TELECOM Digest V20 #166
******************************
    
    
From editor@telecom-digest.org  Thu Feb 21 00:42:20 2002
Received: (from ptownson@localhost)
	by massis.lcs.mit.edu (8.9.1/8.9.1) id AAA03595;
	Thu, 21 Feb 2002 00:42:20 -0500 (EST)
Date: Thu, 21 Feb 2002 00:42:20 -0500 (EST)
From: editor@telecom-digest.org
Message-Id: <200202210542.AAA03595@massis.lcs.mit.edu>
To: ptownson
Approved: patsnewlist
Subject: TELECOM Digest V20 #166
				   

TELECOM Digest     Thu, 21 Feb 2002 00:42:00 EST    Volume 20 : Issue 167

Inside This Issue:                             Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    Re: NameZero are Thieves! Anyone Else Experiencing This? (Denise Oyston)
    Re: NameZero are Thieves! Anyone Else Experiencing This? (MegA)
    Re: DNIS Cost? (MegA)
    Telesoft E&M Scripts (Thoth)
    IMTS Phone Service Still Available? (73115.1041@compuserve.com)
    Re: Fall of the Pre-Paid Revolution (MegA)
    Re: Calling Card Startups (MegA)
    Re: The Latest Fad From Japan (Marcus Didius Falco)
    Re: Telephone Operators -> Infinity (Malcolm Slaney)
    Nokia 5165 Cell Phone Talk (markbryan@verizon.com)
    Re: More Entries For the Business Directory (Ernie)
    Problem With DTMF in a Caribbean Country (Thomas Osthege)
    Re: AOL Customers ... (Bill Levant)
    Re: AUTOVON Information (Don Kimberlin)
    Sony Cordless Phone Question (Alan Beagley)
    Re: Long Range Cordless Phone Wanted! (Marcus Didius Falco)
    Yet More Entries For the Business Directory (David B. Horvath)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
exclusively to telecommunications topics. It is circulated anywhere
there is email, in addition to various telecom forums on a variety of
networks such as Compuserve and America On Line, and other forums.
It is also gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated 
newsgroup 'comp.dcom.telecom'.

TELECOM Digest is a not-for-profit, mostly non-commercial educational
service offered to the Internet by Patrick Townson. All the contents
of the Digest are compilation-copyrighted. You may reprint articles in
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and that of the original author.

Contact information:    Patrick Townson/TELECOM Digest
                        Post Office Box 50
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Subscribe:  telecom-subscribe@telecom-digest.org
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published continuously since then.  Our archives are available for
your review/research. We believe we are the second oldest e-zine/
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----------------------------------------------------------------------

From: denise@ukgenealogy.co.uk (Denise Oyston)
Subject: Re: NameZero are Thieves! Anyone Else Experiencing This?
Date: 20 Feb 2002 07:32:29 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


google@nosfratu.com (corkie) wrote in message
news:<telecom20.162.10@telecom-digest.org>...

> Last year, I paid for a domain through them for 5 years under a
> special offer they where running. (Cost $79.95). They are now looking
> 1 year later for more money for the domain.

> 1) Anyone have a domain with them and managed to transfer it else
> where?

> 2) How do I force them in to refunding the Difference in Cost  for 5
> years, to 1?

> Advice please?

> John O. Connell

My family has two domains with Namezero, supposedly with myself as
registrant for one and my daughter as registrant for the other.

Last week I wrote to Namezero, asking for my account details with
Network Solutions so I could transfer my domain.  Their response was
to send a demand for payment for a further year's plus service, not
due to expire until December.

I have now managed to change the password for both domains with
Network Solutions, but changing the billing contact details is
becoming a nightmare.

My daughter's domain is due for renewal in April.  I tried to renew it
today through Network Solutions, to be told I cannot because the
domain is registered with a wholesaler of domains.

My daughter is listed as the domain registrant, and can manage every
aspect of the domain herself, except for billing.  She is certainly
not a domain wholesaler.

Namezero are loathe to provide any help, other than demands for
payment for emails and web forwarding that now go through another ISP.

As anyone any ideas about how we can renew the domain, which is now
apparently blocked for any billing alterations.


Thanks,

Denise Oyston

------------------------------

From: bryon.spahn@corporate.ge.com (MegA)
Subject: Re: NameZero are Thieves! Anyone Else Experiencing This?
Date: 20 Feb 2002 07:56:27 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


I would reccomend a shotgun and some carefully placed plastic
explosives.

On a more serious note ...

The problem with your situation is that you probably have no record of
the transaction do you? It would be real easy for NameZero (A
struggling if not already belly up registration site) to deny that
they ever told you that the term of the registration was 5 years.
Furthermore I can easily see them conveniently locating some fine
print in the contract that says that you pay 75 the first year and
then "a reduced rate" for the remaining 4. I would suggest writing
them and advising them of your problem ... if you get no answer, write
them again notifying them of your intent to discontinue their service
and pick a registrar that you can trust. may I suggest
www.register.com I have several domain names registered with them and
they are up front and honest about the costs. I hate to say it... but
when it comes to domain name registration, YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR.
Good luck and I hope not to see your name in the paper for shooting up
the place.


MegA

------------------------------

From: bryon.spahn@corporate.ge.com (MegA)
Subject: Re: DNIS Cost?
Date: 20 Feb 2002 07:34:37 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


The G3 runs this way. You need to have not only the hardware to
process the DNIS request but the licencing per seat to allow the DINS
to pass to the stations. I believe that they do offer a "site" license
if you have a ton of seats. You should also be sure that your version
of switch software allows this functionality. Any halfway rescent
version should be fine. (I say that because I have seen definity's
running on ancient software and the admins scrambling to try and
figure out why their ANI and DNIS request are not going through)


Good luck.

MegA

------------------------------

From: techman@ematic.com (Thoth)
Subject: Telesoft E&M Scripts
Date: 20 Feb 2002 12:26:36 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


I've got a Telesoft/TSLink portable tester (PAC 586) with Version 10.0
of the CD software. Its got programmable CAS, but the script file that
comes with it for E&M ESF.tst is not Wink start.  It appears to be
immediate or delayed dial.  Does anyone have a .tst file for Wink
Start?  If so, could you post it or send it to me?


Thanks for your help, 


W. Martin
techman@ematic.com

------------------------------

From: 73115.1041@compuserve.com
Subject: IMTS Phone Service Still Available?
Date: Wed, 20 Feb 2002 07:29:07 -0700
Organization: Posted via Supernews, http://www.supernews.com


Anyone know if IMTS service -- the original car radio phone service
offered by phone companies -- is still available and what it would be
priced at?

Not that anyone would want it. I suspect coverage is significantly
less than what is offered by cellular providers today. Since it was a
tarriffed service, I suspect it still exists, but only for
grandfathered users.


Ken

------------------------------

From: bryon.spahn@corporate.ge.com (MegA)
Subject: Re: Fall of the Pre-Paid Revolution
Date: 20 Feb 2002 07:20:08 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


I am glad to see that this post didn't go unanswered. Thanks to all
for your input.


MegA

------------------------------

From: bryon.spahn@corporate.ge.com (MegA)
Subject: Re: Calling Card Startups
Date: 20 Feb 2002 07:24:58 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


Are you guys looking for information regarding marketing or equipment
purchasing? I can give several pointers on equipment selection,
however I am no salesman. I have worked in the pre-paid market for a
few years and with 2 different startups. You can reply to me
personally if you wish not to discuss your needs in the group.

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 18 Feb 2002 19:53:25 -0500
From: Marcus Didius Falco <marcus_d_falco@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: The Latest Fad From Japan


> From: H. Peter Anvin <hpa@zytor.com>
> Subject: Re: The Latest Fad From Japan
> Date: 17 Feb 2002 16:27:40 -0800
> Organization: Transmeta Corporation, Santa Clara CA

> In newsgroup: comp.dcom.telecom

>> According to a short note on the BBC last night, the latest fad from
>> Japan is false fingernails that flash to indicate your cell phone is
>> ringing.

>> Is this the solution to the problem of cellphones ringing in concerts,
>> movies, museums, and other inappropriate places?

> Most cell phones these days can be set to silent alert (vibrate), and
> that doesn't seem to help since too many people are too stupid to
> actually use it.

I find that in vibrating mode I don't feel the vibration if the phone
is in a jacket pocket or a cargo pocket on pants. I feel it only if it
is close to my skin, in a shirt pocket, or if I'm wearing tight
jeans. On a belt clip it's iffy. It would be impossible if the phone
were in a handbag or backpack. YMMV

------------------------------

Date: Wed, 20 Feb 2002 02:20:47 -0800
From: Malcolm Slaney <malcolm@ieee.org>
Subject: Re: Telephone Operators -> Infinity


I asked all of you recently about a story I had heard suggesting that
the number of telephone operators would have become very large if
somebody hadn't invented automatic switching systems.  Laura Dimario
put me in touch with the AT&T historian and he gave a pretty
definitive denial.  Great story, but there is no evidence for it.

Thanks to all of you for your help.

 -- Malcolm

> Subject: RE: Telephone Operators -> Infinity
> Date: Tue, 19 Feb 2002 08:21:07 -0500
> From: "Hochheiser, Sheldon, PR" <hochheiser@att.com>
> To: "Malcolm Slaney" <malcolm@ieee.org>

> Malcolm--

> This story is a myth that has been told for decades.

> As near as I can tell, no AT&T official ever made such a prediction.
> However, various people have said that some unknown AT&T official at
> some point prior to whenever the tale was being told had made such a
> prediction.

> For the real reasons why AT&T began switching from manual to automatic
> switching of local calls see

> Kenneth Lipartito (Florida International University), "When Women were
> Switches," American Historical Review, 99 (1994)1074 -1111.

> --Sheldon Hochheiser
> Corporate Historian, AT&T

------------------------------

From: markbryan@verizon.com
Date: Wed, 20 Feb 2002 7:02:24 -0500
Reply-To: <markbryan@verizon.com>
Subject: Nokia 5165 Cell Phone Talk


Pat,

Saw your posting about a Nokia 5165.  I was using one until recently. 
Loved the phone. The Li-Ion Battery (about $50-$70) added the 
vibrating function. It worked great, and I liked the phone.  It was a 
little big. I was with BellSouth/Cingular.  Decided to move over to 
AT&T, when I made the move I went with a Nokia 3360 (got the phone at 
Best Buy) that with rebates it cost me nothing. Got a 1 yr contract 
with $35 activation.  The think I noticed was with Cingular that in 
the building I worked in, it was on Roam, which was in AT&T, if I was 
just outside the building I was on Extended, which was the old GTE, 
and if you had BS/Cingular you were fully digital, when on Extended 
you were digital, but Roam was analog.  

On my new phone if it says AT&T I am on digital, but I hardly ever get
Roam anymore in this area.  I have seen extended once or twice. The
thing I see mostly is what one of the people indicated, if you are
locked onto AT&T you stay there, I can power down and get a better
signal sometimes.  I love my new Nokia 3360, it gets better reception
and is much smaller and lighter, and support vibrate with buying a
special battery. Don't know if this will help you or not. Good luck.


Mark Bryan
Verizon Select Services Inc.
Internet: markbryan@verizon.com
O: 813-978-7777 F: 813-987-1691

------------------------------

From: Ernie <ernie@nospam.org>
Subject: Re: More Entries For the Business Directory
Date: Tue, 19 Feb 2002 17:53:25 -0500
Organization: IIcx
Reply-To: ernie@nospam.org


Here is a number that has been spammed to my in-box:

"A public utility co. seeking ambitious people to work part 
time...yadda yadda... learn how to get get paid on local and LD phone 
service, internet, pagers, yadda etc. For more info, Call EXCEL 
1-888-306-0687"...Then listen to 3+ min spiel and leave a message as 
long as you like. Ask lots of questions and use a payphone so the 
owner of said payphone can collect a fee.

------------------------------

From: Thomas Osthege <ThomasO@iname.com>
Subject: Problem With DTMF in a Caribbean Country
Date: Thu, 21 Feb 2002 00:16:18 +0100
Organization: T-Online


Hi NG,

My program (running in Germany) calls a customer (back) in a caribbean
country. He types some instructions into my program using DTMF digits.
Until recently everything worked fine. But now it seems that they
filter out DTMF signals and terminate calls after the 3rd digit in
some (too many) cases.

Has anyone heard about a practice like this?

Does anybody have an idea how to circumvent this (perhaps by another
way of signalling)?


TIA,

Thomas

Thomas@Osthege_de
To reply directly, please replace "_" with "."

------------------------------

From: Wlevant@aol.com (Bill Levant)
Date: Wed, 20 Feb 2002 19:41:45 EST
Subject: Re: AOL Customers ...


> let's say the local phone company "cheaps out" or gets lazy, and
> decides to simply route all calls to 1-xxx that are not now in the
> local calling area to the customer's chosen long distance carrier.

Unfortunately, there are **only** two things that a local switch can
do with a dialed string that doesn't translate to an INTRA-LATA (or
whatever they're calling LATAs this week) call -- either hand it over
to the LD carrier or return a "reorder" tone or intercept message.
Also, by setting up the translation table so that "hand off to LD
carrier" is the default behavior, they don't have to update the tables
every time that West Bicycle Pump, Alaska adds a new NXX code (unless
they are *local to* said place).

What they *have to do* and didn't here is to promptly update the table
for new NXX codes *in the LATA or local calling area* of the switch.
They didn't, the call got handed off to the LD carrier, who -- not
asking questions -- completed it and billed for it.

100% the local company's fault.


Bill

------------------------------

From: Don Kimberlin <dkimberlin@prodigy.net>
Subject: Re: AUTOVON Information
Date: Wed, 20 Feb 2002 21:22:48 -0500
Organization: Prodigy Internet


In article <Sun, 17 Feb 2002 17:23:06 -0800> Al Gillis
(alg@aracnet.com) wrote:

> Reference to an AUTOVON web page would be very interesting, if anyone
> knows of one! For those interested in things of that ilk there is
> whitealice.com.

If there is no direct Autovon one, there are a whole handful of
various "Cold War Communications" web pages, replete with photos made
and collected by really intrepid recorders of the physical
infrastructure.  Just as there is whitealice,com, for example, there
is also an extensive page on NARS, the tropo that connected the
English end of BMEWS across the Atlantic back to North America, and a
variety of pages that record the extent of both L Carrier and TD-2
radio construction around the nation to connect both Autovon and
civilian DDD switching centers.

For an *extensive* starter, go to this page that starts with all
manner of facilities surrounding Washington, DC in the Cold War era:

http://coldwardc.homestead.com/files/

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 21 Feb 2002 02:27:28 +0000 (GMT)
From: Alan Beagley <abeagley@optonline.net>
Subject: Sony Cordless Phone Question
Organization: Optimum Online


The Sony multi-handset 2.4GHz phone SPP-A2780 comes with an attached
handset and one cordless handset, but can accommodate a total of four
cordless units. The user guide says that once a new handset has been
registered it cannot be deregistered.

So what happens if the base station dies and has to be replaced? The
cordless handsets are registered with a no-longer-functioning base
station and cannot be reregistered with the new base station.

And what happens if one has the full complement of four cordless units
and one of them dies? A replacement cannot be registered with the base
station.

Is there really no way of making the base recognize a replacement
cordless unit or of making a cordless unit recognize a replacement base
unit? No "secret" key combinations? After all, either the base unit or
the cordless units (or both) must have some memory (CMOS? Flash RAM?)
somewhere to store the "associations."


Alan

------------------------------

Date: Wed, 20 Feb 2002 20:49:12 -0500
From: Marcus Didius Falco <marcus_d_falco@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: Long Range Cordless Phone Wanted!


At 05:08 PM 2/20/2002, editor@telecom-digest.org wrote:

> Date: Tue, 19 Feb 2002 21:35:17 +0000
> From: Richard Kenward <kenward.rfe@ntlworld.com>
> Subject: Long Range Cordless Phone Wanted!
> Organization: RKDI

> I am trying to source a cordless phone that I can use in the UK with a
> range exceeding 1/2 mile.  Must be able to fit in a normal size pocket
> please.  Only needs one line in and no answering M/C facilities ... just
> powerful, basic and smallish and sensible price.

> Ideas please guys.  Would a phone produced for the US market and
> presumably powered at the base station at 110volts be suitable?

The longest range phone in the US is the "Engenius", and I'm not sure
it would have a range of a half-mile. I don't think it's pocket sized,
either, but it clips to the belt. Check www.hellodirect.com

There are phones available in CANADA and some other countries that
have a range of up to 25 miles. These are actually PBXs for use in
remote areas.  They are not legal in the US. I don't know about
Britain. And I don't know whether the remote stations are pocket
sized. And these are quite expensive.

There are personal communicators available in the US that are pocket
sized and have a range of up to 2 miles. However, they cannot connect
to the telephone network. They are pretty cheap, too. I don't know
whether they are legal in Britain. There are also industrial versions
of these which might possibly be possible to connect to the switched
network through some sort of phone patch working through a PBX or key
system. The hand-helds are fairly cheap, but if you had to install a
PBX....

Amateur radio on the 2-meter band in the US has a range of a couple of
miles. It can sometimes connect (outgoing only) to the switched
network, if an amateur radio club in the area has set up a repeater
with a "phone-patch." There are lots of models, and possibly some are
pocket sized.

------------------------------

Date: Wed, 20 Feb 2002 21:22:23 -0500
From: dhorvath@cobs.com (David B. Horvath, CCP)
Subject: Yet More Entries For the Business Directory


And the offers keep coming!

The first one was part of an email that promised "Business Owner Beats
IRS.  Federal Court Backs Return Of Witheld [sic] Taxes."

   Technology by StealthLaunch. Call LaunchHosting at 1-800-804-4352  
   if your company needs high speed temporary hosting for a Campaign 
   Launch! Celebrating our 5th Year!!! 

It seems like they do something odd to the URL so that you can't
cut & paste it from notepad, so if you can't track it down, you can't
complain about it.  Call them if you have any interest!

      = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = 

The second was for a variety of cruises.

   Phone:  770-509-2500 / 800-254-7572 
   AABA Cruise & Vacation Superstore 
   98 Powers Ferry Rd 
   Marietta, GA 30067 

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = 

A third one that I just got was really interesting -- they wanted to
know about the products I had for sale:

> We are interested in your product. We believe that it will be useful in
> marketing our data recovery software product.  Can you give us more
> information about its functions?  Thank You.

> Sincerely,

> Walter A. Gonzalaz
> ESS Data Recovery, Inc.

 From their web page: Welcome to the official website of the ESS Data
Recovery team. We take pride in being trusted by thousands of clients
worldwide, including NASA, Lockheed Martin and many others. Please
take a moment to browse our website, or call us at 1.800.237.4200 for
emergency data recovery services.

       = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = 

Do we have the following in the directory (I can't remember if I sent
this one in, I get so much spam...)

> No Catch !! Host as many domains as you want on your own Virtual Server .

> Features include:
> **  200 mb disk space
> **  Advanced Control Panel
> **  Unlimited Domain Names hosted
> **  Unlimted Email Addresses (anyname@anydomain.com)
> ** 10GB Data Transfer
> ** Windows 2000 Plans also available (Additional fees may apply)

>            ** CALL NOW !!! 1-888-869-HOST(4678) **

> Not ready to sign up yet?
> How about a 15 Day FREE Trial Account?

       ============================================

David B. Horvath, CCP
Consultant, Author, International Lecturer, Adjunct Professor
Board Member: ICCP Educational Foundation, ICCP Test Council, and
Philadelphia Association of Systems Administrators

[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note:  You know what to do.    PAT]

------------------------------

End of TELECOM Digest V20 #167
******************************
    
    
From editor@telecom-digest.org  Thu Feb 21 00:43:32 2002
Received: (from ptownson@localhost)
	by massis.lcs.mit.edu (8.9.1/8.9.1) id AAA03810;
	Thu, 21 Feb 2002 00:43:32 -0500 (EST)
Date: Thu, 21 Feb 2002 00:43:32 -0500 (EST)
From: editor@telecom-digest.org
Message-Id: <200202210543.AAA03810@massis.lcs.mit.edu>
To: ptownson
Approved: patsnewlist
Subject: TELECOM Digest V20 #167
				   

TELECOM Digest     Thu, 21 Feb 2002 00:42:00 EST    Volume 20 : Issue 167

Inside This Issue:                             Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    Re: NameZero are Thieves! Anyone Else Experiencing This? (Denise Oyston)
    Re: NameZero are Thieves! Anyone Else Experiencing This? (MegA)
    Re: DNIS Cost? (MegA)
    Telesoft E&M Scripts (Thoth)
    IMTS Phone Service Still Available? (73115.1041@compuserve.com)
    Re: Fall of the Pre-Paid Revolution (MegA)
    Re: Calling Card Startups (MegA)
    Re: The Latest Fad From Japan (Marcus Didius Falco)
    Re: Telephone Operators -> Infinity (Malcolm Slaney)
    Nokia 5165 Cell Phone Talk (markbryan@verizon.com)
    Re: More Entries For the Business Directory (Ernie)
    Problem With DTMF in a Caribbean Country (Thomas Osthege)
    Re: AOL Customers ... (Bill Levant)
    Re: AUTOVON Information (Don Kimberlin)
    Sony Cordless Phone Question (Alan Beagley)
    Re: Long Range Cordless Phone Wanted! (Marcus Didius Falco)
    Yet More Entries For the Business Directory (David B. Horvath)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
exclusively to telecommunications topics. It is circulated anywhere
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----------------------------------------------------------------------

From: denise@ukgenealogy.co.uk (Denise Oyston)
Subject: Re: NameZero are Thieves! Anyone Else Experiencing This?
Date: 20 Feb 2002 07:32:29 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


google@nosfratu.com (corkie) wrote in message
news:<telecom20.162.10@telecom-digest.org>...

> Last year, I paid for a domain through them for 5 years under a
> special offer they where running. (Cost $79.95). They are now looking
> 1 year later for more money for the domain.

> 1) Anyone have a domain with them and managed to transfer it else
> where?

> 2) How do I force them in to refunding the Difference in Cost  for 5
> years, to 1?

> Advice please?

> John O. Connell

My family has two domains with Namezero, supposedly with myself as
registrant for one and my daughter as registrant for the other.

Last week I wrote to Namezero, asking for my account details with
Network Solutions so I could transfer my domain.  Their response was
to send a demand for payment for a further year's plus service, not
due to expire until December.

I have now managed to change the password for both domains with
Network Solutions, but changing the billing contact details is
becoming a nightmare.

My daughter's domain is due for renewal in April.  I tried to renew it
today through Network Solutions, to be told I cannot because the
domain is registered with a wholesaler of domains.

My daughter is listed as the domain registrant, and can manage every
aspect of the domain herself, except for billing.  She is certainly
not a domain wholesaler.

Namezero are loathe to provide any help, other than demands for
payment for emails and web forwarding that now go through another ISP.

As anyone any ideas about how we can renew the domain, which is now
apparently blocked for any billing alterations.


Thanks,

Denise Oyston

------------------------------

From: bryon.spahn@corporate.ge.com (MegA)
Subject: Re: NameZero are Thieves! Anyone Else Experiencing This?
Date: 20 Feb 2002 07:56:27 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


I would reccomend a shotgun and some carefully placed plastic
explosives.

On a more serious note ...

The problem with your situation is that you probably have no record of
the transaction do you? It would be real easy for NameZero (A
struggling if not already belly up registration site) to deny that
they ever told you that the term of the registration was 5 years.
Furthermore I can easily see them conveniently locating some fine
print in the contract that says that you pay 75 the first year and
then "a reduced rate" for the remaining 4. I would suggest writing
them and advising them of your problem ... if you get no answer, write
them again notifying them of your intent to discontinue their service
and pick a registrar that you can trust. may I suggest
www.register.com I have several domain names registered with them and
they are up front and honest about the costs. I hate to say it... but
when it comes to domain name registration, YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR.
Good luck and I hope not to see your name in the paper for shooting up
the place.


MegA

------------------------------

From: bryon.spahn@corporate.ge.com (MegA)
Subject: Re: DNIS Cost?
Date: 20 Feb 2002 07:34:37 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


The G3 runs this way. You need to have not only the hardware to
process the DNIS request but the licencing per seat to allow the DINS
to pass to the stations. I believe that they do offer a "site" license
if you have a ton of seats. You should also be sure that your version
of switch software allows this functionality. Any halfway rescent
version should be fine. (I say that because I have seen definity's
running on ancient software and the admins scrambling to try and
figure out why their ANI and DNIS request are not going through)


Good luck.

MegA

------------------------------

From: techman@ematic.com (Thoth)
Subject: Telesoft E&M Scripts
Date: 20 Feb 2002 12:26:36 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


I've got a Telesoft/TSLink portable tester (PAC 586) with Version 10.0
of the CD software. Its got programmable CAS, but the script file that
comes with it for E&M ESF.tst is not Wink start.  It appears to be
immediate or delayed dial.  Does anyone have a .tst file for Wink
Start?  If so, could you post it or send it to me?


Thanks for your help, 


W. Martin
techman@ematic.com

------------------------------

From: 73115.1041@compuserve.com
Subject: IMTS Phone Service Still Available?
Date: Wed, 20 Feb 2002 07:29:07 -0700
Organization: Posted via Supernews, http://www.supernews.com


Anyone know if IMTS service -- the original car radio phone service
offered by phone companies -- is still available and what it would be
priced at?

Not that anyone would want it. I suspect coverage is significantly
less than what is offered by cellular providers today. Since it was a
tarriffed service, I suspect it still exists, but only for
grandfathered users.


Ken

------------------------------

From: bryon.spahn@corporate.ge.com (MegA)
Subject: Re: Fall of the Pre-Paid Revolution
Date: 20 Feb 2002 07:20:08 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


I am glad to see that this post didn't go unanswered. Thanks to all
for your input.


MegA

------------------------------

From: bryon.spahn@corporate.ge.com (MegA)
Subject: Re: Calling Card Startups
Date: 20 Feb 2002 07:24:58 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


Are you guys looking for information regarding marketing or equipment
purchasing? I can give several pointers on equipment selection,
however I am no salesman. I have worked in the pre-paid market for a
few years and with 2 different startups. You can reply to me
personally if you wish not to discuss your needs in the group.

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 18 Feb 2002 19:53:25 -0500
From: Marcus Didius Falco <marcus_d_falco@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: The Latest Fad From Japan


> From: H. Peter Anvin <hpa@zytor.com>
> Subject: Re: The Latest Fad From Japan
> Date: 17 Feb 2002 16:27:40 -0800
> Organization: Transmeta Corporation, Santa Clara CA

> In newsgroup: comp.dcom.telecom

>> According to a short note on the BBC last night, the latest fad from
>> Japan is false fingernails that flash to indicate your cell phone is
>> ringing.

>> Is this the solution to the problem of cellphones ringing in concerts,
>> movies, museums, and other inappropriate places?

> Most cell phones these days can be set to silent alert (vibrate), and
> that doesn't seem to help since too many people are too stupid to
> actually use it.

I find that in vibrating mode I don't feel the vibration if the phone
is in a jacket pocket or a cargo pocket on pants. I feel it only if it
is close to my skin, in a shirt pocket, or if I'm wearing tight
jeans. On a belt clip it's iffy. It would be impossible if the phone
were in a handbag or backpack. YMMV

------------------------------

Date: Wed, 20 Feb 2002 02:20:47 -0800
From: Malcolm Slaney <malcolm@ieee.org>
Subject: Re: Telephone Operators -> Infinity


I asked all of you recently about a story I had heard suggesting that
the number of telephone operators would have become very large if
somebody hadn't invented automatic switching systems.  Laura Dimario
put me in touch with the AT&T historian and he gave a pretty
definitive denial.  Great story, but there is no evidence for it.

Thanks to all of you for your help.

 -- Malcolm

> Subject: RE: Telephone Operators -> Infinity
> Date: Tue, 19 Feb 2002 08:21:07 -0500
> From: "Hochheiser, Sheldon, PR" <hochheiser@att.com>
> To: "Malcolm Slaney" <malcolm@ieee.org>

> Malcolm--

> This story is a myth that has been told for decades.

> As near as I can tell, no AT&T official ever made such a prediction.
> However, various people have said that some unknown AT&T official at
> some point prior to whenever the tale was being told had made such a
> prediction.

> For the real reasons why AT&T began switching from manual to automatic
> switching of local calls see

> Kenneth Lipartito (Florida International University), "When Women were
> Switches," American Historical Review, 99 (1994)1074 -1111.

> --Sheldon Hochheiser
> Corporate Historian, AT&T

------------------------------

From: markbryan@verizon.com
Date: Wed, 20 Feb 2002 7:02:24 -0500
Reply-To: <markbryan@verizon.com>
Subject: Nokia 5165 Cell Phone Talk


Pat,

Saw your posting about a Nokia 5165.  I was using one until recently. 
Loved the phone. The Li-Ion Battery (about $50-$70) added the 
vibrating function. It worked great, and I liked the phone.  It was a 
little big. I was with BellSouth/Cingular.  Decided to move over to 
AT&T, when I made the move I went with a Nokia 3360 (got the phone at 
Best Buy) that with rebates it cost me nothing. Got a 1 yr contract 
with $35 activation.  The think I noticed was with Cingular that in 
the building I worked in, it was on Roam, which was in AT&T, if I was 
just outside the building I was on Extended, which was the old GTE, 
and if you had BS/Cingular you were fully digital, when on Extended 
you were digital, but Roam was analog.  

On my new phone if it says AT&T I am on digital, but I hardly ever get
Roam anymore in this area.  I have seen extended once or twice. The
thing I see mostly is what one of the people indicated, if you are
locked onto AT&T you stay there, I can power down and get a better
signal sometimes.  I love my new Nokia 3360, it gets better reception
and is much smaller and lighter, and support vibrate with buying a
special battery. Don't know if this will help you or not. Good luck.


Mark Bryan
Verizon Select Services Inc.
Internet: markbryan@verizon.com
O: 813-978-7777 F: 813-987-1691

------------------------------

From: Ernie <ernie@nospam.org>
Subject: Re: More Entries For the Business Directory
Date: Tue, 19 Feb 2002 17:53:25 -0500
Organization: IIcx
Reply-To: ernie@nospam.org


Here is a number that has been spammed to my in-box:

"A public utility co. seeking ambitious people to work part 
time...yadda yadda... learn how to get get paid on local and LD phone 
service, internet, pagers, yadda etc. For more info, Call EXCEL 
1-888-306-0687"...Then listen to 3+ min spiel and leave a message as 
long as you like. Ask lots of questions and use a payphone so the 
owner of said payphone can collect a fee.

------------------------------

From: Thomas Osthege <ThomasO@iname.com>
Subject: Problem With DTMF in a Caribbean Country
Date: Thu, 21 Feb 2002 00:16:18 +0100
Organization: T-Online


Hi NG,

My program (running in Germany) calls a customer (back) in a caribbean
country. He types some instructions into my program using DTMF digits.
Until recently everything worked fine. But now it seems that they
filter out DTMF signals and terminate calls after the 3rd digit in
some (too many) cases.

Has anyone heard about a practice like this?

Does anybody have an idea how to circumvent this (perhaps by another
way of signalling)?


TIA,

Thomas

Thomas@Osthege_de
To reply directly, please replace "_" with "."

------------------------------

From: Wlevant@aol.com (Bill Levant)
Date: Wed, 20 Feb 2002 19:41:45 EST
Subject: Re: AOL Customers ...


> let's say the local phone company "cheaps out" or gets lazy, and
> decides to simply route all calls to 1-xxx that are not now in the
> local calling area to the customer's chosen long distance carrier.

Unfortunately, there are **only** two things that a local switch can
do with a dialed string that doesn't translate to an INTRA-LATA (or
whatever they're calling LATAs this week) call -- either hand it over
to the LD carrier or return a "reorder" tone or intercept message.
Also, by setting up the translation table so that "hand off to LD
carrier" is the default behavior, they don't have to update the tables
every time that West Bicycle Pump, Alaska adds a new NXX code (unless
they are *local to* said place).

What they *have to do* and didn't here is to promptly update the table
for new NXX codes *in the LATA or local calling area* of the switch.
They didn't, the call got handed off to the LD carrier, who -- not
asking questions -- completed it and billed for it.

100% the local company's fault.


Bill

------------------------------

From: Don Kimberlin <dkimberlin@prodigy.net>
Subject: Re: AUTOVON Information
Date: Wed, 20 Feb 2002 21:22:48 -0500
Organization: Prodigy Internet


In article <Sun, 17 Feb 2002 17:23:06 -0800> Al Gillis
(alg@aracnet.com) wrote:

> Reference to an AUTOVON web page would be very interesting, if anyone
> knows of one! For those interested in things of that ilk there is
> whitealice.com.

If there is no direct Autovon one, there are a whole handful of
various "Cold War Communications" web pages, replete with photos made
and collected by really intrepid recorders of the physical
infrastructure.  Just as there is whitealice,com, for example, there
is also an extensive page on NARS, the tropo that connected the
English end of BMEWS across the Atlantic back to North America, and a
variety of pages that record the extent of both L Carrier and TD-2
radio construction around the nation to connect both Autovon and
civilian DDD switching centers.

For an *extensive* starter, go to this page that starts with all
manner of facilities surrounding Washington, DC in the Cold War era:

http://coldwardc.homestead.com/files/

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 21 Feb 2002 02:27:28 +0000 (GMT)
From: Alan Beagley <abeagley@optonline.net>
Subject: Sony Cordless Phone Question
Organization: Optimum Online


The Sony multi-handset 2.4GHz phone SPP-A2780 comes with an attached
handset and one cordless handset, but can accommodate a total of four
cordless units. The user guide says that once a new handset has been
registered it cannot be deregistered.

So what happens if the base station dies and has to be replaced? The
cordless handsets are registered with a no-longer-functioning base
station and cannot be reregistered with the new base station.

And what happens if one has the full complement of four cordless units
and one of them dies? A replacement cannot be registered with the base
station.

Is there really no way of making the base recognize a replacement
cordless unit or of making a cordless unit recognize a replacement base
unit? No "secret" key combinations? After all, either the base unit or
the cordless units (or both) must have some memory (CMOS? Flash RAM?)
somewhere to store the "associations."


Alan

------------------------------

Date: Wed, 20 Feb 2002 20:49:12 -0500
From: Marcus Didius Falco <marcus_d_falco@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: Long Range Cordless Phone Wanted!


At 05:08 PM 2/20/2002, editor@telecom-digest.org wrote:

> Date: Tue, 19 Feb 2002 21:35:17 +0000
> From: Richard Kenward <kenward.rfe@ntlworld.com>
> Subject: Long Range Cordless Phone Wanted!
> Organization: RKDI

> I am trying to source a cordless phone that I can use in the UK with a
> range exceeding 1/2 mile.  Must be able to fit in a normal size pocket
> please.  Only needs one line in and no answering M/C facilities ... just
> powerful, basic and smallish and sensible price.

> Ideas please guys.  Would a phone produced for the US market and
> presumably powered at the base station at 110volts be suitable?

The longest range phone in the US is the "Engenius", and I'm not sure
it would have a range of a half-mile. I don't think it's pocket sized,
either, but it clips to the belt. Check www.hellodirect.com

There are phones available in CANADA and some other countries that
have a range of up to 25 miles. These are actually PBXs for use in
remote areas.  They are not legal in the US. I don't know about
Britain. And I don't know whether the remote stations are pocket
sized. And these are quite expensive.

There are personal communicators available in the US that are pocket
sized and have a range of up to 2 miles. However, they cannot connect
to the telephone network. They are pretty cheap, too. I don't know
whether they are legal in Britain. There are also industrial versions
of these which might possibly be possible to connect to the switched
network through some sort of phone patch working through a PBX or key
system. The hand-helds are fairly cheap, but if you had to install a
PBX....

Amateur radio on the 2-meter band in the US has a range of a couple of
miles. It can sometimes connect (outgoing only) to the switched
network, if an amateur radio club in the area has set up a repeater
with a "phone-patch." There are lots of models, and possibly some are
pocket sized.

------------------------------

Date: Wed, 20 Feb 2002 21:22:23 -0500
From: dhorvath@cobs.com (David B. Horvath, CCP)
Subject: Yet More Entries For the Business Directory


And the offers keep coming!

The first one was part of an email that promised "Business Owner Beats
IRS.  Federal Court Backs Return Of Witheld [sic] Taxes."

   Technology by StealthLaunch. Call LaunchHosting at 1-800-804-4352  
   if your company needs high speed temporary hosting for a Campaign 
   Launch! Celebrating our 5th Year!!! 

It seems like they do something odd to the URL so that you can't
cut & paste it from notepad, so if you can't track it down, you can't
complain about it.  Call them if you have any interest!

      = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = 

The second was for a variety of cruises.

   Phone:  770-509-2500 / 800-254-7572 
   AABA Cruise & Vacation Superstore 
   98 Powers Ferry Rd 
   Marietta, GA 30067 

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = 

A third one that I just got was really interesting -- they wanted to
know about the products I had for sale:

> We are interested in your product. We believe that it will be useful in
> marketing our data recovery software product.  Can you give us more
> information about its functions?  Thank You.

> Sincerely,

> Walter A. Gonzalaz
> ESS Data Recovery, Inc.

 From their web page: Welcome to the official website of the ESS Data
Recovery team. We take pride in being trusted by thousands of clients
worldwide, including NASA, Lockheed Martin and many others. Please
take a moment to browse our website, or call us at 1.800.237.4200 for
emergency data recovery services.

       = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = 

Do we have the following in the directory (I can't remember if I sent
this one in, I get so much spam...)

> No Catch !! Host as many domains as you want on your own Virtual Server .

> Features include:
> **  200 mb disk space
> **  Advanced Control Panel
> **  Unlimited Domain Names hosted
> **  Unlimted Email Addresses (anyname@anydomain.com)
> ** 10GB Data Transfer
> ** Windows 2000 Plans also available (Additional fees may apply)

>            ** CALL NOW !!! 1-888-869-HOST(4678) **

> Not ready to sign up yet?
> How about a 15 Day FREE Trial Account?

       ============================================

David B. Horvath, CCP
Consultant, Author, International Lecturer, Adjunct Professor
Board Member: ICCP Educational Foundation, ICCP Test Council, and
Philadelphia Association of Systems Administrators

[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note:  You know what to do.    PAT]

------------------------------

End of TELECOM Digest V20 #167
******************************
    
    
From editor@telecom-digest.org  Thu Feb 21 20:48:27 2002
Received: (from ptownson@localhost)
	by massis.lcs.mit.edu (8.9.1/8.9.1) id UAA24743;
	Thu, 21 Feb 2002 20:48:27 -0500 (EST)
Date: Thu, 21 Feb 2002 20:48:27 -0500 (EST)
From: editor@telecom-digest.org
Message-Id: <200202220148.UAA24743@massis.lcs.mit.edu>
To: ptownson
Approved: patsnewlist
Subject: TELECOM Digest V20 #168

TELECOM Digest     Thu, 21 Feb 2002 20:20:04 EST    Volume 20 : Issue 168

Inside This Issue:                           Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    Re: IMTS Phone Service Still Available? (Don Kimberlin)
    Re: IMTS Phone Service Still Available? (KB7M)
    Re: IMTS Phone Service Still Available? (Jim Hopkins)
    Lucent EXS (Formerly Excel) Tech/Developer Seeking Opportunity (MegA)
    Re: Sony Cordless Phone Question (Alan Beagley)
    Re: Sony Cordless Phone Question (Ed Ellers)
    Re: Octel / Definity Message Lamp Problem (Mike)
    Long Distance T1 Delay and Dropping When Dialing Out (Mike)
    Panasonic KX-TD336 Card (James Gifford)
    Re: The Latest Fad From Japan (Rory Francisco)
    Avoid ATT Cordless Telephone Headsets (Ross C. Nicholson)
    Re: Telephone Operators -> Infinity (Don Kimberlin)
    Re: Is This the Death of Dial-Up ? (Rob)
    Re: Long Range Cordless Phone Wanted! (Joel B. Levin)
    Busyback (Anne Mc Donagh)
----------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Don Kimberlin <dkimberlin@prodigy.net>
Subject: Re: IMTS Phone Service Still Available?
Date: Thu, 21 Feb 2002 17:44:49 -0500
Organization: Prodigy Internet


In article <Wed, 20 Feb 2002 07:29:07 -0700 > Ken
73115.1041@compuserve.com wrote:

> Anyone know if IMTS service -- the original car radio 
> phone service offered by phone companies -- ....

DING!  Sorry to say, IMTS was not the "original."  It was on 450 MHz.

Since IMTS stood for "Improved Mobile Telephone Service," it could
hardly be "improved" if it was the first, could it?

What immediately preceded IMTS was, of course, MTS or Mobile Telephone
Service on 150 Mhz.  And, there was even a granddaddy whose name I
forgot on 35 mHz, with about one channel per state, because its
coverage areas were so large.

And here's tomorrow morning's quiz question, class.  If there was
Mobile Telephone Service (MTS) and Improved Mobile Telephone service
(IMTS). what was the first name of cellular phone service on 900 MHz?
(Shhh--the answer is AMPS -- Advanced Mobile Telephone Service.  Ahh,
what giants of cold clear; logical <DULL!> language our monopoly
telcos were!)

------------------------------

From: KB7M <kb7m@arrl.net>
Subject: Re: IMTS Phone Service Still Available?
Date: Thu, 21 Feb 2002 17:06:14 -0700


The last I heard, (about a year ago), the service was still available
in some remote rural areas where cell phone coverage is spotty or
non-existant.  The equipment is scarce and the few remaining units are
grabbed up for these rural areas, and by hams for conversion to ham
band repeaters.

<73115.1041@compuserve.com> wrote in message
news:telecom20.167.5@telecom-digest.org...

> Anyone know if IMTS service -- the original car radio phone service
> offered by phone companies -- is still available and what it would be
> priced at?

> Not that anyone would want it. I suspect coverage is significantly
> less than what is offered by cellular providers today. Since it was a
> tarriffed service, I suspect it still exists, but only for
> grandfathered users.

------------------------------

From: bwanajim@swbell.net (Jim Hopkins)
Subject: Re: IMTS Phone Service Still Available?
Reply-To: bwanajim@swbell.net
Organization: Prodigy Internet http://www.prodigy.com
Date: Thu, 21 Feb 2002 13:17:02 GMT


Not in SBC-Southwestern Bell (TX, OK, KS, MO, AR). It was shut down in
1994.

On Wed, 20 Feb 2002 07:29:07 -0700, 
73115.1041@compuserve.com <73115.1041@compuserve.com> wrote:

> Anyone know if IMTS service -- the original car radio phone service
> offered by phone companies -- is still available and what it would be
> priced at?


Jim Hopkins

------------------------------

From: bryon.spahn@corporate.ge.com (MegA)
Subject: Lucent EXS (Formerly Excel) Tech/Developer Seeking Opportunity
Date: 21 Feb 2002 06:02:33 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


Hello all,

I am looking for a company in the US or Canada (Toronto pref.) that is
running a Lucent EXS (formerly Excel EXS2000) Phone switch and is in
need of one or more techs to turn their pre-paid business around. I
have worked with several different startups who are presently
averaging anywhere from 500k/mo to 2.5M/mo in sales. Please let me
know if you are in this business and if you need some proactive
admins/developers on your side to give you the advantage in your
market.

I look forward to hearing from you guys soon.


Thanks,

MegA

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 21 Feb 2002 14:07:38 GMT
From: Alan Beagley <abeagley@optonline.net>
Subject: Re: Sony Cordless Phone Question
Organization: Optimum Online


Oh, never mind. I found another loose sheet of paper in the package
that deals with these situations: it's <INTERCOM>, <EZ ACCESS>, and
<1> pressed simultaneously.

Sorry for the wasted bandwidth.


Alan

Alan Beagley wrote:

> The Sony multi-handset 2.4GHz phone SPP-A2780 comes with an attached
> handset and one cordless handset, but can accommodate a total of four
> cordless units. The user guide says that once a new handset has been
> registered it cannot be deregistered.

> So what happens if the base station dies and has to be replaced? The
> cordless handsets are registered with a no-longer-functioning base
> station and cannot be reregistered with the new base station.

> And what happens if one has the full complement of four cordless units
> and one of them dies? A replacement cannot be registered with the base
> station.

> Is there really no way of making the base recognize a replacement
> cordless unit or of making a cordless unit recognize a replacement base
> unit? No "secret" key combinations? After all, either the base unit or
> the cordless units (or both) must have some memory (CMOS? Flash RAM?)
> somewhere to store the "associations."

------------------------------

From: Ed Ellers <ed_ellers@msn.com>
Subject: Re: Sony Cordless Phone Question
Date: Thu, 21 Feb 2002 19:48:49 -0500


Alan Beagley <abeagley@optonline.net> wrote:

> So what happens if the base station dies and has to be replaced? The
> cordless handsets are registered with a no-longer-functioning base station
> and cannot be reregistered with the new base station.

Does the registration take place in the base unit, in the handsets, or
both?  If the registration only takes place in the base unit, then the
replacement base unit would be empty and able to accept the user's
existing handsets.  If the registration only takes place in the
handsets, then the service center could re-serialize the replacement
base unit to match the one being replaced.

> And what happens if one has the full complement of four cordless
> units and one of them dies? A replacement cannot be registered with
> the base station.

If registration takes place at the base, then the replacement handset
could be re-serialized to match the broken unit; if only at the
handset, there would be no problem because the replacement would be
empty.

The only difficult situation would be if both the handsets *and* the
base station memorized each other's identifications.  My gut feeling
is that only the base station is handling registration, since (A) that
only requires the function to be added to one device in the system,
(B) that's the one good way to limit the number of handsets being
used, and (C) base station protection is sufficient to prevent the
customer's phone line from being misused by a neighbor or someone in a
passing car.

------------------------------

From: anonmike@hotmail.com (Mike)
Subject: Re: Octel / Definity Message Lamp Problem
Date: 21 Feb 2002 08:04:12 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


This is the original poster.  I was not able to get back into the
Google account.

1. We bought this system used and it's only been in production for
about one and a half months.  I don't think rebooting the vmail system
will do anything.

2. They are marked as digital on the system, as 6408D+.

3. I don't think it's user error, since it happens randomly and the
fixes i specified (Clear AMW ALL and Deleting all v-mails) seems to
fix it for most.

What I don't understand why it seems to be happening so often, about
one or two people a week.  Or maybe this is normal.  This is the first
time I've been responsible for telecom equipment.

Thank you for all the responses so far.


Mike

a_user2000@yahoo.com (Justin Time) wrote in message
news:<telecom20.166.5@telecom-digest.org>...

> anon225588@yahoo.com (Mike) wrote in message
> news:<telecom20.164.9@telecom-digest.org>...

> One more thing to check.  See if by any chance they have disabled
> notification under administrative options in their mail box.  Quite
> common.  On our particular load of Octel S/W, the option is something
> like "Turn Message Indicator Off."  People will do this thinking it
> will turn the light off on their phone not realizing that the light
> will never light when they do receive a message.

>> Hello,

>> I have a Definity G3si Release 6 BCS with an Octel 250.  We have about
>> 75 users. About five to eight users have experienced this problem, the
>> message lamp either does not turn on when there is a new message or
>> the message lamp stays on even after the message is listened to.  I
>> have switched phones to no avail.  We have 6408D+.

>> I have done two troubleshooting steps:

>> 1. Ran "Clear AMW All [EXT]" on the Definity.
>> 2. Had them delete all their voicemails.

>> This has corrected the problem for about 4 people.  There are still a
>> few left who continue to experience this problem.  I am all out of
>> ideas.  If anyone is aware of the solution to this please let me know.

------------------------------

From: anonmike@hotmail.com (Mike)
Subject: Long Distance T1 Delay and Dropping When Dialing Out
Date: 21 Feb 2002 08:28:56 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


I have a Definity R6 with 2 T1 lines, LD and Local.  The LD line is
from Worldcom.  At this point it is set up for Immed Wink/Immed Wink.
This corresponds to the settings that Worldcom specified.  About %10
of the time it takes about 10-15 seconds for a call to go out.
Sometimes the call just dies and does not go out.  This is becoming
very problematic.

Worldcom is claming that it is a switch problem.  Since there were
some issues with the last four channels (it is a TIE line) I busied
out those channels.  These problems are still occuring.  If anyone has
an idea please let me know.  Thank you.


Mike

------------------------------

From: James Gifford <jgifford@surewest.not>
Subject: Panasonic KX-TD336 Card
Date: Thu, 21 Feb 2002 09:07:34 -0800
Organization: Nitrosyncretic Press
Reply-To: jgifford@surewest.not


I have a KX-T96141 2-port Attendant Console card for the KX-TD336 (and
maybe the TD500, not sure). It's been ignored on eBay; offers and
suggestions of where an interested buyer might be found appreciated.


|           James Gifford - Nitrosyncretic Press            |
| http://www.nitrosyncretic.com for the Heinlein FAQ & more |
|  Tired of auto-spam... change "not" to "net" for replies  |

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 21 Feb 2002 16:14:59 -0500
Subject: Re: The Latest Fad From Japan
From: Rory Francisco <rory@virginia.edu>


In article telecom20.164.10@telecom-digest.org, Joe Wineburgh at
jwineburgh@yahoo.com wrote on 2/18/02 3:57 PM:

> A caution -- I believe it's AT&T that does this (as well as
> others). If the majority of your calls are from out of the area where
> your cellular number is, they may give you grief. I remember reading
> about this elsewhere -- the policy may have changed since then. They
> may force you to get a local (to the area you use it most) number, or
> if they've since abandoned service there -- cancel the service
> altogether.
 
As far as I know, AT&T Wireless does not have any such policy.  I had
an AT&T phone in the 917 NPA (New York City) from December 2000 to
December 2001, and used it about half the year here in
Charlottesville, VA.  No grief whatsoever from AT&T, as I was on a
"regional advantage" plan that had no roaming/LD charges from Maine
west to Pennsylvania and south to Virginia.

Since I tend to use my wireless phone more in VA than I do in NY, I
switched to SunCom (the local AT&T Wireless affiliate, but not owned
by AT&T) this December and obtained a Charlottesville wireless number.
The particular plan I'm on has no roaming or long distance charges
nationwide, as long as calls are made from a SunCom or AT&T network
(same concept as Sprint PCS, but customer service is leaps and bounds
better).

However, SunCom *does* have a policy like the one you mentioned; if
more than 50% of one's allotted monthly minutes are used off the
SunCom Network, SunCom has the right to "terminate your agreement."  I
don't know if this rule is enforced; many students like me have SunCom
phones and use them out-of-state over the summer without a problem.

Now that Verizon and Sprint (and maybe AT&T also) have fully
integrated nationwide wireless networks, perhaps they'll find a way to
have two or more numbers, based in different cities, ring the same
phone. I wouldn't think "one phone, two numbers" would be that hard
to do from a technical standpoint; this would be a feature I'd gladly
add for an extra $5 a month or so.  Perfect for college students and
frequent business travelers who have ties to more than one place.

------------------------------

From: TogetherinParis@hotmail.com (Ross C. Nicholson)
Subject: Avoid ATT Cordless Telephone Headsets
Date: 21 Feb 2002 14:02:55 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


ATT makes a microphone/one over the ear piece headset that falls apart
with any use at all.  I would tell you the model number, but they
don't bother to label it.  It cost me $19.00.  Designed for use with
cordless telephones, their headsets break at the telescope tube which
is the adjustment point for the head clamp.  It would be easy to
correct this manufacturing mistake with a little more plastic at the
vulnerable spot, but apparently they don't care.  ATT seems to think
that they make the perfect headset, one which breaks as soon as the
plasticizer leaches out--which takes a year or two.  The headsets only
have a year warranty, naturally.  Replacement parts are not available
and their support staff is smarmy.  Save yourself an inevitable
headache and buy another brand.

------------------------------

From: Don Kimberlin <dkimberlin@prodigy.net>
Subject: Re: Telephone Operators -> Infinity 
Date: Thu, 21 Feb 2002 17:56:48 -0500
Organization: Prodigy Internet


In article , Malcolm Slaney (malcolm@ieee.org) wrote:

> I asked all of you recently about a story I had heard suggesting that
> he number of telephone operators would have become very large if
> somebody hadn't invented automatic switching systems. Laura Dimario
> put me in touch with the AT&T historian and he gave a pretty
> definitive denial. Great story, but there is no evidence for it.

Of course, what is *not* stated in the official corporate archives is
that AT&T had huge economic concerns, and that by the late 1940s, LM
Ericsson had the public in Sweden dialing its own toll calls.  When
LME got to the point of filing standards proposals at CCITT meetings,
some tough calls had to be made within AT&T.  Bell Labs, as always,
wanted to be in charge of the work -- at least the world so far as
Bell Labs saw it, which lay between two great oceans.  Bell Labs had
NEVER purchased technology from anywhere, and whether that was written
or not, it was known that Bell Labs was not about to purchase any
technology unless ordered to do so from the very top.

The one piece of evidence for this internal debate is the fact that
Fred Kappel traveled to Sweden to meet LME and see its products in
public use, as part of his decision making/influencing about what or
how DDD should be for America.  His was the first official business
trip to Europe made by an AT&T exec since they had been forced to
liquidate their European holdings as a result of the 1912 antitrust
case against the Bell System. It caused quite a stir within, all up
and down the organization, still echoing out in coffee klatsches in
the Long Lines Plant Depart ment in the 1960s. That was after DDD had
become well established.

------------------------------

From: Rob <switNO77777@CAPSaolonedot.com>
Subject: Re: Is This the Death of Dial-Up?
Date: Thu, 21 Feb 2002 12:35:24 -0500
Organization: Lucent Technologies, Columbus, Ohio


Dial-up won't die if the only alternative is a cable company ... the
modern equivalent of the old robber-barons.

------------------------------

From: Joel B Levin <levinjb@gte.net>
Subject: Re: Long Range Cordless Phone Wanted!
Organization: On the desert
Reply-To: levinjb@gte.net
Date: Thu, 21 Feb 2002 06:42:25 GMT


In <telecom20.167.16@telecom-digest.org>, Marcus Didius Falco
<marcus_d_falco@yahoo.com> wrote:

> Amateur radio on the 2-meter band in the US has a range of a couple of
> miles. It can sometimes connect (outgoing only) to the switched
> network, if an amateur radio club in the area has set up a repeater
> with a "phone-patch." There are lots of models, and possibly some are
> pocket sized.

The US Amateur Radio Service also has some content restrictions on
what may be discussed on the service, including a phone patch on a
repeater; among other things, it can't be used for business.  And of
course you have to be a licensed amateur radio operator to use it.  So
it's not a general purpose solution by any means.

/JBL

Nets:   levin at bbn.com  |  /"\
  or jbl at levin.mv.com  |  \ /  ASCII RIBBON CAMPAIGN
pots:      (617)873-3463  |   X   AGAINST HTML MAIL
ARS:    KD1ON             |  / \  AND POSTINGS

------------------------------

From: Anne Mc Donagh <amcdonagh@bcltd.net>
Reply-To: amcdonagh@bcltd.net <amcdonagh@bcltd.net>
Subject: Busyback
Date: Thu, 21 Feb 2002 09:27:44 +0100
Organization: Business Communications Ltd.


Dear Sir/Madam,

I have been searching for a list of international busyback
numbers with which to test some telecom signalling equipment in the UK.  Do
you have any idea where I might find such a list, or even a list of dial-a
weather, anything that would help me identify which of our international
links are up (if any?)

Hoping you can help,

A. Mc Donagh

------------------------------

End of TELECOM Digest V20 #168
******************************
    
    
From editor@telecom-digest.org  Fri Feb 22 20:37:12 2002
Received: (from ptownson@localhost)
	by massis.lcs.mit.edu (8.9.1/8.9.1) id UAA16366;
	Fri, 22 Feb 2002 20:37:12 -0500 (EST)
Date: Fri, 22 Feb 2002 20:37:12 -0500 (EST)
From: editor@telecom-digest.org
Message-Id: <200202230137.UAA16366@massis.lcs.mit.edu>
To: ptownson
Approved: patsnewlist
Subject: TELECOM Digest V20 #168

TELECOM Digest     Fri, 22 Feb 2002 20:33:00 EST    Volume 20 : Issue 169

Inside This Issue:                             Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    Re: IMTS Phone Service Still Available? (Pete Romfh)
    Re: Avoid ATT Cordless Telephone Headsets (Steve Fleckenstein)
    Re: Long Distance T1 Delay and Dropping When Dialing Out (No Spam)
    How do I Know if my Cell Phone is Locked? (Jas Kim)
    Octel/Definity Message Lamp Problem (Randy Hayes)
    Re: Is This the Death of Dial-Up? (Don Kimberlin)
    Verizon Wireless Strikes (Fred Atkinson)
    Help with KX-TD1232 + TVS-200 (James Gifford)
    FTC Want Comments on Anti-Telemarketing Proposal (Marcus Didius Falco)
    Seeking Ringback Number for NYC (Brad Strum)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
exclusively to telecommunications topics. It is circulated anywhere
there is email, in addition to various telecom forums on a variety of
networks such as Compuserve and America On Line, and other forums.
It is also gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated 
newsgroup 'comp.dcom.telecom'.

TELECOM Digest is a not-for-profit, mostly non-commercial educational
service offered to the Internet by Patrick Townson. All the contents
of the Digest are compilation-copyrighted. You may reprint articles in
some other media on an occasional basis, but please attribute my work
and that of the original author.

Contact information:    Patrick Townson/TELECOM Digest
                        Post Office Box 50
                        Independence, KS 67301
                        Phone: 630-841-7174
                        Email: editor@telecom-digest.org

Subscribe:  telecom-subscribe@telecom-digest.org
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published continuously since then.  Our archives are available for
your review/research. We believe we are the second oldest e-zine/
mailing list on the internet in any category!

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  (or use our mirror site: ftp.epix.net/pub/telecom-archives)

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      Send a simple, one line note to that automated address for
      a help file on how to use the automatic retrieval system
      for archives files. You can get desired files in email.

*************************************************************************
*   TELECOM Digest is partially funded by a grant from                  *
*   Judith Oppenheimer, President of ICB Inc. and purveyor of accurate  *
*   800 & Dot Com News, Intelligence, Analysis, and Consulting.         *
*   http://ICBTollFree.com, http://1800TheExpert.com                    *
*   Views expressed herein should not be construed as representing      *
*   views of Judith Oppenheimer or ICB Inc.                             *
*************************************************************************

ICB Toll Free News.  Contact information is not sold, rented or leased.
Access to Premium (P) links requires upgrade to a paid subscription.

One click a day feeds a person a meal.  Go to http://www.thehungersite.com

Only subscribers or registered users of ICB Toll Free News web site
will be able to access all or some of the full text of URLs provided.

LEGAL STUFF: TELECOM Digest (sm) is owned by Patrick Townson.
Copyright 2000 ICB, Inc. and TELECOM Digest. All rights reserved.
Our attorney is Bill Levant, of Blue Bell, PA.

   In addition, a gift from Mike Sandman, Chicago's Telecom Expert
   has enabled me to replace some obsolete computer equipment and
   enter the 21st century sort of on schedule. His mail order 
   telephone parts/supplies service based in the Chicago area has
   been widely recognized by Digest readers as a reliable and very
   inexpensive source of telecom-related equipment. Please request
   a free catalog today at http://www.sandman.com 
   ---------------------------------------------------------------
    
Finally, the Digest is funded by gifts from generous readers such as
yourself who provide funding in amounts deemed appropriate. Your help
is important and appreciated. A suggested donation of twenty dollars
per year per reader is considered appropriate. See our address above.
Please make at least a single donation to cover the cost of processing
your name to the mailing list.

All opinions expressed herein are deemed to be those of the author. Any
organizations listed are for identification purposes only and messages
should not be considered any official expression by the organization.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Pete Romfh <promfh@texas.net>
Subject: Re: IMTS Phone Service Still Available?
Organization: Giganews.Com - Premium News Outsourcing
Date: Fri, 22 Feb 2002 12:50:28 GMT


Don Kimberlin <dkimberlin@prodigy.net> wrote in message
news:telecom20.168.1@telecom-digest.org:

> In article <Wed, 20 Feb 2002 07:29:07 -0700 > Ken
> 73115.1041@compuserve.com wrote:

>> Anyone know if IMTS service -- the original car radio
>> phone service offered by phone companies -- ....

> DING!  Sorry to say, IMTS was not the "original."  It was on 450 MHz.

> Since IMTS stood for "Improved Mobile Telephone Service," it could
> hardly be "improved" if it was the first, could it?

> What immediately preceded IMTS was, of course, MTS or Mobile Telephone
> Service on 150 Mhz.  And, there was even a granddaddy whose name I
> forgot on 35 mHz, with about one channel per state, because its
> coverage areas were so large.

> And here's tomorrow morning's quiz question, class.  If there was
> Mobile Telephone Service (MTS) and Improved Mobile Telephone service
> (IMTS). what was the first name of cellular phone service on 900 MHz?
> (Shhh--the answer is AMPS -- Advanced Mobile Telephone Service.  Ahh,
> what giants of cold clear; logical <DULL!> language our monopoly
> telcos were!)

As I remember it from when I worked on them back in antiquity:

MTS was a manual Mobile Telephone Service. It was on 150 Mhz and you
picked up the handset, keyed the mike once and the operator would
answer. The only unit authentication was verbally giving your mobile
phone number. There were 12 channels as I remember and you had to
select what channel to use for the area you were in. Transmission was
duplex but you had a PTT bar on the handset.

IMTS (Improved Mobile Telephone Service) used the same VHF channels
(designated YR, YK, YJ, etc) as MTS. The "improvements" included
automatic channel selection, automatic unit identification, and direct
dialing from the (huge) control head. If you were out of coverage of
the company you had service with it went into MTS mode. You would pick
up the phone and wait. Eventually a mobile operator would answer. You
gave her your mobile number and the number you wanted to talk to. Then
you'd be connected.

FACTS (Fully Automatic Car Telephone Service) was on 450Mhz. They had
a control head that was 1/2 the size. There was no manual mode and no
way to reach an operator. You either ID'd to the system and got dial
tone or you didn't make your call. There was no roaming as they were
intended for folks who drove around the same area all the time. There
were more channels available so the waiting list was shorter to get
one but a lot of people would switch back to IMTS when a number became
available because of the roaming ability.

The first "portable" phone was an all-transistorized FACTS unit made
by Harris.  It was a 12 pound briefcase w/ a "trimline" style handset
inside. Battery life was about six hours standby and twenty mins talk
time.

AMPS (Automatic Mobile Phone Service) was the first analog cellular
system.  Then still had a separate tranceiver and control head but
were relatively tiny units that were easy to install. They had
touchtone dialing and lots of new features but were subject to cloning
and lots of other problems. The first AMPS portable was the Motorola
"brick" which everyone thought was wonderful because it weighed under
two pounds and lasted 12 hours on standby.

How far we have come.


Pete Romfh
Now retired and playing w/ PCS and Blackberry.

------------------------------

From: Steve Fleckenstein <spfleck@citlinkdot.net>
Subject: Re: Avoid ATT Cordless Telephone Headsets
Date: Fri, 22 Feb 2002 07:52:02 -0500
Organization: Posted via Supernews, http://www.supernews.com
Reply-To: Steve Fleckenstein <spfleck@citlinkdot.net>


If you look carefully at most consumer branded AT&T gear in discount
stores you will find that most if not all of it is manufactured by
some one else who has a license to use the AT&T name and logo. The
qualiyt varies wildly depending on the actual mfgr.

> ATT makes a microphone/one over the ear piece headset that falls apart
> with any use at all.  ...........

------------------------------

From: NoSpam@resi.com (No Spam)
Subject: Re: Long Distance T1 Delay and Dropping When Dialing Out
Date: Fri, 22 Feb 2002 13:59:40 GMT
Reply-To: NoSpam@resi.com


On 21 Feb 2002 08:28:56 -0800, anonmike@hotmail.com (Mike) wrote:

> I have a Definity R6 with 2 T1 lines, LD and Local.  The LD line is
> from Worldcom.  At this point it is set up for Immed Wink/Immed Wink.
> This corresponds to the settings that Worldcom specified.  About %10
> of the time it takes about 10-15 seconds for a call to go out.
> Sometimes the call just dies and does not go out.  This is becoming
> very problematic.

> Worldcom is claming that it is a switch problem.  Since there were
> some issues with the last four channels (it is a TIE line) I busied
> out those channels.  These problems are still occuring.  If anyone has
> an idea please let me know.  Thank you.

What does their trouble group say they are seeing? Partial digits? No
digits?  I've seen similar behaviour on another carrier's network,
(Nortel DMS switches) where we had repeated problems with some calls
not completing, and the carrier said they weren't receiving digits.
On one occasion it was traced to echo cancellers, on another occasion
it was traced to a bad SPM modual on the Carrier's switch. (An SPM is
what the T1 connects to on the carrier side in some switches).  See
what their tech says.  It may take some time, but if you can work with
their tech and maybe get the carrier tech and your vendor together,
they'll eventually find the problem.

My opinions are my own, and not necessarily those of my employer.  My
email address is valid.

------------------------------

From: jasguild@hotmail.com (jas kim)
Subject: How do I Know if my Cell Phone is Locked???
Date: 22 Feb 2002 07:34:53 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


Hi, 

I got a basic but cool Ericsson phone from Cingular.  I am thinking
about upgrading to a better phone and sending the Ericsson to my
sister in the Caribbean. (They have their own local cellular provider
which works well with this model of Ericsson)

The reason I ask this question is that my phone does not have any
Cingular mark nor does it have the A1228di mark like other Cingular
phone.  According to Ericsson, the "d" series is made exclusively for
Cingular. Anyway, as I said mine has no model or name labeled on it
which makes me wonder if I was given an unlocked phone.

Is there anyway to verify this without actually having to ship it to
the Caribbean??


Thanks,

jasguild

------------------------------

Date: Fri, 22 Feb 2002 10:12:20 -0600
From: Randy Hayes <Randal.Hayes@uni.edu>
Subject: Octel/Definity Message Lamp Problem


>> Hello,

>> I have a Definity G3si Release 6 BCS with an Octel 250.  We have
>> about 75 users. About five to eight users have experienced this
>> problem, the message lamp either does not turn on when there is a
>> new message or the message lamp stays on even after the message is
>> listened to.  I have switched phones to no avail.  We have 6408D+.

On many VM systems, if the users do not log-out when completing a VM
session (retrieving messages, deleting them, etc.) but simply hang-up
the phone, it can cause strange problems, including the ones you have
described.

For some of these users, verify if they are logging-out or simply
hanging-up ... and check the results if people begin logging-out at
session-end.

We had strange message waiting light problems (Definity with Intuity
Audix), and in each case where a person began logging-out of their
sessions, the problems cleared-up as well.


Randy Hayes
University of Northern Iowa

------------------------------

From: Don Kimberlin <dkimberlin@prodigy.net>
Subject: Re: Is This the Death of Dial-Up?
Date: Fri, 22 Feb 2002 11:44:30 -0500
Organization: Prodigy Internet


In article <Thu, 21 Feb 2002 12:35:24 -0500> Rob
(switNO77777@CAPSaolonedot.com) wrote:

Dial-up won't die if the only alternative is a cable company ... the
modern equivalent of the old robber-barons.

Amen, Bro, Hear! Hear! Huzzah! and well said.

Of course, the cable companies learned it from the telephone companies
who learned it from the railroads, with all of them under the tutelage
of the bankers. (If you doubt that, find the rather famous letter from
J.P. Morgan in which he flatly proclaims he will teach Theodore Vail
how to achieve a marketplace monopoly.

Today, the principles are so well known that they are taught in every
business school. I even had a so-called "help desk" for a pharmacy
discount refuse to identify if a potential competitor was contracted
to their network, as soon as she found out I might instead buy from
their own pharmacy.  The bottom line result of that act was to deny me
information about whether I had a choice or not. Talk about restraint
of trade!  They all learned it from telecom companies.

------------------------------

Date: Fri, 22 Feb 2002 13:28:12 -0600 (CST)
From: Fred Atkinson <fatkinson@mishmash.com>
Subject: Verizon Wireless Strikes


	I recently joined the ranks of some very good
telecommunications and IT professionals (I was laid off).  That
happened on November 30.

	A few days after my layoff, I called Verizon Wireless and
suspended my mobile service.  I told them that I was out of work and
would contact them when I could resume service (when I was working
again).  I received a final bill and paid it.

	Today, I received another bill from Verizon Wireless.  It
appears that they reactivated my service in mid-January and are
sending me a bill for about fifty dollars.

	I was unaware that the service had been reactivated and called
them immediately.  When Jose (the CSR) couldn't help me, I demanded to
speak to a supervisor.  He kept me on hold for some time and kept
coming back to the phone with, 'Do you want to continue holding?'.  I
told him that as I was a twelve year customer I expected he find me
someone now.

	He finally got someone to the phone who identified himself as
Mr. Genie (I confirmed the spelling with him).  He told me that I was
stuck with the bill.  I told 'Mr. Genie' that I had no intention of paying
it.  He tried to frighten me with 'how it would affect me in the
future'.  I'm a lot tougher than that.  

	I called another CSR and canceled service altogether.  She
said it would be canceled within five minutes.  I dialed the number
shortly thereafter and got a 'not in service' recording.

	I called the Virginia Department of Consumer Affairs and told
them the story.  They said that Verizon cannot do that and asked me to
submit a complaint, which I have already done.

	I just wondered if any of these telecommunications types would
have some suggestions as to how to handle this.


Fred Atkinson 
Leesburg, VA 

------------------------------

From: James Gifford <jgifford@surewest.not>
Subject: Help With KX-TD1232 + TVS-200
Date: Fri, 22 Feb 2002 12:00:07 -0800
Organization: Nitrosyncretic Press
Reply-To: jgifford@surewest.not


Arrgh.

Despite more than a decade of experience with telecom in general, 
CT-based telecom in particular and Panasonic systems to a significant 
degree, I am having huge problems getting this system combination to 
work right. And I even have all the manuals, for what little good they 
are. :)

What I have is a KX-TD1232-1 (8x16 configuration) and a KX-TVS200
(2xTVS-102 port card configuration). Everything seems to be working
fine; the TVS is connected to the 1232 on all four ports via DPITS
integration. It has a complete default system reset plus four
completely unconfigured new mailboxes set up. There are five CO lines
and six active physical extensions. With the exception of the
voicemail integration problems, the 1232 is set up exactly as I want
it to be and is working fine.

1) The TVS answers in internal voicemail mode on all four ports, despite 
having three of them set to AutoAttendant.

2) In part, this means that I can't get into any other mailbox besides 
the one assigned to the extension. The instructions in the manual and 
Subscriber's Guide simply don't work - I am at the mailbox main menu and 
pressing * ends the call.

3) I cannot get the TVS to pick up unanswered CO or intercom calls,
except in a very erratic fashion on one line. This seems as if it
should be very simple, but no combination of trunk or extension group
settings or intercept settings will make it work.

If someone could outline how to set the system up to answer a CO line
after x number of rings, and tell me how to log into any mailbox, I
would REALLY appreciate it. I am missing some inscrutable aspect of
Panasonic-do and am much humbled by it. :)

PS- I'm using Programator and VoiceMail Master for setup.


|           James Gifford - Nitrosyncretic Press            |
| http://www.nitrosyncretic.com for the Heinlein FAQ & more |
|  Tired of auto-spam... change "not" to "net" for replies  |

------------------------------

Date: Fri, 22 Feb 2002 18:50:05 -0500
From: Marcus Didius Falco <marcus_d_falco@yahoo.com>
Subject: FTC Want Comments on Anti-Telemarketing Proposal


* Original: FROM..... Barbara Conn

FYI --
Date: Fri, 22 Feb 2002 15:40:11 EST
Subject: FTC Want Comments on Anti-Telemarketing Proposal

If you hate being intruded by telemarketing calls, as I do, the FTC is
proposing a national "do not call" registry. Your comments on the
anti-telemarketing proposal are needed by March 29.  The following
info is abbreviated from the FTC website:

The Federal Trade Commission is soliciting consumer comments on a
proposal to create a national "do not call" registry. Under the FTC
proposal, it would be illegal for telemarketers to call consumers who
place their phone number on the national registry. Once your number is
on the registry, it would be illegal for a telemarketer to call it.

Telemarketers would be required to "scrub" their lists, removing the
numbers of all consumers listed on the registry.

You can submit your comments by sending an email to tsr@ftc.gov or by
writing to the Office of the Secretary, Room 159, Federal Trade
Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20580.
Comments are due to the FTC by March 29, 2002.

You can learn more about the proposal at www.ftc.gov.

All comments that the FTC receives will be posted on the FTC website.
No email addresses or phone numbers of individual commenters will be
posted.

------------------------------

Date: Fri, 22 Feb 2002 09:54:05 GMT
From: Brad Strum <microlg@yahoo.com>
Subject: Seeking Ringback Number for NYC
Organization: Optimum Online


I'd like to know a couple of numbers for the New York City area --
and/or around north west NJ -- w/o having to call up the operator and
get them. (I wouldn't want to "phreak" her out.) I'd like the ringback
(if it exists).  Also, does anyone know of a way to block incoming
calls (leaving the handset on the phone -- or hung-up)? Is there some
kind of number you can dial to keep your phone from ringing, then
another to let it ring? (I guess there'd always have to be a dial
tone, obviously.)  Thanks, Brad

------------------------------

End of TELECOM Digest V20 #169
******************************
    
    
From editor@telecom-digest.org  Fri Feb 22 20:38:13 2002
Received: (from ptownson@localhost)
	by massis.lcs.mit.edu (8.9.1/8.9.1) id UAA16597;
	Fri, 22 Feb 2002 20:38:13 -0500 (EST)
Date: Fri, 22 Feb 2002 20:38:13 -0500 (EST)
From: editor@telecom-digest.org
Message-Id: <200202230138.UAA16597@massis.lcs.mit.edu>
To: ptownson
Approved: patsnewlist
Subject: TELECOM Digest V20 #169

TELECOM Digest     Fri, 22 Feb 2002 20:33:00 EST    Volume 20 : Issue 169

Inside This Issue:                             Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    Re: IMTS Phone Service Still Available? (Pete Romfh)
    Re: Avoid ATT Cordless Telephone Headsets (Steve Fleckenstein)
    Re: Long Distance T1 Delay and Dropping When Dialing Out (No Spam)
    How do I Know if my Cell Phone is Locked? (Jas Kim)
    Octel/Definity Message Lamp Problem (Randy Hayes)
    Re: Is This the Death of Dial-Up? (Don Kimberlin)
    Verizon Wireless Strikes (Fred Atkinson)
    Help with KX-TD1232 + TVS-200 (James Gifford)
    FTC Want Comments on Anti-Telemarketing Proposal (Marcus Didius Falco)
    Seeking Ringback Number for NYC (Brad Strum)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
exclusively to telecommunications topics. It is circulated anywhere
there is email, in addition to various telecom forums on a variety of
networks such as Compuserve and America On Line, and other forums.
It is also gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated 
newsgroup 'comp.dcom.telecom'.

TELECOM Digest is a not-for-profit, mostly non-commercial educational
service offered to the Internet by Patrick Townson. All the contents
of the Digest are compilation-copyrighted. You may reprint articles in
some other media on an occasional basis, but please attribute my work
and that of the original author.

Contact information:    Patrick Townson/TELECOM Digest
                        Post Office Box 50
                        Independence, KS 67301
                        Phone: 630-841-7174
                        Email: editor@telecom-digest.org

Subscribe:  telecom-subscribe@telecom-digest.org
Unsubscribe:telecom-unsubscribe@telecom-digest.org


This Digest is the oldest continuing e-journal about telecomm-
unications on the Internet, having been founded in August, 1981 and
published continuously since then.  Our archives are available for
your review/research. We believe we are the second oldest e-zine/
mailing list on the internet in any category!

URL information:        http://telecom-digest.org

Anonymous FTP: hyperarchive.lcs.mit.edu/telecom-archives/archives
  (or use our mirror site: ftp.epix.net/pub/telecom-archives)

Email <==> FTP:  telecom-archives@telecom-digest.org 

      Send a simple, one line note to that automated address for
      a help file on how to use the automatic retrieval system
      for archives files. You can get desired files in email.

*************************************************************************
*   TELECOM Digest is partially funded by a grant from                  *
*   Judith Oppenheimer, President of ICB Inc. and purveyor of accurate  *
*   800 & Dot Com News, Intelligence, Analysis, and Consulting.         *
*   http://ICBTollFree.com, http://1800TheExpert.com                    *
*   Views expressed herein should not be construed as representing      *
*   views of Judith Oppenheimer or ICB Inc.                             *
*************************************************************************

ICB Toll Free News.  Contact information is not sold, rented or leased.
Access to Premium (P) links requires upgrade to a paid subscription.

One click a day feeds a person a meal.  Go to http://www.thehungersite.com

Only subscribers or registered users of ICB Toll Free News web site
will be able to access all or some of the full text of URLs provided.

LEGAL STUFF: TELECOM Digest (sm) is owned by Patrick Townson.
Copyright 2000 ICB, Inc. and TELECOM Digest. All rights reserved.
Our attorney is Bill Levant, of Blue Bell, PA.

   In addition, a gift from Mike Sandman, Chicago's Telecom Expert
   has enabled me to replace some obsolete computer equipment and
   enter the 21st century sort of on schedule. His mail order 
   telephone parts/supplies service based in the Chicago area has
   been widely recognized by Digest readers as a reliable and very
   inexpensive source of telecom-related equipment. Please request
   a free catalog today at http://www.sandman.com 
   ---------------------------------------------------------------
    
Finally, the Digest is funded by gifts from generous readers such as
yourself who provide funding in amounts deemed appropriate. Your help
is important and appreciated. A suggested donation of twenty dollars
per year per reader is considered appropriate. See our address above.
Please make at least a single donation to cover the cost of processing
your name to the mailing list.

All opinions expressed herein are deemed to be those of the author. Any
organizations listed are for identification purposes only and messages
should not be considered any official expression by the organization.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Pete Romfh <promfh@texas.net>
Subject: Re: IMTS Phone Service Still Available?
Organization: Giganews.Com - Premium News Outsourcing
Date: Fri, 22 Feb 2002 12:50:28 GMT


Don Kimberlin <dkimberlin@prodigy.net> wrote in message
news:telecom20.168.1@telecom-digest.org:

> In article <Wed, 20 Feb 2002 07:29:07 -0700 > Ken
> 73115.1041@compuserve.com wrote:

>> Anyone know if IMTS service -- the original car radio
>> phone service offered by phone companies -- ....

> DING!  Sorry to say, IMTS was not the "original."  It was on 450 MHz.

> Since IMTS stood for "Improved Mobile Telephone Service," it could
> hardly be "improved" if it was the first, could it?

> What immediately preceded IMTS was, of course, MTS or Mobile Telephone
> Service on 150 Mhz.  And, there was even a granddaddy whose name I
> forgot on 35 mHz, with about one channel per state, because its
> coverage areas were so large.

> And here's tomorrow morning's quiz question, class.  If there was
> Mobile Telephone Service (MTS) and Improved Mobile Telephone service
> (IMTS). what was the first name of cellular phone service on 900 MHz?
> (Shhh--the answer is AMPS -- Advanced Mobile Telephone Service.  Ahh,
> what giants of cold clear; logical <DULL!> language our monopoly
> telcos were!)

As I remember it from when I worked on them back in antiquity:

MTS was a manual Mobile Telephone Service. It was on 150 Mhz and you
picked up the handset, keyed the mike once and the operator would
answer. The only unit authentication was verbally giving your mobile
phone number. There were 12 channels as I remember and you had to
select what channel to use for the area you were in. Transmission was
duplex but you had a PTT bar on the handset.

IMTS (Improved Mobile Telephone Service) used the same VHF channels
(designated YR, YK, YJ, etc) as MTS. The "improvements" included
automatic channel selection, automatic unit identification, and direct
dialing from the (huge) control head. If you were out of coverage of
the company you had service with it went into MTS mode. You would pick
up the phone and wait. Eventually a mobile operator would answer. You
gave her your mobile number and the number you wanted to talk to. Then
you'd be connected.

FACTS (Fully Automatic Car Telephone Service) was on 450Mhz. They had
a control head that was 1/2 the size. There was no manual mode and no
way to reach an operator. You either ID'd to the system and got dial
tone or you didn't make your call. There was no roaming as they were
intended for folks who drove around the same area all the time. There
were more channels available so the waiting list was shorter to get
one but a lot of people would switch back to IMTS when a number became
available because of the roaming ability.

The first "portable" phone was an all-transistorized FACTS unit made
by Harris.  It was a 12 pound briefcase w/ a "trimline" style handset
inside. Battery life was about six hours standby and twenty mins talk
time.

AMPS (Automatic Mobile Phone Service) was the first analog cellular
system.  Then still had a separate tranceiver and control head but
were relatively tiny units that were easy to install. They had
touchtone dialing and lots of new features but were subject to cloning
and lots of other problems. The first AMPS portable was the Motorola
"brick" which everyone thought was wonderful because it weighed under
two pounds and lasted 12 hours on standby.

How far we have come.


Pete Romfh
Now retired and playing w/ PCS and Blackberry.

------------------------------

From: Steve Fleckenstein <spfleck@citlinkdot.net>
Subject: Re: Avoid ATT Cordless Telephone Headsets
Date: Fri, 22 Feb 2002 07:52:02 -0500
Organization: Posted via Supernews, http://www.supernews.com
Reply-To: Steve Fleckenstein <spfleck@citlinkdot.net>


If you look carefully at most consumer branded AT&T gear in discount
stores you will find that most if not all of it is manufactured by
some one else who has a license to use the AT&T name and logo. The
qualiyt varies wildly depending on the actual mfgr.

> ATT makes a microphone/one over the ear piece headset that falls apart
> with any use at all.  ...........

------------------------------

From: NoSpam@resi.com (No Spam)
Subject: Re: Long Distance T1 Delay and Dropping When Dialing Out
Date: Fri, 22 Feb 2002 13:59:40 GMT
Reply-To: NoSpam@resi.com


On 21 Feb 2002 08:28:56 -0800, anonmike@hotmail.com (Mike) wrote:

> I have a Definity R6 with 2 T1 lines, LD and Local.  The LD line is
> from Worldcom.  At this point it is set up for Immed Wink/Immed Wink.
> This corresponds to the settings that Worldcom specified.  About %10
> of the time it takes about 10-15 seconds for a call to go out.
> Sometimes the call just dies and does not go out.  This is becoming
> very problematic.

> Worldcom is claming that it is a switch problem.  Since there were
> some issues with the last four channels (it is a TIE line) I busied
> out those channels.  These problems are still occuring.  If anyone has
> an idea please let me know.  Thank you.

What does their trouble group say they are seeing? Partial digits? No
digits?  I've seen similar behaviour on another carrier's network,
(Nortel DMS switches) where we had repeated problems with some calls
not completing, and the carrier said they weren't receiving digits.
On one occasion it was traced to echo cancellers, on another occasion
it was traced to a bad SPM modual on the Carrier's switch. (An SPM is
what the T1 connects to on the carrier side in some switches).  See
what their tech says.  It may take some time, but if you can work with
their tech and maybe get the carrier tech and your vendor together,
they'll eventually find the problem.

My opinions are my own, and not necessarily those of my employer.  My
email address is valid.

------------------------------

From: jasguild@hotmail.com (jas kim)
Subject: How do I Know if my Cell Phone is Locked???
Date: 22 Feb 2002 07:34:53 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


Hi, 

I got a basic but cool Ericsson phone from Cingular.  I am thinking
about upgrading to a better phone and sending the Ericsson to my
sister in the Caribbean. (They have their own local cellular provider
which works well with this model of Ericsson)

The reason I ask this question is that my phone does not have any
Cingular mark nor does it have the A1228di mark like other Cingular
phone.  According to Ericsson, the "d" series is made exclusively for
Cingular. Anyway, as I said mine has no model or name labeled on it
which makes me wonder if I was given an unlocked phone.

Is there anyway to verify this without actually having to ship it to
the Caribbean??


Thanks,

jasguild

------------------------------

Date: Fri, 22 Feb 2002 10:12:20 -0600
From: Randy Hayes <Randal.Hayes@uni.edu>
Subject: Octel/Definity Message Lamp Problem


>> Hello,

>> I have a Definity G3si Release 6 BCS with an Octel 250.  We have
>> about 75 users. About five to eight users have experienced this
>> problem, the message lamp either does not turn on when there is a
>> new message or the message lamp stays on even after the message is
>> listened to.  I have switched phones to no avail.  We have 6408D+.

On many VM systems, if the users do not log-out when completing a VM
session (retrieving messages, deleting them, etc.) but simply hang-up
the phone, it can cause strange problems, including the ones you have
described.

For some of these users, verify if they are logging-out or simply
hanging-up ... and check the results if people begin logging-out at
session-end.

We had strange message waiting light problems (Definity with Intuity
Audix), and in each case where a person began logging-out of their
sessions, the problems cleared-up as well.


Randy Hayes
University of Northern Iowa

------------------------------

From: Don Kimberlin <dkimberlin@prodigy.net>
Subject: Re: Is This the Death of Dial-Up?
Date: Fri, 22 Feb 2002 11:44:30 -0500
Organization: Prodigy Internet


In article <Thu, 21 Feb 2002 12:35:24 -0500> Rob
(switNO77777@CAPSaolonedot.com) wrote:

Dial-up won't die if the only alternative is a cable company ... the
modern equivalent of the old robber-barons.

Amen, Bro, Hear! Hear! Huzzah! and well said.

Of course, the cable companies learned it from the telephone companies
who learned it from the railroads, with all of them under the tutelage
of the bankers. (If you doubt that, find the rather famous letter from
J.P. Morgan in which he flatly proclaims he will teach Theodore Vail
how to achieve a marketplace monopoly.

Today, the principles are so well known that they are taught in every
business school. I even had a so-called "help desk" for a pharmacy
discount refuse to identify if a potential competitor was contracted
to their network, as soon as she found out I might instead buy from
their own pharmacy.  The bottom line result of that act was to deny me
information about whether I had a choice or not. Talk about restraint
of trade!  They all learned it from telecom companies.

------------------------------

Date: Fri, 22 Feb 2002 13:28:12 -0600 (CST)
From: Fred Atkinson <fatkinson@mishmash.com>
Subject: Verizon Wireless Strikes


	I recently joined the ranks of some very good
telecommunications and IT professionals (I was laid off).  That
happened on November 30.

	A few days after my layoff, I called Verizon Wireless and
suspended my mobile service.  I told them that I was out of work and
would contact them when I could resume service (when I was working
again).  I received a final bill and paid it.

	Today, I received another bill from Verizon Wireless.  It
appears that they reactivated my service in mid-January and are
sending me a bill for about fifty dollars.

	I was unaware that the service had been reactivated and called
them immediately.  When Jose (the CSR) couldn't help me, I demanded to
speak to a supervisor.  He kept me on hold for some time and kept
coming back to the phone with, 'Do you want to continue holding?'.  I
told him that as I was a twelve year customer I expected he find me
someone now.

	He finally got someone to the phone who identified himself as
Mr. Genie (I confirmed the spelling with him).  He told me that I was
stuck with the bill.  I told 'Mr. Genie' that I had no intention of paying
it.  He tried to frighten me with 'how it would affect me in the
future'.  I'm a lot tougher than that.  

	I called another CSR and canceled service altogether.  She
said it would be canceled within five minutes.  I dialed the number
shortly thereafter and got a 'not in service' recording.

	I called the Virginia Department of Consumer Affairs and told
them the story.  They said that Verizon cannot do that and asked me to
submit a complaint, which I have already done.

	I just wondered if any of these telecommunications types would
have some suggestions as to how to handle this.


Fred Atkinson 
Leesburg, VA 

------------------------------

From: James Gifford <jgifford@surewest.not>
Subject: Help With KX-TD1232 + TVS-200
Date: Fri, 22 Feb 2002 12:00:07 -0800
Organization: Nitrosyncretic Press
Reply-To: jgifford@surewest.not


Arrgh.

Despite more than a decade of experience with telecom in general, 
CT-based telecom in particular and Panasonic systems to a significant 
degree, I am having huge problems getting this system combination to 
work right. And I even have all the manuals, for what little good they 
are. :)

What I have is a KX-TD1232-1 (8x16 configuration) and a KX-TVS200
(2xTVS-102 port card configuration). Everything seems to be working
fine; the TVS is connected to the 1232 on all four ports via DPITS
integration. It has a complete default system reset plus four
completely unconfigured new mailboxes set up. There are five CO lines
and six active physical extensions. With the exception of the
voicemail integration problems, the 1232 is set up exactly as I want
it to be and is working fine.

1) The TVS answers in internal voicemail mode on all four ports, despite 
having three of them set to AutoAttendant.

2) In part, this means that I can't get into any other mailbox besides 
the one assigned to the extension. The instructions in the manual and 
Subscriber's Guide simply don't work - I am at the mailbox main menu and 
pressing * ends the call.

3) I cannot get the TVS to pick up unanswered CO or intercom calls,
except in a very erratic fashion on one line. This seems as if it
should be very simple, but no combination of trunk or extension group
settings or intercept settings will make it work.

If someone could outline how to set the system up to answer a CO line
after x number of rings, and tell me how to log into any mailbox, I
would REALLY appreciate it. I am missing some inscrutable aspect of
Panasonic-do and am much humbled by it. :)

PS- I'm using Programator and VoiceMail Master for setup.


|           James Gifford - Nitrosyncretic Press            |
| http://www.nitrosyncretic.com for the Heinlein FAQ & more |
|  Tired of auto-spam... change "not" to "net" for replies  |

------------------------------

Date: Fri, 22 Feb 2002 18:50:05 -0500
From: Marcus Didius Falco <marcus_d_falco@yahoo.com>
Subject: FTC Want Comments on Anti-Telemarketing Proposal


* Original: FROM..... Barbara Conn

FYI --
Date: Fri, 22 Feb 2002 15:40:11 EST
Subject: FTC Want Comments on Anti-Telemarketing Proposal

If you hate being intruded by telemarketing calls, as I do, the FTC is
proposing a national "do not call" registry. Your comments on the
anti-telemarketing proposal are needed by March 29.  The following
info is abbreviated from the FTC website:

The Federal Trade Commission is soliciting consumer comments on a
proposal to create a national "do not call" registry. Under the FTC
proposal, it would be illegal for telemarketers to call consumers who
place their phone number on the national registry. Once your number is
on the registry, it would be illegal for a telemarketer to call it.

Telemarketers would be required to "scrub" their lists, removing the
numbers of all consumers listed on the registry.

You can submit your comments by sending an email to tsr@ftc.gov or by
writing to the Office of the Secretary, Room 159, Federal Trade
Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20580.
Comments are due to the FTC by March 29, 2002.

You can learn more about the proposal at www.ftc.gov.

All comments that the FTC receives will be posted on the FTC website.
No email addresses or phone numbers of individual commenters will be
posted.

------------------------------

Date: Fri, 22 Feb 2002 09:54:05 GMT
From: Brad Strum <microlg@yahoo.com>
Subject: Seeking Ringback Number for NYC
Organization: Optimum Online


I'd like to know a couple of numbers for the New York City area --
and/or around north west NJ -- w/o having to call up the operator and
get them. (I wouldn't want to "phreak" her out.) I'd like the ringback
(if it exists).  Also, does anyone know of a way to block incoming
calls (leaving the handset on the phone -- or hung-up)? Is there some
kind of number you can dial to keep your phone from ringing, then
another to let it ring? (I guess there'd always have to be a dial
tone, obviously.)  Thanks, Brad

------------------------------

End of TELECOM Digest V20 #169
******************************
    
    
From editor@telecom-digest.org  Sat Feb 23 12:36:52 2002
Received: (from ptownson@localhost)
	by massis.lcs.mit.edu (8.9.1/8.9.1) id MAA28958;
	Sat, 23 Feb 2002 12:36:52 -0500 (EST)
Date: Sat, 23 Feb 2002 12:36:52 -0500 (EST)
From: editor@telecom-digest.org
Message-Id: <200202231736.MAA28958@massis.lcs.mit.edu>
To: ptownson
Approved: patsnewlist
Subject: TELECOM Digest V20 #170

TELECOM Digest     Sat, 23 Feb 2002 12:36:00 EST    Volume 20 : Issue 170

Inside This Issue:                             Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    Re: Problem With DTMF in a Caribbean Country (Don Russell)
    Re: Problem With DTMF in a Caribbean Country (Denis Mcmahon)
    Re: Verizon Wireless Strikes (Jack McGann)
    Re: Verizon Wireless Strikes (Gail M. Hall)
    Re: Seeking Ringback Number for NYC (Rory Francisco)
    Re: Seeking Ringback Number for NYC (Don Russell)
    Re: Help With KX-TD1232 + TVS-200 (James Gifford)
    Re: Help With KX-TD1232 + TVS-200 (Carl Navarro)
    Re: Octel/Definity Message Lamp Problem (David Clayton)
    Re: FTC Want Comments on Anti-Telemarketing Proposal (Don Russell)
    Attention: Ericsson T68 Owners (nightic)
    Communications Software (LVidaver@cs.com)
    Re: NameZero Are Thieves! Anyone Else Experiencing This? (Doctor Java)
    Re: Calling Card Startups (Doctor Java)

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----------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Don Russell <drussel2@san.rr.com>
Subject: Re: Problem With DTMF in a Caribbean Country
Date: Sat, 23 Feb 2002 07:20:03 GMT
Organization: Road Runner


I'd be very surprised if telcos are dropping connected calls because
three DTMF tones were detected during the call.

That would pretty much put an end to those "menu systems" and credit card
billing and touch-tone-banking and touch-tone-stock-trading and ...

Nope, I SUSPECT what's happening is the tones are "twisting" (getting
corrupted) between the equipment generatiing them and your equipment
rerceiving them. And/or, the tones are not accurate enough or your
reciving equipemt is not tolerant enough of any skew etc...

I don't know, I'm guessing at the problem ... but the "three digits
and you're out" rule is definitely not it. :-)


Thomas Osthege <ThomasO@iname.com> wrote in message
news:telecom20.167.12@telecom-digest.org...

> My program (running in Germany) calls a customer (back) in a caribbean
> country. He types some instructions into my program using DTMF digits.
> Until recently everything worked fine. But now it seems that they
> filter out DTMF signals and terminate calls after the 3rd digit in
> some (too many) cases.

> Has anyone heard about a practice like this?

> Does anybody have an idea how to circumvent this (perhaps by another
> way of signalling)?

------------------------------

From: Denis Mcmahon <denisf@pickaxe.demon.co.uk>
Subject: Re: Problem With DTMF in a Caribbean Country
Date: Sat, 23 Feb 2002 14:09:09 +0000
Organization: E-Menu Ltd
Reply-To: denisrt@pickaxe.demon.co.uk


Thomas Osthege <ThomasO@iname.com> wrote:

> My program (running in Germany) calls a customer (back) in a caribbean
> country. He types some instructions into my program using DTMF digits.
> Until recently everything worked fine. But now it seems that they
> filter out DTMF signals and terminate calls after the 3rd digit in
> some (too many) cases.

> Has anyone heard about a practice like this?

> Does anybody have an idea how to circumvent this (perhaps by another
> way of signalling)?

Could be fraud prevention anywhere in the system, or an attempt by the
telco at the far end to prevent use of cheaper services eg calling
card etc.

Are you using DT, or an OLO for the call to the Caribbean? Does the
DTMF work if you call the Caribbean over DT?


Rgds,

Denis McMahon / +44 7802 468949 / denis@pickaxe.demon.co.uk
Top-posters, posters of adverts & binaries are scum. Killfile!
Block [a.b.*.*] of any UC/BE relay. Posts > 100 lines ignored.
sulfnbk is not a virus, see the symantec virus encyclopaedia!

------------------------------

From: Jack McGann <jmcgann@attbi.com>
Organization: is something I hope to attain.
Subject: Re: Verizon Wireless Strikes
Date: Sat, 23 Feb 2002 01:59:44 GMT


Fred Atkinson wrote:

>         I called another CSR and canceled service altogether.  She
> said it would be canceled within five minutes.  I dialed the number
> shortly thereafter and got a 'not in service' recording.

>      I just wondered if any of these telecommunications types would
> have some suggestions as to how to handle this.

Take it as a victory in OverTime ...


" I work for the 'ILEC'  .... stuff happens ! "
NOTE: my email has changed to <jmcgann@attbi.com>..

------------------------------

From: Gail M. Hall <gmhall@apk.net>
Subject: Re: Verizon Wireless Strikes
Date: Sat, 23 Feb 2002 01:13:00 -0500
Reply-To: gmhall@apk.net


Whether or not they "did you wrong" depends on the contract you
signed.

If you signed up for a specific period of time, they probably have a
clause in there about how much it will cost you if you cancel the
service.

Don't be surprised if you have to pay a big cancellation fee now that
you have canceled.

It's a good idea to keep your contract and read it CAREFULLY before
deciding how to handle a situation like yours.

My beef with Verizon would be that the vendor who sells it might
neglect to give the customer the little brochure that tells some of
the details of the agreement.  The papers I actually signed didn't
have all the details that were in the brochure, but I did get the
brochure and read it as well as the small print on the papers I
signed.

The sales rep told me I would be able to change the service plan by
simply calling in, but I didn't find that in writing on the papers or
in the brochure.  I would be a little nervous to trust an oral
statement by a salesperson when it's not backed up in writing.

For the one-year and two-year agreements, they did state a definite
fee for early cancellation.

Unfortunately, I don't think many subscription services have no-cost
cancellation services for things like getting sick or getting laid
off.

It would really be nice if the customer support people at these
companies were as helpful to customers when they do have problems,
though, as they appear when you first sign up.


On Fri, 22 Feb 2002 13:28:12 -0600 (CST), in comp.dcom.telecom, you (Fred
Atkinson <fatkinson@mishmash.com>) wrote:

(Story about trouble with Verizon deleted)

>	I called the Virginia Department of Consumer Affairs and told
> them the story.  They said that Verizon cannot do that and asked me to
> submit a complaint, which I have already done.

>	I just wondered if any of these telecommunications types would
> have some suggestions as to how to handle this.

Good luck getting this problem sorted out, and also good luck at
finding work!


Gail from Ohio USA

------------------------------

Date: Fri, 22 Feb 2002 21:32:06 -0500
Subject: Re: Seeking Ringback Number for NYC
From: Rory Francisco <rory@virginia.edu>


In Verizon/ New Jersey territory (at least the 201/973 NPAs) ringback,
for as long as I can remember, is "550" plus the last 4 digits of the
number you're calling from.  So if you're calling, say, from (973)
234-5678, just dial 550-5678 and hang up when you hear the second dial
tone.  I don't think the recent 10-digit dialing requirements in NJ
affect this at all, since 550 is a special "reserved" prefix.

To get ANI from a Verizon line in both NYC and New Jersey, just dial
958; you'll hear a loud tone and then a readback of your seven-digit
number (some CO's give the area code, too).

I'm not aware of any ringback numbers for New York; anyone know?

In article telecom20.169.10@telecom-digest.org, Brad Strum at
microlg@yahoo.com wrote on 2/22/02 4:54 AM:

> I'd like to know a couple of numbers for the New York City area --
> and/or around north west NJ -- w/o having to call up the operator and
> get them. (I wouldn't want to "phreak" her out.) I'd like the ringback
> (if it exists).  Also, does anyone know of a way to block incoming
> calls (leaving the handset on the phone -- or hung-up)? Is there some
> kind of number you can dial to keep your phone from ringing, then
> another to let it ring? (I guess there'd always have to be a dial
> tone, obviously.)  Thanks, Brad

------------------------------

From: Don Russell <drussel2@san.rr.com>
Subject: Re: Seeking Ringback Number for NYC
Date: Sat, 23 Feb 2002 07:12:50 GMT
Organization: Road Runner


A number to dial to activate something like DND ... that's a cool idea
 ... Pac Bell offers something similar, but kind of lame ... you have
to tell it which numbers to screen ... up to 10 only.

I just unplug/disconnect the line at the demarcation point or
somewhere before the line get distributed to the rest of the
house ... :-)

As for "dial tone always being present" ... uh, no... it's only
present when you take a phone off-hook and the loop starts drawing
current... then the telco says "hey! someone wants to initiate a call
... I better give them a dial tone so they know I'm ready to accept
the digits they dial" (pulse or tone) ...


Don Russell

Brad Strum <microlg@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:telecom20.169.10@telecom-digest.org...

> I'd like to know a couple of numbers for the New York City area --
> and/or around north west NJ -- w/o having to call up the operator and
> get them. (I wouldn't want to "phreak" her out.) I'd like the ringback
> (if it exists).  Also, does anyone know of a way to block incoming
> calls (leaving the handset on the phone -- or hung-up)? Is there some
> kind of number you can dial to keep your phone from ringing, then
> another to let it ring? (I guess there'd always have to be a dial
> tone, obviously.)  Thanks, Brad

------------------------------

From: James Gifford <jgifford@surewest.not>
Subject: Re: Help With KX-TD1232 + TVS-200
Date: Fri, 22 Feb 2002 18:38:27 -0800
Organization: Nitrosyncretic Press
Reply-To: jgifford@surewest.not


James Gifford wrote:

> If someone could outline how to set the system up to answer a CO line
> after x number of rings, and tell me how to log into any mailbox, I
> would REALLY appreciate it. I am missing some inscrutable aspect of
> Panasonic-do and am much humbled by it. :)
> 
> PS- I'm using Programator and VoiceMail Master for setup.

Okay, I finally figured out the answer-the-CO-line trick by going
through each and every Programator menu and examining each item. The
intercept pickup count defaults to 12, which meant it would pick up if
I let it ring long enough, but appeared to be malfunctioning
otherwise.

I'm mystified that it's a single setting instead of per-CO, but ...

I still can't log  into any mailbox. All  of the directions I have say
to press * + box number, and pressing star  exits the menu or ends the
call, no matter what  call handler  settings I have.   I can get  into
individual boxes from their associated extensions if "Connect Directly
to Mailbox"   is  selected,  but    I can't   transfer  to  any  other
extension ... such as the message manager and system manager boxes.

Is it possible I have an older version of the software and ROMs than
the manuals? I appear to have v1.00 of both ... does anyone know if
there's a trick to logging in with this version?



|           James Gifford - Nitrosyncretic Press            |
| http://www.nitrosyncretic.com for the Heinlein FAQ & more |
|  Tired of auto-spam... change "not" to "net" for replies  |

------------------------------

From: Carl Navarro <cnavarro@wcnet.org>
Subject: Re: Help With KX-TD1232 + TVS-200
Date: Sat, 23 Feb 2002 01:44:47 -0500
Organization: Airnews.net! at Internet America


On Fri, 22 Feb 2002 12:00:07 -0800, James Gifford
<jgifford@surewest.not> wrote:

> Arrgh.

> Despite more than a decade of experience with telecom in general, 
> CT-based telecom in particular and Panasonic systems to a significant 
> degree, I am having huge problems getting this system combination to 
> work right. And I even have all the manuals, for what little good they 
> are. :)

> What I have is a KX-TD1232-1 (8x16 configuration) and a KX-TVS200
> (2xTVS-102 port card configuration). Everything seems to be working
> fine; the TVS is connected to the 1232 on all four ports via DPITS
> integration. It has a complete default system reset plus four
> completely unconfigured new mailboxes set up. There are five CO lines
> and six active physical extensions. With the exception of the
> voicemail integration problems, the 1232 is set up exactly as I want
> it to be and is working fine.

>Subscriber's Guide simply don't work - I am at the mailbox main menu and 
>pressing * ends the call.

As well it should :-)

Try #6  this tells the VM that you are coming in as an outside call
Now, you want the manager's mailbox?  *998 or * anything logs you to
that mailbox.

> 3) I cannot get the TVS to pick up unanswered CO or intercom calls,
> except in a very erratic fashion on one line. This seems as if it
> should be very simple, but no combination of trunk or extension group
> settings or intercept settings will make it work.

IRNA  The default mailbox is 165.  203 is the timing, 409,410 sets the
extension.

Unanswered intercom calls are set at each extension.  For fun, dial
7105-165 at each extension and dial it.

> If someone could outline how to set the system up to answer a CO line
> after x number of rings, and tell me how to log into any mailbox, I
> would REALLY appreciate it. I am missing some inscrutable aspect of
> Panasonic-do and am much humbled by it. :)

> PS- I'm using Programator and VoiceMail Master for setup.


Carl

PS  I'm using the MANUAL and Procomm 2.4.3 for setup, but I didn't
even have to touch the VM port...yet.

------------------------------

From: David Clayton <dcstar@acslink.net.au>
Subject: Re: Octel/Definity Message Lamp Problem
Date: Sat, 23 Feb 2002 15:41:11 +1100
Organization: Customer of Connect.com.au Pty. Ltd.
Reply-To: dcstar@acslink.net.au


Randy Hayes <Randal.Hayes@uni.edu> contributed the following:

>>> I have a Definity G3si Release 6 BCS with an Octel 250.  We have
>>> about 75 users. About five to eight users have experienced this
>>> problem, the message lamp either does not turn on when there is a
>>> new message or the message lamp stays on even after the message is
>>> listened to.  I have switched phones to no avail.  We have 6408D+.

> On many VM systems, if the users do not log-out when completing a VM
> session (retrieving messages, deleting them, etc.) but simply hang-up
> the phone, it can cause strange problems, including the ones you have
> described.

> For some of these users, verify if they are logging-out or simply
> hanging-up ... and check the results if people begin logging-out at
> session-end.

> We had strange message waiting light problems (Definity with Intuity
> Audix), and in each case where a person began logging-out of their
> sessions, the problems cleared-up as well.

As well, if the VM system uses inband DTMF signalling to set and clear
the MW lamps there can be issues.

I know of a system that had intermittent problems in this area, it
turned out that the interval between the DTMF digits was too short
*but* it only seemed to be a problem at certain times, possibly
because the PBX CPU was busy then, (we'll never know).


Regards,

David Clayton, e-mail: dcstar@acslink.net.au
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

Dilbert's words of wisdom #18: Never argue with an idiot. They drag you down to their level then beat you with experience.

------------------------------

From: Don Russell <drussel2@san.rr.com>
Subject: Re: FTC Want Comments on Anti-Telemarketing Proposal
Date: Sat, 23 Feb 2002 06:16:23 GMT
Organization: Road Runner


What a load of tripe ...

Yes, here's my number that I do NOT want anyone to call ... Everyone
have that number now? Good, don't call it because I'm on "The List"
and oooh scary kids, it's "illegal" to call me if I'm on that list
 ... oooh.

Oh vay! The things gov't depts come up with ... something I find works
pretty well is a wee device I built (still working out little
buglettes) but it just hangs up on them ... picks up the phone and
hangs up again ... I still get that first ring, but then I know it's
working ... like Listerine for my phone ... you can feel it working,
killing those nasty calls. :-)

Oh by the way, it's illegal to go faster tha 65 MPH on the freeway
too. HAH! If I was doing 65 around here, I'd be mowed over like I
was standing still...

See you at the TC web site... :-)

"Marcus Didius Falco" <marcus_d_falco@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:telecom20.169.9@telecom-digest.org...

> * Original: FROM..... Barbara Conn

> Date: Fri, 22 Feb 2002 15:40:11 EST
> Subject: FTC Want Comments on Anti-Telemarketing Proposal

> If you hate being intruded by telemarketing calls, as I do, the FTC is
> proposing a national "do not call" registry. Your comments on the
> anti-telemarketing proposal are needed by March 29.  The following
> info is abbreviated from the FTC website:

> The Federal Trade Commission is soliciting consumer comments on a
> proposal to create a national "do not call" registry. Under the FTC
> proposal, it would be illegal for telemarketers to call consumers who
> place their phone number on the national registry. Once your number is
> on the registry, it would be illegal for a telemarketer to call it.

> Telemarketers would be required to "scrub" their lists, removing the
> numbers of all consumers listed on the registry.

> You can submit your comments by sending an email to tsr@ftc.gov or by
> writing to the Office of the Secretary, Room 159, Federal Trade
> Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20580.
> Comments are due to the FTC by March 29, 2002.

> You can learn more about the proposal at www.ftc.gov.

> All comments that the FTC receives will be posted on the FTC website.
> No email addresses or phone numbers of individual commenters will be
> posted.

------------------------------

From: nightic@hotmail.com (nightic)
Subject: Attention: Ericsson T68 Owners...
Date: 23 Feb 2002 01:18:24 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


Hi, just a quick post to let any Ericsson T68 owners know that I'm
going to beging selling original/official replacement T68 covers
(Lunar Grey - Front AND Rear as a set) in the next 10 - 14days.
Approximate prices (to be confirmed) are:


UK32/US$45) 


Shipping costs are as follows: 

UK (1/2 days) -1 (1st class) OR 2 (Recorded) 

EUROPE (Air - 2/3days) - 1.50/US$2.25 OR 4/US$5.75 (Recorded) 

USA (Air - 4days) - 2/US$3 OR 4.50/US$6.50 (Recorded) 

ASIA (Air - 4days) - 2/US$3 OR 4.50/US$6.50 (Recorded) 


*('Recorded' = must be signed for and is insured) 

If you're interested or have any further questions please email me at: 
nightic@hotmail.com 


Thanks all - I'll post again with methods of payment etc when I
receive the covers.

------------------------------

From: LVidaver@cs.com
Date: Fri, 22 Feb 2002 23:14:48 EST
Subject: Communications Software


Feb. 22, 2002
Dear Mr. Patrick Townson:

Your web site's appearance suggests you may have the information I am
looking for.  I have a US Robotics 56K Sportster Fax/Modem and I just
learned I need a communications program to use the modem itself for
telephone calls or faxes.  Is this correct? Do you have any programs
to suggest?  Thank you for your time and consideration, Lawrence

Vidaver LVidaver@cs.com or LVidaver@ipninet.com

------------------------------

Reply-To: Doctor Java <javadevelopersjournal@chiltown.com>
From: Doctor Java <javadevelopersjournal@chiltown.com>
Subject: Re: NameZero are Thieves! Anyone Else Experiencing This?
Organization: Java Developers Journal
Date: Sat, 23 Feb 2002 16:40:13 GMT


The best you can do is wait for the domain to expire and choose
another registrar when it does. You can monitor expiration through
www.snapnames.com

------------------------------

Reply-To: Doctor Java <javadevelopersjournal@chiltown.com>
From: Doctor Java <javadevelopersjournal@chiltown.com>
Subject: Re: Calling Card Startups
Organization: Java Developers Journal
Date: Sat, 23 Feb 2002 16:42:35 GMT


I think everyone is looking for information that would typically be in
a business plan. Equipment selection is easy, just buy Cisco, MindCTI
and so on.

------------------------------

End of TELECOM Digest V20 #170
******************************
    
    
From editor@telecom-digest.org  Mon Feb 25 14:06:49 2002
Received: (from ptownson@localhost)
	by massis.lcs.mit.edu (8.9.1/8.9.1) id OAA07782;
	Mon, 25 Feb 2002 14:06:49 -0500 (EST)
Date: Mon, 25 Feb 2002 14:06:49 -0500 (EST)
From: editor@telecom-digest.org
Message-Id: <200202251906.OAA07782@massis.lcs.mit.edu>
To: ptownson
Approved: patsnewlist
Subject: TELECOM Digest V20 #171

TELECOM Digest     Mon, 25 Feb 2002 14:07:00 EST    Volume 20 : Issue 171

Inside This Issue:                             Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    Editorial Comment on ICANN (Judith Oppenheimer)
    Re: IMTS Phone Service Still Available? (Mike O'Dorney)
    Re: IMTS Phone Service Still Available? (Michael D. Sullivan)
    Re: Problem With DTMF in a Caribbean Country (Dominic Richens)
    Re: Problem With DTMF in a Caribbean Country (Scott Dorsey)
    New Mailing List For UK Telecoms Managers (Ian Grey)
    Poor Implementation of CID in Colorado (Phil Earnhardt)
    BER for Different Kind of Link (radhk)
    Selective Ring Box With CID Passthru? (James Gifford)
    Re: Cell Phone Booster Antennas (Walter Dnes)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
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----------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Judith Oppenheimer <joppenheimer@icbtollfree.com>
Subject: Editorial Comment on ICANN
Date: Mon, 25 Feb 2002 10:12:53 -0500


The proposal discussed below holds open the possibility that
profoundly antidemocratic governments should have a say in maintaining
aspects of the net's technical infracture. If they do so on the basis
laid by ICANN to date, then we can all rest assured that the
'intellectual property' issues that have dirtorted ICANN's allegedly
technical mandate will metastasize into far more menacing forms of
control.

`We've just had the equivalent of the president of the United States
abolishing Congress,'' said attorney/Cisco engineer Karl Auerbach, who
represents North American Internet users.  Attorney Bret Fausett
points out that as a California corporation, ICANN is proposing to
become a "subversive organization."

The two reports below follow recent articles THIS REVOLUTION, WILL NOT
BE TELEVISED. and ICANN CLANDESTINE EU MEETING REVEALED .

The person who no doubt actually wrote the Lynn report and who is
discussed in ICANN CLANDESTINE EU MEETING REVEALED is Joe Sims (see
http://www.tbtf.com/roving_reporter/jdrp.html), ICANN outside attorney
at Jones Day, which is the largest recipient of ICANN's current $5M
budget, to the tune of some $1M per year.


 ICANN'S ANNOUNCES ROAD TO REFORM. THE TERM ORWELLIAN COMES TO MIND.

Washington, DC February 24, 2002 (ICB TOLL FREE NEWS) We knew recent
events were leading nowhere good, but ICANN Pres/CEO Stuart Lynn's
report today following ICANN's private "retreat" in D.C. exceeds all
grim expectations.  Softly humming If I Ruled the World, Lynn wants,
among other things:

- A bloated $35M budget (ICANN does nothing now, for $5M);

- For us to "explicitly and permanently abandon the notion that every
individual with an interest in DNS policy has some "right" to equally
weighted participation in ICANN";

- He wants governments to lean on those companies and organizations that
haven't signed contracts with ICANN: ie, strong-arm them;

- And he wants to convert the Board of Directors to a Board of Trustees
which will "have the ability to deliberate in private" and "be able to make
policy decisions, not simply ratify or reject those proposed by subordinate
bodies."

Mr. Lynn in his infinite wisdom states that "the concept of
 ... elections from a self-selected pool of unknown voters is not just
flawed, but fatally flawed." Lynn's desire for independence from
U.S. oversight notwithstanding -- is that flagrantly unAmerican, or
what?!

Which raises the question of to what extent the EU, the US, and other
major players have bought into this brazen takeover plan.

Its important to remember as one reads Lynn's report how he elevates
the ICANN tradition of ICANNspeak to new Orwellian heights, as one
pundit notes:

War is peace.
Freedom is slavery.
Open is closed.
Transparent is opaque.
Consensus is my census.

Michael Froomkin describes it this way: "The main justifications
offered for this shift are that in order to be "strong" ICANN needs
more money, more support, and less "process". Of course, promises
Lynn, ICANN's "core values of openness and broad participation" should
be "preserved".  "Meaningful participation" will be achieved by
cutting out any direct representation for end-users."

"There's a real 1984 situation here when it comes to nomenclature,"
writes Froomkin.

His initial analysis, Lynn to At-Large and Non-Commercial Interests in
ICANN: Drop Dead, provides some useful insight.

We also recommend rereading last April's IF WE'RE GOING TO HAVE A
WORLD GOVERNMENT, I WANT A REVOLUTION FIRST.

Then read Lynn's paper, President's Report: ICANN: The Case for Reform.

Copyright 2002 ICB, Inc. All rights reserved.

      ICANN HAS FAILED
by Mikki Barry

I thought I would save everyone a bit of time by translating Stuart
Lynn's President's Report: ICANN: The Case for Reform, paragraph by
paragraph, into what it really means.

ICANN has failed. We wanted everyone to fall into line voluntarily,
but they aren't doing so, despite all of the threats of governmental
takeover.

After three years, the ccTLDs still won't give us money, the RIRs
basically ignore us, and most others already understand that we are
largely irrelevant unless we're going beyond our mandate to make
policies that they like.

So, without doing what we threatened to do (government takeover),
because you guys refused to get along with each other (yes, this is
all YOUR fault), we are going to do what we threatened to do
(government takeover) only worse. We are turning this over to
governments AND staff.

We measure success based upon whether or not we can pay our Jones Day
bills. Although many companies who thought they could get special
favors from us (and in fact did) but now they have realized that we
can't do much more for them since Congress and the DOC are breathing
down our necks. They aren't giving us any more money.

In addition, the USG bashed Verisign over the head until they signed a
contract with us. The Australians forced us to deal with the GAC, by
providing funding which we count as a plus for ICANN even though we've
always said that the GAC wasn't really a part of ICANN at all and just
advisory (wink wink). Japan, Canada and the EU have put up with us,
but that's just not enough.

So, ICANN has fallen short of expectations. We made certain to
disallow those pesky users we were required to allow to participate
under the White Paper, while simultaneously complaining we didn't get
enough participation.  Of course, the real lack of participation we
were requiring is the ccTLDs (and their money). I must also complain
in the same paragraph, about ICANN's pre-occupation with "process and
participation." Those horrible distractions to our true mission caused
us to actually spend money we could have given to Jones Day on such
things as the MAC and the ALSC reports. The "big guys" won't give us
any money because we still allow people to speak their minds. This
distraction must be eliminated so we can really get things done.

So, like I said, without doing what we've been threatening (government
takeover) we will implement government takeover.

The rest of the paper was taken up with every possible excuse besides
"Blame Canada." Like a corrupt French Ice Skating Judge, the excuse
changes with the target of the minute. However, there have been
absolutely hilarious charges made, specifically that ICANN had "too
much process."  Simultaneously, not enough process was claimed
regarding governmental participation. While complaining about the
complicated organizational structure, Stuart then goes on to say that
ICANN needs to build "government-like institutional foundations."
Correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't "government-like institutional
foundations" the most fraught with Byzantine organizational
structures, even greater than what ICANN is right now?

Sims, I mean Stuart Lynn goes on to say that if the people he's
appointed can't find a consensus, none exists. Interesting to say
while completely disregarding all previous consensus points that HAD
been agreed upon prior even to the creation of ICANN. However, that
notwithstanding, the at-large must be squashed so that they can focus
on the "real work" that can likely only take place in secret without
those pesky users and squabbling public policy types.

Astoundingly enough, Lynn "believes strongly in ICANN's core values of
openness and participation" after just saying that the At Large must
be crushed. Then he attacks that highly annoying reconsideration
process as yet another distraction. The requests were "frivolous," the
Review Panel adds to the "waste."

Lynn complains loudly about those horrible ccTLDs not wishing to pay
the "appropriate share of the burden." The ccTLDs are likely the ONLY
entities who truly understand that ICANN is irrelevant to their
business models or their technical needs. Their example is one that
should be followed. It is astounding that Lynn can be so blatantly
blind to perhaps the truest reason for ICANN's financial shortfalls -
namely bills from Jones Day. A close second is the cost of the ICANN
world tours, at insanely expensive venues whose lack of facilities are
then blamed as good reasons for further eliminating participation even
via webcasts. Closely third are the expenses for Andrew McL to jet to
foreign countries as ICANN spokesmodel. All travel, of course, is
business class, all hotels five star, all meals highly expensive,
etc. It is obscenely ludicrous that they would then complain that the
At Large is just too expensive.

Another quite interesting claim is that that pesky US Government and
those pesky Americans will interfere with "long-term global
stability." How ironic. Taiwan didn't decide to run their own root
because of US Government participation. They did so because they did
not wish to deal with ICANN's nonsensical regulations and
rantings. The ccTLDs are not refusing to "play ball" with ICANN
because of US Government participation, but instead because of ICANN's
policies and desires for huge amounts of funding to pay Jones Day and
ICANN's travel agents.

But again, the most ridiculous and laughable claim for the necessity
of ICANN's "restructuring" to eliminate all of those pesky people and
ideas is once again the boogieman of "alternate roots" and collapse of
"essential infrastructure" with a weak ICANN. The very thought that
non-technical bureaucrats are protecting the infrastructure of the
Internet made me laugh so loudly that my dog became alarmed. The only
technically inclined individuals who have even the semblance of a clue
within ICANN are Karl Auerbach and Andrew Mueller-Maguhn (both
ironically elected from that pesky At Large) and Vint Cerf who is
wholly owned and operated by ISOC and Worldcom. Their new technical
employee, Kent Crispin is the architect of the fatally flawed
interface to the voting structure that is now blamed for improper
results. Yet another fairy tale ending.

So to fix the part that is not broken and break the part that needs
fixing, that government intervention we were all threatened with is
now supposed to save the day. For only governments can really decide
best who should be on the ICANN board. Amazing that it only took three
years to figure this all out. And don't forget ... never forget
 ... that this is all (including the directive from Stuart Lynn)
"bottom up" consensus (oh, except of course we must always remember
that Jon Postel's process creation was not open or transparent... But
that's not important right now except to justify ICANN's newly found
closed, I mean open, opaque, I mean transparent method of springing
ideas fully formed on all but the initiated and special (and
definitely not pesky) Board members like some sort of Athena on acid.

As I paraphrase Tony Rutkowski, let's pull the life support, kiss them
on the forehead, and watch ICANN expire with appropriate DNR
orders. After all, anything else might be too "pesky."


Judith Oppenheimer
http://JudithOppenheimer.com
http://ICBTollFreeNews.com
212 684-7210, 1 800 The Expert

[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Some long-time readers will remember
how until 1999, one of this Digest's principal sponsors and sources
of financial assistance was the International  Telecommunications
Union, based in Geneva, Switzerland. Since the ITU is a long-time
supporter of ICANN, one of their employees, Mr. Robert Shaw, wrote me 
to complain when I started publishing complaints about ICANN. The
result was predictable:  ITU withdrew their financial support of this
Digest shortly after the first piece appeared, and a couple other
items were printed they did not like by other folks. I guess the rule
is when you are getting money from ICANN, via their supporters, you
are supposed to keep quiet with your complaints about them. Like so
many other things in recent years, your terribly sophisticated editor/
publisher had to learn that lesson the hard way also.  :(   PAT] 

------------------------------

From: modorney@aol.com (Mike O'Dorney)
Subject: Re: IMTS Phone Service Still Available?
Date: 23 Feb 2002 15:55:17 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


> IMTS (Improved Mobile Telephone Service) used the same VHF channels
> (designated YR, YK, YJ, etc) as MTS. The "improvements" included
> automatic channel selection, automatic unit identification, and direct
> dialing from the (huge) control head. If you were out of coverage of
> the company you had service with it went into MTS mode. You would pick
> up the phone and wait. Eventually a mobile operator would answer. You
> gave her your mobile number and the number you wanted to talk to. Then
> you'd be connected.

Back in the '70's I was a sales engineer and I had a dozen reps around
the country.  Yhese reps were pretty independent characters, and they
all wanted mobile phones.  There was a long waiting list for them in
the major cities, but if you lived in a smaller area, you could get
one.  All of these reps had territories - like half of a big state, or
one or two smaller ones.  But many of them asked me for a "special
territory" - like one county in Arkansas.  What they wanted to do is
set up an office to get the mobile phone in the remote area, then
drive around their regular territory and use the phone in roaming
mode.

Many didn't even bother -- they just opened the remote office and got
the phone.  But the phone company got wise and shut them down after
year, or so.  The smarter ones actually went to the remote area -
fishing or hunting, no sales -- and made a lot of calls to "keep the
franchise".  These ones seemed to keep the phones longer.


Cheers,

Mike

------------------------------

From: Michael D. Sullivan <avogadro@bellatlantic.net>
Subject: Re: IMTS Phone Service Still Available?
Date: Sun, 24 Feb 2002 06:55:02 GMT


Don Kimberlin <dkimberlin@prodigy.net> wrote in message
news:telecom20.168.1@telecom-digest.org ...

> In article <Wed, 20 Feb 2002 07:29:07 -0700 > Ken
> 73115.1041@compuserve.com wrote:

> Since IMTS stood for "Improved Mobile Telephone Service," it could
> hardly be "improved" if it was the first, could it?

Actually, the IMTS originally stood for Interim, when AT&T thought the
Advanced version (800 MHz cellular) would be monopoly-granted to it in
a flash.  When AT&T realized that it would take a bit longer than the
early '70s to get 800 MHz and that there was some doubt that AT&T
would have a monopoly, they changed the name of IMTS to Improved.

------------------------------

From: Dominic Richens <dominic.richens@sympatico.ca>
Subject: Re: Problem With DTMF in a Caribbean Country
Date: Mon, 25 Feb 2002 07:44:53 -0500
Organization: Nortel


Thomas Osthege <ThomasO@iname.com> wrote:

> My program (running in Germany) calls a customer (back) in a caribbean
> country. He types some instructions into my program using DTMF digits.
> Until recently everything worked fine. But now it seems that they
> filter out DTMF signals and terminate calls after the 3rd digit in
> some (too many) cases.

Some voice-band compression algorithms (like G.729) cannot accurately
transmit tones and (of course) modem/fax.  The equipment at the ends
of the trunk are suppose to detect either and up speed the trunk to
regular G.711 (8kbps to 64kbps).  Maybe you need to enquire with you
LD provider.  I'm not sure (according to the standard) what is suppose
to happen if there is not enough B/W left on a link to support the up
speed ... maybe this equipment is just dropping the call?

------------------------------

From: kludge@panix.com (Scott Dorsey)
Subject: Re: Problem With DTMF in a Caribbean Country
Date: 25 Feb 2002 11:13:29 -0500
Organization: Former users of Netcom shell (1989-2000)


In article <telecom20.170.1@telecom-digest.org>, Don Russell
<drussel2@san.rr.com> wrote:

> I'd be very surprised if telcos are dropping connected calls because
> three DTMF tones were detected during the call.

> That would pretty much put an end to those "menu systems" and credit card
> billing and touch-tone-banking and touch-tone-stock-trading and ...

> Nope, I SUSPECT what's happening is the tones are "twisting" (getting
> corrupted) between the equipment generatiing them and your equipment
> receiving them. And/or, the tones are not accurate enough or your
> reciving equipemt is not tolerant enough of any skew etc...

> I don't know, I'm guessing at the problem ... but the "three digits
> and you're out" rule is definitely not it. :-)

Dunno, but I do know that there are still point-to-point SSB links out
there, which will often shift frequencies slightly unless they are
very precisely aligned.  You cannot use DTMF menu systems over a
radiotelephone link, for instance.  Hell, half the time you can't even
make out the words the other caller is saying.  


 --scott -- "C'est un Nagra.  C'est suisse, et tres, tres precis."

------------------------------

From: Ian Grey <ian@delicolor.co.uk>
Subject: New Mailing List For UK Telecoms Managers
Date: Sun, 24 Feb 2002 20:02:56 +0000
Organization: http://extra.newsguy.com
Reply-To: ian@delicolor.co.uk


Some of you may know that there is a Telecoms Heritage mailing list
(the Strowger list) that I have administrated for a few years. I can't
claim the credit for starting it, that was Michael of SEG
Communications.

Once or twice it has been mooted that many of the things discussed
there are still relevant today regardless of the technology and that
there should be a forum for like minded people to discuss & resolve
the challenges facing their businesses.

I have finally got my finger out and got round to it. Being a Telecoms
Manager myself I have started up a mailing list for anyone
professionally involved in telecommunications Management.

Whilst I am a CMA member and follow uk.telecom, neither of these quite
achieve on the Web what I enjoy most about the CMA- the chance to talk
to (& share ideas with) others with similar challenges & experiences.

After much thought, I decided to call the list Erlang, on the basis
that the work of Agner Krarup Erlang on Queueing theory is just as
relevant today as 100 years ago.

For more information, see http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Erlang/ where
the purpose and rules are clarified.

If you are interested in Telecommunications Heritage, it can be found
at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Strowger


Ian Grey

------------------------------

From: Phil Earnhardt <pae@dim.com>
Subject: Poor Implementation of CID in Colorado
Date: Sun, 24 Feb 2002 21:32:29 -0700
Organization: http://extra.newsguy.com


Several years ago, the area code 720 was added as an overlay to 303.
Since 720 was added, the Colorado Front Range has had 10-digit
dialing.

Recently, I added CID to my home service. On calls originating from
the 303 area code, only a 7-digit number is provided. For all other
numbers, a 10-digit number is shown.

Now, I know this is a small thing compared with Qwest's other woes,
but it is an annoyance. What gives? Why don't they have their CID work
correctly? Any idea who/where to complain to get them to fix this?


TIA

phil


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: You did not say if you personally
are in area 303 or 720. On my caller ID box you are given a chance
when the box is put in service to indicate your 'home' area code
under the theory that in your home area code you only will be dialing
seven digits rather than ten or eleven (if you count the '1' on the
front end). This is useful if your caller-ID has a way to call back
a number by merely pressing a button.  Maybe your box is set up to
default to 303. If so, and you change the default value to '999' or 
'000' then you'll start getting a full number on 303 also.  Here in 
620-land, like many rural area codes, anything other than very local
numbers (the 331 exchange covers all of Independence) we have to dial
'1' plus the number.  I forget how, but on caller-ID boxes with a 
callback feature, there is a way to program it to work that way.  PAT]   

------------------------------

From: ck_lee_hk@yahoo.com (radhk)
Subject: BER For Different Kind of Link
Date: 24 Feb 2002 23:43:56 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


Hi,

Does anyone know the general value of BER for different kind of link
e.g. leasedline, optical fiber, microwave link, satellite link?


Thanks. 

Calvin

------------------------------

From: James Gifford <jgifford@surewest.not>
Subject: Selective Ring Box With CID Passthru?
Date: Sat, 23 Feb 2002 19:45:15 -0800
Organization: Nitrosyncretic Press
Reply-To: jgifford@surewest.not


I have two lines with a second, distinctive- or selective-ring number.
I'm using a Solopoint A-400 to separate the lines into four incoming
trunks (plus sense fax CNG tone on all lines for fax routing). It
works very well and I've been happy with it for years. However, it
does not pass Caller ID through to the output ports. I've searched the
telecom gear catalogs and web sites, but none quite answers my
question:

Does anyone make a selective-ring routing box that passes CID through
to the answering devices? A single-line or two-line unit is fine.

I can see some of the technical problems involved, so this may be
impossible without some sort of very costly re-encoding. However, I've
seen stranger things.

Thanks.



|           James Gifford - Nitrosyncretic Press            |
| http://www.nitrosyncretic.com for the Heinlein FAQ & more |
|  Tired of auto-spam... change "not" to "net" for replies  |

------------------------------

From: Walter Dnes <waltdnes@waltdnes.org>
Subject: Re: Cell Phone Booster Antennas
Date: Sun, 24 Feb 2002 03:12:09 UTC
Organization: Hub.Org Networking Services (http://www.hub.org)
Reply-To: waltdnes@waltdnes.org


On Wed, 20 Feb 2002 03:44:37 (PST), Eric De Mund, <ead@ixian.com>
wrote:

>  One of these booster antennas, coupled with a cell service plan that
>  offers unlimited night and weekend calls, not to mention free long
>  distance calling, might be one solution.

   Not that I want to rain on anybody's parade, but what are the legal
signal strength limits?  Remember "the good ole days" of CB when
yahoos would run illegal transmitters that could be heard clear across
the planet?  I think the FCC is the authority in the USA for these
matters.

  Given the hand-offs between cell-towers, I think that the best
solution might be to connect to a rooftop yagi antenna pointed at the
nearest cell tower.  This would concentrate more signal in the right
direction without requiring your radiated power to increase.


Walter Dnes <waltdnes@waltdnes.org>
If you had purchased $1000 of @home stock in 1999, today you would
have $1.30.  If you had purchased $1000 of beer in 1999, today you
would still have $59 in empty cans.

------------------------------

End of TELECOM Digest V20 #171
******************************
    
    
From editor@telecom-digest.org  Mon Feb 25 18:40:06 2002
Received: (from ptownson@localhost)
	by massis.lcs.mit.edu (8.9.1/8.9.1) id SAA13355;
	Mon, 25 Feb 2002 18:40:06 -0500 (EST)
Date: Mon, 25 Feb 2002 18:40:06 -0500 (EST)
From: editor@telecom-digest.org
Message-Id: <200202252340.SAA13355@massis.lcs.mit.edu>
To: ptownson
Approved: patsnewlist
Subject: TELECOM Digest V20 #171

TELECOM Digest     Mon, 25 Feb 2002 18:40:00 EST    Volume 20 : Issue 172

Inside This Issue:                             Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    Re: Editorial Comment on ICANN (Judith Oppenheimer)
    Re: Help With KX-TD1232 + TVS-200 (James Gifford)
    WTB Tellabs Modules (Larry R)
    Re: Problem With DTMF in a Carribean Country (Nic Robson)
    Re: Problem With DTMF in a Carribean Country (James Cloos) 
    Re: Translation From the Spanish (John David Galt)
    Re: Long Delay in Telemarketer Calls (John David Galt)
    Re: NameZero are Thieves! Anyone Else Experiencing This? (Paul Wallich)
    Re: SilkRoad,Inc. (Stuart Brorson)
    Re: Octel/Definity Message Lamp Problem (Robert Cywinski)
    Anonymous Surfing (TELECOM Digest Editor)
    Re: Is This the Death of Dial-Up (Rob)
    Re: BER For Different Kind of Link (Nitoy)
----------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Judith Oppenheimer <joppenheimer@icbtollfree.com>
Subject: Re: Editorial Comment on ICANN
Date: Mon, 25 Feb 2002 15:04:35 -0500


This is intended to clarify some of what was printed in issue 171 of the
Digest, sans links:

ICANN N.A. At Large Director and attorney/Cisco engineer Karl Auerbach is
bio'ed here:  http://www.cavebear.com/icann-board/index.htm

Find Bret Fausetts "subversive organization" commentary here:
http://www.lextext.com/icann/2002/02/24.html#a187

ICB article THIS REVOLUTION, WILL NOT BE TELEVISED, is here:
http://www.icbtollfree.com/article.cfm?articleId=5595

ICB article ICANN CLANDESTINE EU MEETING REVEALED, is here:
http://www.icbtollfree.com/article.cfm?articleId=5598

Under article title: ICANN ANNOUNCES ROAD TO REFORM. THE TERM ORWELLIAN
COMES TO MIND:

Stuart Lynn's "President's Report: ICANN:  The Case for Reform." report,
is here: http://www.icann.org/general/lynn-reform-proposal-24feb02.htm

Michael Froomkin's article, "Lynn to At-Large and Non-Commercial Interests
in ICANN: Drop Dead", is here:
http://www.icannwatch.org/article.php?sid=563&mode=&order=0

IF WE'RE GOING TO HAVE A WORLD GOVERNMENT, I WANT A REVOLUTION FIRST., is
here:  http://www.icannwatch.org/article.php?sid=98

Mikki Barry, author of ICB article ICANN HAS FAILED, can be found here:
http://www.netpolicy.com/


Judith Oppenheimer
http://JudithOppenheimer.com
http://ICBTollFreeNews.com
212 684-7210, 1 800 The Expert


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: For some reason -- we are not yet
certain why -- the links above disappeared from the original editorial
Ms. Oppenheimer submitted. They're being included above for the
benefit of anyone who wants to see the originals. ICANN is really a
very controversial topic on the net, and has been now for a couple
years at least. Tell me this, Judith, how has Esther been behaving
herself in the past couple years? I do not hear much of her these
days. Do you know?     PAT]

------------------------------

From: James Gifford <jgifford@surewest.not>
Subject: Re: Help With KX-TD1232 + TVS-200
Date: Sat, 23 Feb 2002 10:43:05 -0800
Organization: Nitrosyncretic Press
Reply-To: jgifford@surewest.not


Carl Navarro wrote:

> Try #6  this tells the VM that you are coming in as an outside call
> Now, you want the manager's mailbox?  *998 or * anything logs you to
> that mailbox.

ARRRGHHH! I tried that, exactly as in the docs, a dozen or more times 
and got the weirdest behavior I've ever seen from a phone system. Now it 
works. Thanks, but... ARRRGGGHHH!

>> 3) I cannot get the TVS to pick up unanswered CO or intercom calls,
>> except in a very erratic fashion on one line. This seems as if it
>> should be very simple, but no combination of trunk or extension group
>> settings or intercept settings will make it work.

> IRNA  The default mailbox is 165.  203 is the timing, 409,410 sets the
> extension.

I finally got this working - it was the phrasing of "Intercept Time" 
(instead of "rings") that got me, I think. Like almost all other mfrs, 
Panasonic has it's own peculiar lingo that I'm finding I don't yet speak 
fluently.

(Has anyone ever done a decent third-party book on these systems?)

Am I correct in concluding that intercept is a global setting and there 
is no way to specify it per CO line?

> Unanswered intercom calls are set at each extension.  For fun, dial
> 7105-165 at each extension and dial it.

Got it.

> PS  I'm using the MANUAL and Procomm 2.4.3 for setup, but I didn't
> even have to touch the VM port...yet.

The ports set themselves up just fine between the two systems. I've 
found station set programming, VT100 programming and VoiceMail Master 
programming to each have different strengths.

Thanks for the pointers.



|           James Gifford - Nitrosyncretic Press            |
| http://www.nitrosyncretic.com for the Heinlein FAQ & more |
|  Tired of auto-spam... change "not" to "net" for replies  |

------------------------------

Date: Sat, 23 Feb 2002 18:14:59 GMT
From: Larry R <_lr_@yahoo.com>
Subject: WTB Tellabs Modules


I'm lookin for a few of the old 6000 series tellabs modules. if you
have any out in your garage or warehouse or whatever please drop me
an email (_lr_@yahoo.com) so we can discuss particulars.

Thanks,

Larry Rachman

------------------------------

Date: Sat, 23 Feb 2002 13:01:24 -0500
Subject: Re: Problems With DTMF in a Carribean Country
From: Nick Robson <sci.ltd@candw.ky>


In the Cayman Islands this is done by Cable & Wireless to disable the
use of Call Back services.


Nick Robson, C.S.C.M.
Security Consultant

On 23/2/02 12:36 PM,  wrote:> Thomas Osthege <ThomasO@iname.com> wrote in
message news:telecom20.167.12@telecom-digest.org:

>> My program (running in Germany) calls a customer (back) in a caribbean
>> country. He types some instructions into my program using DTMF digits.
>> Until recently everything worked fine. But now it seems that they
>> filter out DTMF signals and terminate calls after the 3rd digit in
>> some (too many) cases.

>> Has anyone heard about a practice like this?

>> Does anybody have an idea how to circumvent this (perhaps by another
>> way of signalling)?

------------------------------

From: cloos@jhcloos.com (James H. Cloos Jr.)
Subject: Re: Problem With DTMF in a Caribbean Country
Date: 25 Feb 2002 17:31:01 -0500
Organization: Linux Private Site


Thomas == Thomas Osthege <ThomasO@iname.com> writes:

Thomas> Hi NG, My program (running in Germany) calls a customer (back)
Thomas> in a caribbean country. He types some instructions into my
Thomas> program using DTMF digits.  Until recently everything worked
Thomas> fine. But now it seems that they filter out DTMF signals and
Thomas> terminate calls after the 3rd digit in some (too many) cases.

It is not unheard of in the caribbean for incoming international calls
to have outgoing dtmf blocked.  They are trying to prevent the use of
call back services as they make significantly more profit from
outgoing international calls than for incoming ones.

They may have targetted your number as a suspected call back service,
explaining why it suddenly stopped working.


JimC

------------------------------

From: John David Galt <jdg@diogenes.sacramento.ca.us>
Subject: Re: Translation From the Spanish
Date: Sat, 23 Feb 2002 15:09:38 -0800
Organization: Diogenes the Cynic Hot-Tubbing Society


> [TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: To all you folks who provided me with
> this translation, thanks very much.  I hope you same guys will get
> back with this fellow and engage in some conversation with him and try
> to find out *precisely* what it is he wants to know and how we can
> help him if possible. Maybe I should change TELECOM Digest to look
> more like Readers Digest, with fifty or so other languages in addition
> to English.

If you want to see a really good multi-lingual web site, take a look at
the official site of the Euro:  www.europa.eu.int .

------------------------------

From: John David Galt <jdg@diogenes.sacramento.ca.us>
Subject: Re: Long Delay in Telemarketer Calls
Date: Sat, 23 Feb 2002 15:17:38 -0800
Organization: Diogenes the Cynic Hot-Tubbing Society


Mike O'Dorney wrote:

> What's the difference between a spammer and a telemarketer?  None
> really that I can see.    PAT]

The spammer can't interrupt your dinner (unless you've made the
mistake of getting a pager or cell-phone that can receive e-mail).

The law ought to consider telemarketing as trespass, at least --
preferably as breaking & entering.  With no exceptions for charities,
polls, or anyone else.

------------------------------

From: pw@panix.com (Paul Wallich)
Subject: Re: NameZero are Thieves! Anyone Else Experiencing This?
Date: Sun, 24 Feb 2002 15:41:24 -0500
Organization: PANIX Public Access Internet and UNIX, NYC


In article <telecom20.170.13@telecom-digest.org>, Doctor Java
<javadevelopersjournal@chiltown.com> wrote:

> The best you can do is wait for the domain to expire and choose
> another registrar when it does. You can monitor expiration through
> www.snapnames.com

But you have to be careful about that, because some registrars may
consider the name their property and resell it on expiration without
effectively giving the former owner a chance to move it to another
registrar.


Paul

------------------------------

From: Stuart Brorson <sdb@cloud9.net>
Subject: Re: SilkRoad,Inc.
Date: Mon, 25 Feb 2002 01:02:54 -0000
Organization: Posted via Supernews, http://www.supernews.com


David Wilson <derbywilson@earthlink.net> wrote:

>  Does anyone know what happened to the technology SilkRoad, Inc. was
>  developing?  Understand the company went bus two years ago due to lack
>  of financing, but the founders started a new company in San Diego?

The company was a scam, and they had no technology.  After Silkroad's
collapse, some of the former employees started their own company,
Telena, using different (perhaps real) technology.

http://www.lightreading.com/document.asp?doc_id=1896


Stuart

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 25 Feb 2002 08:36:50 -0500
From: Cywinski, Robert <RCywi@SPRING-FORD.k12.pa.us>
Subject: Re: Octel/Definity Message Lamp Problem


After my initial response to this issue, it occurred to me that my
solution to this similar problem was to make sure that my Definity
extension message lamp field needed to correspond to the subscriber'
voice mail box number. Also, the Intuity Audix message lamp field had
to be set to the extension number. If you have lamps that are on and
no messages are in the mail box, it's possible that the Audix
subscriber's message lamp field has the incorrect extension in the
message lamp field. We also use 6400 series sets.


Bob Cywinski
rcywi@spring-ford.k12.pa.us

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 25 Feb 2002 16:44:15 EST
From: TELECOM Digest Editor <ptownson>
Subject: Anonymous Surfing


Several different users have written to say:

> I have tried the anonymous web surfer thing you offer and no matter
> what address I enter, I can't get anywhere.  Can you fix it?

A. Nonymous

[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note:  No I cannot at the present time. The
guy I was connecting with for that function decided to change his
procedures and cut me out of it.  If anyone wants to start running
an anonymous server via a proxy address for the purpose of helping
people who want to do anonymous surfing, please look at my page on
the web site; check the source code and the cgi-bin I was using at
cotse.com. If you want to write me another anonymous web server and
anonymous mail system, please do.  I will swap yours into place
provided it works.     PAT]

------------------------------

From: Rob <switNO77777@CAPSaolonedot.com>
Subject: Re: Is This the Death of Dial-Up?
Date: Mon, 25 Feb 2002 17:12:22 -0500
Organization: Lucent Technologies, Columbus, Ohio


In article <telecom20.169.6@telecom-digest.org>, dkimberlin@prodigy.net 
says:

> In article <Thu, 21 Feb 2002 12:35:24 -0500> Rob
> (switNO77777@CAPSaolonedot.com) wrote:

> Dial-up won't die if the only alternative is a cable company ... the
> modern equivalent of the old robber-barons.

[snip]

> Of course, the cable companies learned it from the telephone companies
> who learned it from the railroads, with all of them under the tutelage
> of the bankers. [snip]

>> They all learned it from telecom companies.

Well not quite.  Perhaps the modern telco's, but not necessarily telcom in
general.

The difference is that the bandwidth potential going past or through
my residence is either public or private, depending on the property
bounds defined in my locale.  If it's public, then I do NOT want a
company restraining what can flow through that public
thoroughfare. The old telcos had, and wanted to maintain, a mandate to
provide phone service.  But they were a public entity, took full
advantage of that, but at the same time were constrained by the public
(yeah, I'm not being *too* idealistic am I?).  But the modern telcos
have been freed (almost) from this restraint.  The cable companies are
virtually home free and have been abusing the public thoroughfares by
payoffs to local communities.  So, in my view, the cable companies
have taken it to a new level of Baron- hood. A level that the modern
telcos wish they had attained in their glory days.

Just my .02 (but not given to a cable company).


Rob

------------------------------

From: Nitoy <nitoy69@hotmail.com>
Reply-To: nitoy69@hotmail.com
Subject: Re: BER For Different Kind of Link
Date: Mon, 25 Feb 2002 22:13:54 GMT
Organization: AT&T Worldnet


It's all what you're willing to put up with.  You would obviously have
higher standards for a fiber optic link (say 10**-12 for a
coast-to-coast line for example) than for terrestrial radio.  There's
also the consideration of what's on the line (regens, repeaters, etc.)
that affect the "figure of merit" for a system in general. You know of
course that there are other factors besides BER (the R is not for Rate
it's for RATIO as one ex-Bell Labs employee insisted to everyone who
would listen, willingly or not) that are used for quality measures.  And
different protocols/systems use different definitions. 

Some will base thresholds on Block Errors, others on different
distributions of errors (different phenomena lend themselves to
different distributions.  Fading for example will give a different
error profile than jitter induced errors).  


Nitoy

radhk wrote:

> Does anyone know the general value of BER for different kind of link
> e.g. leasedline, optical fiber, microwave link, satellite link?

> Calvin

-------------------------------

End of TELECOM Digest V20 #172
******************************
    
    
From editor@telecom-digest.org  Mon Feb 25 18:40:53 2002
Received: (from ptownson@localhost)
	by massis.lcs.mit.edu (8.9.1/8.9.1) id SAA13557;
	Mon, 25 Feb 2002 18:40:53 -0500 (EST)
Date: Mon, 25 Feb 2002 18:40:53 -0500 (EST)
From: editor@telecom-digest.org
Message-Id: <200202252340.SAA13557@massis.lcs.mit.edu>
To: ptownson
Approved: patsnewlist
Subject: TELECOM Digest V20 #172

TELECOM Digest     Mon, 25 Feb 2002 18:40:00 EST    Volume 20 : Issue 172

Inside This Issue:                             Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    Re: Editorial Comment on ICANN (Judith Oppenheimer)
    Re: Help With KX-TD1232 + TVS-200 (James Gifford)
    WTB Tellabs Modules (Larry R)
    Re: Problem With DTMF in a Carribean Country (Nic Robson)
    Re: Problem With DTMF in a Carribean Country (James Cloos) 
    Re: Translation From the Spanish (John David Galt)
    Re: Long Delay in Telemarketer Calls (John David Galt)
    Re: NameZero are Thieves! Anyone Else Experiencing This? (Paul Wallich)
    Re: SilkRoad,Inc. (Stuart Brorson)
    Re: Octel/Definity Message Lamp Problem (Robert Cywinski)
    Anonymous Surfing (TELECOM Digest Editor)
    Re: Is This the Death of Dial-Up (Rob)
    Re: BER For Different Kind of Link (Nitoy)
----------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Judith Oppenheimer <joppenheimer@icbtollfree.com>
Subject: Re: Editorial Comment on ICANN
Date: Mon, 25 Feb 2002 15:04:35 -0500


This is intended to clarify some of what was printed in issue 171 of the
Digest, sans links:

ICANN N.A. At Large Director and attorney/Cisco engineer Karl Auerbach is
bio'ed here:  http://www.cavebear.com/icann-board/index.htm

Find Bret Fausetts "subversive organization" commentary here:
http://www.lextext.com/icann/2002/02/24.html#a187

ICB article THIS REVOLUTION, WILL NOT BE TELEVISED, is here:
http://www.icbtollfree.com/article.cfm?articleId=5595

ICB article ICANN CLANDESTINE EU MEETING REVEALED, is here:
http://www.icbtollfree.com/article.cfm?articleId=5598

Under article title: ICANN ANNOUNCES ROAD TO REFORM. THE TERM ORWELLIAN
COMES TO MIND:

Stuart Lynn's "President's Report: ICANN:  The Case for Reform." report,
is here: http://www.icann.org/general/lynn-reform-proposal-24feb02.htm

Michael Froomkin's article, "Lynn to At-Large and Non-Commercial Interests
in ICANN: Drop Dead", is here:
http://www.icannwatch.org/article.php?sid=563&mode=&order=0

IF WE'RE GOING TO HAVE A WORLD GOVERNMENT, I WANT A REVOLUTION FIRST., is
here:  http://www.icannwatch.org/article.php?sid=98

Mikki Barry, author of ICB article ICANN HAS FAILED, can be found here:
http://www.netpolicy.com/


Judith Oppenheimer
http://JudithOppenheimer.com
http://ICBTollFreeNews.com
212 684-7210, 1 800 The Expert


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: For some reason -- we are not yet
certain why -- the links above disappeared from the original editorial
Ms. Oppenheimer submitted. They're being included above for the
benefit of anyone who wants to see the originals. ICANN is really a
very controversial topic on the net, and has been now for a couple
years at least. Tell me this, Judith, how has Esther been behaving
herself in the past couple years? I do not hear much of her these
days. Do you know?     PAT]

------------------------------

From: James Gifford <jgifford@surewest.not>
Subject: Re: Help With KX-TD1232 + TVS-200
Date: Sat, 23 Feb 2002 10:43:05 -0800
Organization: Nitrosyncretic Press
Reply-To: jgifford@surewest.not


Carl Navarro wrote:

> Try #6  this tells the VM that you are coming in as an outside call
> Now, you want the manager's mailbox?  *998 or * anything logs you to
> that mailbox.

ARRRGHHH! I tried that, exactly as in the docs, a dozen or more times 
and got the weirdest behavior I've ever seen from a phone system. Now it 
works. Thanks, but... ARRRGGGHHH!

>> 3) I cannot get the TVS to pick up unanswered CO or intercom calls,
>> except in a very erratic fashion on one line. This seems as if it
>> should be very simple, but no combination of trunk or extension group
>> settings or intercept settings will make it work.

> IRNA  The default mailbox is 165.  203 is the timing, 409,410 sets the
> extension.

I finally got this working - it was the phrasing of "Intercept Time" 
(instead of "rings") that got me, I think. Like almost all other mfrs, 
Panasonic has it's own peculiar lingo that I'm finding I don't yet speak 
fluently.

(Has anyone ever done a decent third-party book on these systems?)

Am I correct in concluding that intercept is a global setting and there 
is no way to specify it per CO line?

> Unanswered intercom calls are set at each extension.  For fun, dial
> 7105-165 at each extension and dial it.

Got it.

> PS  I'm using the MANUAL and Procomm 2.4.3 for setup, but I didn't
> even have to touch the VM port...yet.

The ports set themselves up just fine between the two systems. I've 
found station set programming, VT100 programming and VoiceMail Master 
programming to each have different strengths.

Thanks for the pointers.



|           James Gifford - Nitrosyncretic Press            |
| http://www.nitrosyncretic.com for the Heinlein FAQ & more |
|  Tired of auto-spam... change "not" to "net" for replies  |

------------------------------

Date: Sat, 23 Feb 2002 18:14:59 GMT
From: Larry R <_lr_@yahoo.com>
Subject: WTB Tellabs Modules


I'm lookin for a few of the old 6000 series tellabs modules. if you
have any out in your garage or warehouse or whatever please drop me
an email (_lr_@yahoo.com) so we can discuss particulars.

Thanks,

Larry Rachman

------------------------------

Date: Sat, 23 Feb 2002 13:01:24 -0500
Subject: Re: Problems With DTMF in a Carribean Country
From: Nick Robson <sci.ltd@candw.ky>


In the Cayman Islands this is done by Cable & Wireless to disable the
use of Call Back services.


Nick Robson, C.S.C.M.
Security Consultant

On 23/2/02 12:36 PM,  wrote:> Thomas Osthege <ThomasO@iname.com> wrote in
message news:telecom20.167.12@telecom-digest.org:

>> My program (running in Germany) calls a customer (back) in a caribbean
>> country. He types some instructions into my program using DTMF digits.
>> Until recently everything worked fine. But now it seems that they
>> filter out DTMF signals and terminate calls after the 3rd digit in
>> some (too many) cases.

>> Has anyone heard about a practice like this?

>> Does anybody have an idea how to circumvent this (perhaps by another
>> way of signalling)?

------------------------------

From: cloos@jhcloos.com (James H. Cloos Jr.)
Subject: Re: Problem With DTMF in a Caribbean Country
Date: 25 Feb 2002 17:31:01 -0500
Organization: Linux Private Site


Thomas == Thomas Osthege <ThomasO@iname.com> writes:

Thomas> Hi NG, My program (running in Germany) calls a customer (back)
Thomas> in a caribbean country. He types some instructions into my
Thomas> program using DTMF digits.  Until recently everything worked
Thomas> fine. But now it seems that they filter out DTMF signals and
Thomas> terminate calls after the 3rd digit in some (too many) cases.

It is not unheard of in the caribbean for incoming international calls
to have outgoing dtmf blocked.  They are trying to prevent the use of
call back services as they make significantly more profit from
outgoing international calls than for incoming ones.

They may have targetted your number as a suspected call back service,
explaining why it suddenly stopped working.


JimC

------------------------------

From: John David Galt <jdg@diogenes.sacramento.ca.us>
Subject: Re: Translation From the Spanish
Date: Sat, 23 Feb 2002 15:09:38 -0800
Organization: Diogenes the Cynic Hot-Tubbing Society


> [TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: To all you folks who provided me with
> this translation, thanks very much.  I hope you same guys will get
> back with this fellow and engage in some conversation with him and try
> to find out *precisely* what it is he wants to know and how we can
> help him if possible. Maybe I should change TELECOM Digest to look
> more like Readers Digest, with fifty or so other languages in addition
> to English.

If you want to see a really good multi-lingual web site, take a look at
the official site of the Euro:  www.europa.eu.int .

------------------------------

From: John David Galt <jdg@diogenes.sacramento.ca.us>
Subject: Re: Long Delay in Telemarketer Calls
Date: Sat, 23 Feb 2002 15:17:38 -0800
Organization: Diogenes the Cynic Hot-Tubbing Society


Mike O'Dorney wrote:

> What's the difference between a spammer and a telemarketer?  None
> really that I can see.    PAT]

The spammer can't interrupt your dinner (unless you've made the
mistake of getting a pager or cell-phone that can receive e-mail).

The law ought to consider telemarketing as trespass, at least --
preferably as breaking & entering.  With no exceptions for charities,
polls, or anyone else.

------------------------------

From: pw@panix.com (Paul Wallich)
Subject: Re: NameZero are Thieves! Anyone Else Experiencing This?
Date: Sun, 24 Feb 2002 15:41:24 -0500
Organization: PANIX Public Access Internet and UNIX, NYC


In article <telecom20.170.13@telecom-digest.org>, Doctor Java
<javadevelopersjournal@chiltown.com> wrote:

> The best you can do is wait for the domain to expire and choose
> another registrar when it does. You can monitor expiration through
> www.snapnames.com

But you have to be careful about that, because some registrars may
consider the name their property and resell it on expiration without
effectively giving the former owner a chance to move it to another
registrar.


Paul

------------------------------

From: Stuart Brorson <sdb@cloud9.net>
Subject: Re: SilkRoad,Inc.
Date: Mon, 25 Feb 2002 01:02:54 -0000
Organization: Posted via Supernews, http://www.supernews.com


David Wilson <derbywilson@earthlink.net> wrote:

>  Does anyone know what happened to the technology SilkRoad, Inc. was
>  developing?  Understand the company went bus two years ago due to lack
>  of financing, but the founders started a new company in San Diego?

The company was a scam, and they had no technology.  After Silkroad's
collapse, some of the former employees started their own company,
Telena, using different (perhaps real) technology.

http://www.lightreading.com/document.asp?doc_id=1896


Stuart

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 25 Feb 2002 08:36:50 -0500
From: Cywinski, Robert <RCywi@SPRING-FORD.k12.pa.us>
Subject: Re: Octel/Definity Message Lamp Problem


After my initial response to this issue, it occurred to me that my
solution to this similar problem was to make sure that my Definity
extension message lamp field needed to correspond to the subscriber'
voice mail box number. Also, the Intuity Audix message lamp field had
to be set to the extension number. If you have lamps that are on and
no messages are in the mail box, it's possible that the Audix
subscriber's message lamp field has the incorrect extension in the
message lamp field. We also use 6400 series sets.


Bob Cywinski
rcywi@spring-ford.k12.pa.us

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 25 Feb 2002 16:44:15 EST
From: TELECOM Digest Editor <ptownson>
Subject: Anonymous Surfing


Several different users have written to say:

> I have tried the anonymous web surfer thing you offer and no matter
> what address I enter, I can't get anywhere.  Can you fix it?

A. Nonymous

[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note:  No I cannot at the present time. The
guy I was connecting with for that function decided to change his
procedures and cut me out of it.  If anyone wants to start running
an anonymous server via a proxy address for the purpose of helping
people who want to do anonymous surfing, please look at my page on
the web site; check the source code and the cgi-bin I was using at
cotse.com. If you want to write me another anonymous web server and
anonymous mail system, please do.  I will swap yours into place
provided it works.     PAT]

------------------------------

From: Rob <switNO77777@CAPSaolonedot.com>
Subject: Re: Is This the Death of Dial-Up?
Date: Mon, 25 Feb 2002 17:12:22 -0500
Organization: Lucent Technologies, Columbus, Ohio


In article <telecom20.169.6@telecom-digest.org>, dkimberlin@prodigy.net 
says:

> In article <Thu, 21 Feb 2002 12:35:24 -0500> Rob
> (switNO77777@CAPSaolonedot.com) wrote:

> Dial-up won't die if the only alternative is a cable company ... the
> modern equivalent of the old robber-barons.

[snip]

> Of course, the cable companies learned it from the telephone companies
> who learned it from the railroads, with all of them under the tutelage
> of the bankers. [snip]

>> They all learned it from telecom companies.

Well not quite.  Perhaps the modern telco's, but not necessarily telcom in
general.

The difference is that the bandwidth potential going past or through
my residence is either public or private, depending on the property
bounds defined in my locale.  If it's public, then I do NOT want a
company restraining what can flow through that public
thoroughfare. The old telcos had, and wanted to maintain, a mandate to
provide phone service.  But they were a public entity, took full
advantage of that, but at the same time were constrained by the public
(yeah, I'm not being *too* idealistic am I?).  But the modern telcos
have been freed (almost) from this restraint.  The cable companies are
virtually home free and have been abusing the public thoroughfares by
payoffs to local communities.  So, in my view, the cable companies
have taken it to a new level of Baron- hood. A level that the modern
telcos wish they had attained in their glory days.

Just my .02 (but not given to a cable company).


Rob

------------------------------

From: Nitoy <nitoy69@hotmail.com>
Reply-To: nitoy69@hotmail.com
Subject: Re: BER For Different Kind of Link
Date: Mon, 25 Feb 2002 22:13:54 GMT
Organization: AT&T Worldnet


It's all what you're willing to put up with.  You would obviously have
higher standards for a fiber optic link (say 10**-12 for a
coast-to-coast line for example) than for terrestrial radio.  There's
also the consideration of what's on the line (regens, repeaters, etc.)
that affect the "figure of merit" for a system in general. You know of
course that there are other factors besides BER (the R is not for Rate
it's for RATIO as one ex-Bell Labs employee insisted to everyone who
would listen, willingly or not) that are used for quality measures.  And
different protocols/systems use different definitions. 

Some will base thresholds on Block Errors, others on different
distributions of errors (different phenomena lend themselves to
different distributions.  Fading for example will give a different
error profile than jitter induced errors).  


Nitoy

radhk wrote:

> Does anyone know the general value of BER for different kind of link
> e.g. leasedline, optical fiber, microwave link, satellite link?

> Calvin

-------------------------------

End of TELECOM Digest V20 #172
******************************
    
    
From editor@telecom-digest.org  Tue Feb 26 21:37:47 2002
Received: (from ptownson@localhost)
	by massis.lcs.mit.edu (8.9.1/8.9.1) id VAA06897;
	Tue, 26 Feb 2002 21:37:47 -0500 (EST)
Date: Tue, 26 Feb 2002 21:37:47 -0500 (EST)
From: editor@telecom-digest.org
Message-Id: <200202270237.VAA06897@massis.lcs.mit.edu>
To: ptownson
Approved: patsnewlist
Subject: TELECOM Digest V20 #173

TELECOM Digest     Tue, 26 Feb 2002 21:34:00 EST    Volume 20 : Issue 173

Inside This Issue:                             Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    Esther Dyson and ICAN, Again (Judith Oppenheimer)
    International Regulations for VoX (Dave)
    Re: Selective Ring Box With CID Passthru? (Carl Navarro)
    Access Code/Procedure for MELCO Remote Access 330? (Danny Ocean)
    Re: Problem With DTMF in a Caribbean Country (Thomas Osthege)
    Digital Communications : Modulation Recognition, Classification (John)
    AT&T Partner Voice Mail Question (Chris)
    Employment Opportunity in London (Douglas Macmillan)
    Question: Help Finding Information on Telecom Wiring (Stephen Cunha)
    Conyers, Markey Try To Doom Tauzen-Dingel Broadband Bill (Marcus Falco)
    Re: Selective Ring Box With CID Passthru? (Don Russell)
    Re: Poor Implementation of CID in Colorado (Don Russell)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
exclusively to telecommunications topics. It is circulated anywhere
there is email, in addition to various telecom forums on a variety of
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It is also gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated 
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Our attorney is Bill Levant, of Blue Bell, PA.

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----------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Judith Oppenheimer <joppenheimer@icbtollfree.com>
Date: Mon, 25 Feb 2002 19:30:07 -0500
Subject: Esther Dyson and ICANN, Again


> [TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: ... ICANN is really a
> very controversial topic on the net, and has been now for a couple
> years at least. Tell me this, Judith, how has Esther been behaving
> herself in the past couple years? I do not hear much of her these
> days. Do you know?     PAT]

I'm trying to figure that out as we speak ... Esther is on ICANN's At
Large Study Committee (http://atlargestudy.org/) that was hand-picked
and paid $500,000 to produce a report released last week
(http://atlargestudy.org/decision.shtml).  ICANN was chartered based
on a promise that nine directors -- fully half the board -- would be
elected directly by an At Large constituency.  The ICANN ALSC report
reduces that number to six -- one third of the board, so that its
effectively neutered.

The ICANN ALSC Report is also incredibly pessimistic as well as
blatantly controlling, suggesting for example that there is
"uncertainty inherent in creating a self-sustaining At-Large
membership", and that an At Large should take the form of an ICANN
Supporting Organization, administered by ICANN with fees paid to ICANN
for the bureaucracy it creates. (It is worth noting that ICANN
financials reveal no revenue drawn from any of the other Supporting
Organizations.)

Read about it here: http://www.icbtollfree.com/article.cfm?articleId=5601,
also http://www.icannwatch.org/article.php?sid=561&mode=&order=0.

So Esther Dyson, former ICANN Chair for those who've been living in a
cave, is a hand-picked member of this paid ICANN committee, but she is
simultaneously enthusiastically hawking an independent At Large on
http://www.atlargeforum.org, both in the face of her own committee's
report (which doesn't contain a dissenting opinion from her), and in
the face of the Lynn paper reported on yesterday, which eradicates At
Large altogether.  She's gone so far as to pledge $10,000 to the At
Large's formation, and is asking for pledges to illustrate (to whom?)
that At Large is viable..

Is Dyson inexplicably sincere, or a disingenuous shill (a traditional
ICANN distract & destroy keep-'em-busy while we do backroom deals
ploy)?  If the former I wish she'd explain the contradiction and the
basis for her Forum activity and At Large strategy.  (You know me, its
not like I haven't asked.)

If the latter?  Well, its pretty clear that key ALSC Committee members were
told of the Lynn report that kills At Large; she likely knew of Jones
Day/ICANN lawyer Joe Sim's clandestine meeting with the EU last week (see
http://www.icbtollfree.com/article.cfm?articleId=5598) too.  Is Esther
Dyson still an ICANN collaborator, or merely a witness to activity she
chose not to reveal on a relevant forum at a critical time?

The jury's still out.

Well, you asked about Esther ... and since I'm just about up to here with
Esther right now, I guess you got a mouth full.

:-)

Take a look at this - http://www.icannworld.org/.  Although I don't
agree completely with his conclusion, 99.9% of the history and
analysis are spot on, and its a worthwhile read.  I'll send it in as a
new article (a recommendation to read the link, not the full text), if
you're not too concerned about the content.

FYI, re ICANN, its not ICANN bashing, per the link above and the stories
posted Monday (yesterday), we're way beyond bashing.

Pat, here are a few more links for those interested in this topic:

A related ICANN At Large Forum posting by Ted Byfield (aka the Roving
Reporter) http://www.atlargestudy.org/forum_archive/msg02173.shtml

Gluttons for punishment can read all the At Large postings, starting
with the most recent, here:
http://www.atlargestudy.org/forum_archive/mail55.shtml

Then there's "ICANN: The Case for Replacing its Management Team"
http://www.icannworld.org/ (long but easy to read, and accurate)


Judith Oppenheimer
http://JudithOppenheimer.com
http://ICBTollFreeNews.com
212 684-7210, 1 800 The Expert

------------------------------

From: prillde@yahoo.com (Dave)
Subject: International Regulations For VoX
Date: 26 Feb 2002 10:30:17 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


I was just advised by our international carrier that there are
regulations regarding Voice over data calls (i.e. voice over ip over
frame relay).  From what I've heard, there are some far reaching
countries that prohibit this type of transport solution.  The only
time that voice over is "legal" is if the carrier has a PSTN switch in
the terminating/originating country.  Mind you that the application
that we are trying to run is over a dedicated point to point frame
relay connection (with no interfacing w/ the PSTN).

Has anyone ever heard of this before?  I realize that it would be near
impossible for the carrier to monitor this type of traffic.  Is anyone
else familiar with international voice/video over data regulations?

------------------------------

From: Carl Navarro <cnavarro@wcnet.org>
Subject: Re: Selective Ring Box With CID Passthru?
Date: Mon, 25 Feb 2002 18:34:16 -0500
Organization: Airnews.net! at Internet America


On Sat, 23 Feb 2002 19:45:15 -0800, James Gifford
<jgifford@surewest.not> wrote:

> I have two lines with a second, distinctive- or selective-ring number.
> I'm using a Solopoint A-400 to separate the lines into four incoming
> trunks (plus sense fax CNG tone on all lines for fax routing). It
> works very well and I've been happy with it for years. However, it
> does not pass Caller ID through to the output ports. I've searched the
> telecom gear catalogs and web sites, but none quite answers my
> question:

> Does anyone make a selective-ring routing box that passes CID through
> to the answering devices? A single-line or two-line unit is fine.

> I can see some of the technical problems involved, so this may be
> impossible without some sort of very costly re-encoding. However, I've
> seen stranger things.

Try www.command-comm.com and look at the Model 7500 line sharing
device.  IIRC both the 5500 and the 7500 (1 line and 2 line) will pass
CID through.


Carl Navarro

------------------------------

From: vipvideo@onebox.com (Danny Ocean)
Subject: Access Code/Procedure For MELCO Remote Access 330?
Date: 25 Feb 2002 18:43:59 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


I am installing a Melco RA-330 (used) for a client and no manuals are
available (Melco doesn't have a website!). Does anyone have the
factory default remote access code/log-in procedure for this unit?

Greatly appreciated,


Danny Ocean
VIP VIDEO, Inc.

------------------------------

From: Thomas Osthege <ThomasO@iname.com>
Subject: Re: Problem With DTMF in a Caribbean Country
Date: Tue, 26 Feb 2002 08:14:33 +0100
Organization: T-Online


Thanks to you all!

> They may have targetted your number as a suspected call back service,
> explaining why it suddenly stopped working.

I think, that's probably the reason.

I found out, that only the data (voice) stream from the Caribbean to
Germany is definitely interrupted. the conenction itself still exists.
Trying the same with a regular phone and tracing it with some
analysing software shows exactly this.

But, now I do have the problem how to signal. I need the 10 digits
plus some two other indicators. DTMF was ideal.

Any ideas?

I'd be happy, glad, pleased and thank- and grateful for any advice.

Have a nice day.


Thomas

------------------------------

From: john_james@email.com (John)
Subject: Digital Communications : Modulation Recognition and Classification
Date: 25 Feb 2002 23:22:39 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


Hi,

I am looking forward an expert in Modulation Recognition and
Classification of Digital Signals. A practical guide, cooperation or
any other information will be welcomed.  I hope to hear from you soon.
We can pay for any valuable practical help.

Bests,

John

------------------------------

From: donchaspamme@spamhole.com (Chris)
Subject: AT&T Partner Voice Mail Question
Date: 26 Feb 2002 07:50:52 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


Our church recently moved into a new building that came with an AT&T
Partner Communications System Release 4.1.  This system was probably
installed around 1996.  It has 4 extensions, two incoming lines and
works very well for us.  However, we would like to add voice mail and
an automated attendant to it.

Since our budget is limited (actually our budget is zero, I will
probably donate the equipment and my time) we need to find a used
voice mail unit.

What do I need to find?  I have located a Lucent Partner Mail VS Rel.
1.0 for $399, and a AT&T Partner Voice Mail System 2-port Rel 1.8 for
about $100.  Which of these will work for me?  How hard would it be to
install and set-up?  Are there manuals available on-line for either of
these units?


Thanks,

Chris kb0wwp

------------------------------

From: doug@mmrs.co.uk (Douglas Macmillan)
Subject: Employment Opportunity in London
Date: 26 Feb 2002 03:44:30 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


I'm currently looking for a developer with experience of developing on
C3's Apcentia (IVR) platform.  It's a 3 month contract working in
Central London. If anyone knows of anybody who might be interested
with relevent experience PLEASE put them in touch!  

Many thanks, 

Doug.

------------------------------

From: Stephen Cunha <scunha@bemisheatseal.com>
Subject: Question: Help Finding Information on Telecom Wiring
Date: Tue, 26 Feb 2002 14:41:53 -0500


Not sure if you can help.

I am in search of a place where I can buy some 'older' cordboard
cable.  The cable/wire is used at an operator/ answering service
station and requires replacement.  I am not even sure what to call
this cable; it has a braided fabric outer wrap, with 3 wires (each
made up of tiny braided copper I think) twisted with some string.  The
cable cannot be that old, as I believe these stations were still being
sold in the mid-late 80's.

Any help would be appreciated.


Sincerely,

Steve Cunha

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 26 Feb 2002 15:22:36 -0500
From: Marcus Didius Falco <marcus_d_falco@yahoo.com>
Subject: Conyers, Markey Try To Doom Tauzen-Dingel Broadband Bill


CQ Daily Monitor Midday Update 2-26-02

CONYERS, MARKEY TRY TO DOOM BROADBAND BILL

House backers of legislation that would allow the regional Bell
telephone companies to offer broadband Internet services without first
proving that they've opened their local markets to competition were
digging in their heels today in preparation for a 5 p.m. Rules
Committee meeting. Their goal is to keep the bill (HR 1542) clean and
turn aside potential killer amendments. 

One such amendment is being pushed by Judiciary Committee ranking
Democrat John Conyers Jr., Mich., and Edward M. Markey, D-Mass. It
would preserve existing Federal Communications Commission and state
regulations that allow competitive local phone companies to lease
parts of the Bells' networks to offer voice and data services. Another
amendment by Edolphus Towns, D-N.Y., and Steve Buyer, R-Ind., would
allow competitors access in exchange for compensating the Bells at
above-market rates. "This should be an interesting couple of days,"
said Majority Leader Dick Armey, Texas.

------------------------------

From: Don Russell <drussel2@san.rr.com>
Subject: Re: Selective Ring Box With CID Passthru?
Date: Wed, 27 Feb 2002 01:11:09 GMT
Organization: Road Runner


I feel your pain :-) (in your search for such products)

I don't beleive it's so "technically" difficult ... the Caller ID info
is nothing more than Bell 202 FSK data.

Please let me know (via the newsgroup is fine)  if you find anything like
that... :-)


Don Russell

James Gifford <jgifford@surewest.not> wrote in message
news:telecom20.171.9@telecom-digest.org:

> I have two lines with a second, distinctive- or selective-ring number.
> I'm using a Solopoint A-400 to separate the lines into four incoming
> trunks (plus sense fax CNG tone on all lines for fax routing). It
> works very well and I've been happy with it for years. However, it
> does not pass Caller ID through to the output ports. I've searched the
> telecom gear catalogs and web sites, but none quite answers my
> question:

> Does anyone make a selective-ring routing box that passes CID through
> to the answering devices? A single-line or two-line unit is fine.

> I can see some of the technical problems involved, so this may be
> impossible without some sort of very costly re-encoding. However, I've
> seen stranger things.

------------------------------

From: Don Russell <drussel2@san.rr.com>
Subject: Re: Poor Implementation of CID in Colorado
Date: Wed, 27 Feb 2002 01:16:02 GMT
Organization: Road Runner


What are you using to display the caller id info? Are you picking up
the "raw" data and loking at it?

My caller id compatible telephone displays 7 digit numbers if the area
code is the same as mine, else 10... but I know the telco is sending
me all 10 digits. (The phone has a "setup" feature where I tell it my
area code ... I can remove that, in which case all 10 digits are always
displayed)

How do I know? I look at the raw (unformatted) data ... there it is,
all 10 digits for local, next door, even calls from Canada come in as
10 digit (I'd sort of like the country code to be included if it is
from outside my toll-free area, but what can ya do? ;-)


Don Russell

Phil Earnhardt <pae@dim.com> wrote in message
news:telecom20.171.7@telecom-digest.org...

> Several years ago, the area code 720 was added as an overlay to 303.
> Since 720 was added, the Colorado Front Range has had 10-digit
> dialing.

> Recently, I added CID to my home service. On calls originating from
> the 303 area code, only a 7-digit number is provided. For all other
> numbers, a 10-digit number is shown.

> Now, I know this is a small thing compared with Qwest's other woes,
> but it is an annoyance. What gives? Why don't they have their CID work
> correctly? Any idea who/where to complain to get them to fix this?

> [TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: You did not say if you personally
> are in area 303 or 720. On my caller ID box you are given a chance
> when the box is put in service to indicate your 'home' area code
> under the theory that in your home area code you only will be dialing
> seven digits rather than ten or eleven (if you count the '1' on the
> front end). This is useful if your caller-ID has a way to call back
> a number by merely pressing a button.  Maybe your box is set up to
> default to 303. If so, and you change the default value to '999' or
> '000' then you'll start getting a full number on 303 also.  Here in
> 620-land, like many rural area codes, anything other than very local
> numbers (the 331 exchange covers all of Independence) we have to dial
> '1' plus the number.  I forget how, but on caller-ID boxes with a
> callback feature, there is a way to program it to work that way.  PAT]

------------------------------

End of TELECOM Digest V20 #173
******************************
    
    
From editor@telecom-digest.org  Thu Feb 28 12:18:32 2002
Received: (from ptownson@localhost)
	by massis.lcs.mit.edu (8.9.1/8.9.1) id MAA08760;
	Thu, 28 Feb 2002 12:18:32 -0500 (EST)
Date: Thu, 28 Feb 2002 12:18:32 -0500 (EST)
From: editor@telecom-digest.org
Message-Id: <200202281718.MAA08760@massis.lcs.mit.edu>
To: ptownson
Approved: patsnewlist
Subject: TELECOM Digest V20 #174

TELECOM Digest     Thu, 28 Feb 2002 12:17:00 EST    Volume 20 : Issue 174

Inside This Issue:                             Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    NYS PSC Auth's Yet Another Verizon Rate Increase (Danny Burstein)
    Telemarketer to Blame for Traverse City, MI Phone Mystery (Jack Decker)
    Re: Calling Card Startups (MegA)
    Re: Question: Help Finding Information on Telecom Wiring (S. Falke)
    Re: International Regulations For VoX (Chris Kantarjiev)
    Re: Problem With DTMF in a Caribbean Country (Gordon S. Hlavenka)
    Want to Buy Used NMS AG4000 2T1 (Al Niven)
    Need a Buyer For Used Telecom Equipment (Bill)
    Want to Buy: Line Cards For Summa4/Cisco-VCO (Al Niven)
    For the Directory! (Loren Cahlander)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
exclusively to telecommunications topics. It is circulated anywhere
there is email, in addition to various telecom forums on a variety of
networks such as Compuserve and America On Line, and other forums.
It is also gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated 
newsgroup 'comp.dcom.telecom'.

TELECOM Digest is a not-for-profit, mostly non-commercial educational
service offered to the Internet by Patrick Townson. All the contents
of the Digest are compilation-copyrighted. You may reprint articles in
some other media on an occasional basis, but please attribute my work
and that of the original author.

Contact information:    Patrick Townson/TELECOM Digest
                        Post Office Box 50
                        Independence, KS 67301
                        Phone: 630-841-7174
                        Email: editor@telecom-digest.org

Subscribe:  telecom-subscribe@telecom-digest.org
Unsubscribe:telecom-unsubscribe@telecom-digest.org


This Digest is the oldest continuing e-journal about telecomm-
unications on the Internet, having been founded in August, 1981 and
published continuously since then.  Our archives are available for
your review/research. We believe we are the second oldest e-zine/
mailing list on the internet in any category!

URL information:        http://telecom-digest.org

Anonymous FTP: hyperarchive.lcs.mit.edu/telecom-archives/archives
  (or use our mirror site: ftp.epix.net/pub/telecom-archives)

Email <==> FTP:  telecom-archives@telecom-digest.org 

      Send a simple, one line note to that automated address for
      a help file on how to use the automatic retrieval system
      for archives files. You can get desired files in email.

*************************************************************************
*   TELECOM Digest is partially funded by a grant from                  *
*   Judith Oppenheimer, President of ICB Inc. and purveyor of accurate  *
*   800 & Dot Com News, Intelligence, Analysis, and Consulting.         *
*   http://ICBTollFree.com, http://1800TheExpert.com                    *
*   Views expressed herein should not be construed as representing      *
*   views of Judith Oppenheimer or ICB Inc.                             *
*************************************************************************

ICB Toll Free News.  Contact information is not sold, rented or leased.
Access to Premium (P) links requires upgrade to a paid subscription.

One click a day feeds a person a meal.  Go to http://www.thehungersite.com

Only subscribers or registered users of ICB Toll Free News web site
will be able to access all or some of the full text of URLs provided.

LEGAL STUFF: TELECOM Digest (sm) is owned by Patrick Townson.
Copyright 2000 ICB, Inc. and TELECOM Digest. All rights reserved.
Our attorney is Bill Levant, of Blue Bell, PA.

   In addition, a gift from Mike Sandman, Chicago's Telecom Expert
   has enabled me to replace some obsolete computer equipment and
   enter the 21st century sort of on schedule. His mail order 
   telephone parts/supplies service based in the Chicago area has
   been widely recognized by Digest readers as a reliable and very
   inexpensive source of telecom-related equipment. Please request
   a free catalog today at http://www.sandman.com 
   ---------------------------------------------------------------
    
Finally, the Digest is funded by gifts from generous readers such as
yourself who provide funding in amounts deemed appropriate. Your help
is important and appreciated. A suggested donation of twenty dollars
per year per reader is considered appropriate. See our address above.
Please make at least a single donation to cover the cost of processing
your name to the mailing list.

All opinions expressed herein are deemed to be those of the author. Any
organizations listed are for identification purposes only and messages
should not be considered any official expression by the organization.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Danny Burstein <dannyb@panix.com>
Subject: NYS PSC Auth's Yet Another Verizon Rate Increase
Date: Wed, 27 Feb 2002 21:13:19 -0500
Organization: PANIX Public Access Internet and UNIX, NYC


PSC VOTES TO APPROVE NEW, TWO-YEAR REGULATORY PLAN FOR VERIZON -
Plan Promotes Competition and Establishes Wholesale and Retail Rates-

Albany, NY  2/27/02  Building on 30 years of pro-competitive
telecommunications policy, the New York State Public Service Commission
today voted to approve a new regulatory plan for Verizon, New York, Inc.
that is designed to further stimulate competitive market forces so that
consumers will benefit from investment in new technology, innovation and
choice. 

The Verizon Incentive Plan (VIP) builds upon the considerable efforts
made to date to develop and implement a competitive local exchange
market for telephone service in New York State, and establishes a
framework for the company's retail and wholesale rates through 2004.

http://www.dps.state.ny.us/fileroom/doc11220.pdf

( yes, it's pdf. sorry ... nothing in the news stories yet )


Knowledge may be power, but communications is the key
		     dannyb@panix.com
[to foil spammers, my address has been double rot-13 encoded]

------------------------------

From: Jack Decker <unspammable-8073@workbench.net>
Subject: Telemarketer to Blame for Traverse City, MI Phone Mystery 
Date: Wed, 27 Feb 2002 17:46:36 -0500
Organization: Posted via Supernews, http://www.supernews.com


We had a small discussion of this back when it happened, so I thought
you all might like to see the resolution.  I guess you can't really
trust Caller ID (that news will probably upset a few lawyers and
prosecutors)!

Telemarketer to blame for TC phone mystery 

- 'Hijacked' phone turns out to be a mistake by a telemarketing
autodialer

By ALISON VANENGEN
[Traverse City, Michigan] Record-Eagle staff writer
      
      TRAVERSE CITY - A woman whose telephone number was hijacked last
month said the problem has been solved and her phone has stopped
ringing.

      Becky Sivek said the problem started around Jan. 7, when she
began receiving messages on her answering machine from people across
the country complaining that they had received numerous prank calls
coming from her Traverse City phone number.  [.....]

     Ameritech spokeswoman Carolyn Wilson said Wednesday that their
investigation showed that a Traverse City telemarketer had
accidentally programmed Sivek's phone number as the outgoing
identification number on an automatic dialing machine.  [.....]  Full
story at: http://www.record-eagle.com/2002/feb/21fone.htm

The "From:" e-mail address used in this message will only be vaild
until the first spam arrives.


Jack

Resources for Michigan Telephone Users page:
http://michigantelephone.workbench.net/

------------------------------

From: bryon.spahn@corporate.ge.com (MegA)
Subject: Re: Calling Card Startups
Date: 27 Feb 2002 13:03:39 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


Doctor Java <javadevelopersjournal@chiltown.com> wrote in message news:<telecom20.170.14@telecom-digest.org>...

> I think everyone is looking for information that would typically be in
> a business plan. Equipment selection is easy, just buy Cisco, MindCTI
> and so on.

When it comes to establishing a pre-paid platform, you would be a fool
to buy Cisco. We are not talking about an ACD, we are talking about
routing. (Least cost routing and independent IVR to be exact) If you
can find a cisco platform that will perform like a lucent EXS in the
pre-paid market, I would be shocked. When discussing hardware you need
to consult someone who has been through it before and not just spit
out the first company that comes to mind without a thourough knowledge
of their products. As far as a brochure or "white papers" on starting
a pre-paid business, I can't help you there. 

I can however tell you how to establish a customer base, order
circuits, establish co-location, set rates based on carrier, and make
money. The only thing I can't do is hold someone's hand who doesn't
know how to run a business in the first place. The first thing you
need to know about pre-paid is that it is a race to the bottom. The
truth be told, the person with the lowest rates wins PERIOD. There are
two ways to get there and make money. Use cut-rate carriers where you
have a 60% completion rate but you can terminate to Pakistan for two
cents per minute, or get a ton of traffic so that you can lobby the
circuit providers to lower your rates. I have plenty more to say about
this subject but I do not wish to publish a novel in comp.dcom.telecom
so I will be going.

If you would like more information, contact me directly.


Best of luck,

Bryon
a.k.a. MegA

------------------------------

From: S. Falke <busbar@pacbell.net>
Subject: Re: Question: Help Finding Information on Telecom Wiring
Organization: Prodigy Internet http://www.prodigy.com
Date: Wed, 27 Feb 2002 02:41:27 GMT


Try Lynn Electronics   www.lynnelec.com or 
Aines Manufacturing    www.aines.com


S Falke

Stephen Cunha <scunha@bemisheatseal.com> wrote in
message news:telecom20.173.9@telecom-digest.org:

> I am in search of a place where I can buy some 'older' cordboard
> cable.  The cable/wire is used at an operator/ answering service
> station and requires replacement.  I am not even sure what to call
> this cable; it has a braided fabric outer wrap, with 3 wires (each
> made up of tiny braided copper I think) twisted with some string.  The
> cable cannot be that old, as I believe these stations were still being
> sold in the mid-late 80's.

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 26 Feb 2002 19:10:17 -0800 (PST)
From: Chris Kantarjiev <cak@dimebank.com>
Subject: Re: International Regulations For VoX


> Has anyone ever heard of this before?  I realize that it would be near
> impossible for the carrier to monitor this type of traffic.  Is anyone
> else familiar with international voice/video over data regulations?

Yes, a former employer of mine ran into this. We had an office in
India and one in California, with an IP link between (provided by
VSNL, who have a virtual stranglehold on IP connectivity into/out of
India).

It was permitted for us to use VoIP between the two offices, but it
was not permitted to hook the India end to an extension that could
make an outbound call. The office was "raided" at least once by the
good folks at VSNL to check on this.

------------------------------

From: Gordon S. Hlavenka <nospam@crashelex.com>
Organization: Crash Electronics, Inc.
Subject: Re: Problem With DTMF in a Caribbean Country
Date: Tue, 26 Feb 2002 23:17:09 -0600


Thomas Osthege wrote:

> I found out, that only the data (voice) stream from the Caribbean to
> Germany is definitely interrupted. the conenction itself still exists.

> But, now I do have the problem how to signal. I need the 10 digits
> plus some two other indicators. DTMF was ideal.

> Any ideas?

Do you have control over the hardware on both ends of the connection?
If so, try using non-standard DTMF: Most DTMF transceiver ICs use a
3.579545MHz crystal for their timebase.  Just replace that crystal
with one that's a slightly different frequency; say 3.0MHz or 4.0MHz.
(If your hardware is tightly integrated, that crystal may be feeding
more than just the tone transceiver -- be sure to check for other
ramifications.)  If you change the crystals on both transmitter and
receiver, they will happily talk to each other.  But a "normal" DTMF
receiver monitoring the line will hear nothing.

Obviously, this won't work if your end-user is using a regular telephone
to send the tones.

(Slightly OT: I worked at a well-known telephone company where one of
our pieces of equipment generated dialtone by running a DTMF
transmitter at 2MHz and hardwiring it to one symbol, I think it was
'0' or '*'.  It was not exactly the same as real dialtone but unless
you had perfect pitch you'd never notice.  The CEO there had the
amusing habit of saying "TDM" when he meant "DTMF".  This led to some
pretty entertaining misunderstandings.  To this day whenever someone
says "DTMF" I hear my old boss saying "TDM" and I get a chuckle :-)


Gordon S. Hlavenka               O-             nospam@crashelex.com

------------------------------

From: Al Niven <alniven@earthlink.net>
Subject: Want to Buy Used NMS AG4000 2T1
Reply-To: alniven@earthlink.net
Date: Wed, 27 Feb 2002 05:49:51 GMT
Organization: Road Runner - NYC


ag4000
Ordering part number
80475
Board number (sticker on board)
5826
I need quantity 2

alniven@earthlink.net

------------------------------

From: BILLGRAY_2000@YAHOO.COM (Bill)
Subject: Need a Buyer For Used Equipment
Date: 27 Feb 2002 12:34:34 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


Anyone know of a buyer for used Nortel and Inter-Tel epuipment? We
have an Inter-Tel IMX 256 cabinet (populated), an AT&T Spirit 2448 KSU
with 24 Spirit phones, and a Norstar Key system. Email me at
billgray_2000@yahoo.com for more detail.


Thanks.

------------------------------

From: Al Niven <alniven@earthlink.net>
Subject: Wanted to Buy: Line Cards For Summa4/Cisco-VCO
Reply-To: alniven@earthlink.net
Date: Thu, 28 Feb 2002 02:31:27 GMT
Organization: Road Runner - NYC


Contact me:  alniven@earthlink.net

------------------------------

From: Loren Cahlander <loren@ensodex.com>
Subject: For the Directory!
Date: Wed, 27 Feb 2002 10:07:03 -0600
Organization: StarNet Communications, Inc.


You will love the last paragraph!

 From: weuuwe@zxmail.com
 Subject: CALL 1-888-315-4487 & MAKE $150,000 PER YEAR!
 Date: Tue, 26 Feb 2002 19:26:43 -1700


What have you got to lose? Make the FREE call, and change your life! 

This is so EASY, anyone can do it!
People just like you are making $150,000 per year!
What are they doing? Going around to popular stores in their local area,
and restocking shelves of the HOTTEST SELLING products ever! 
What products? You need to call to find out, but here is a hint: They come from companies like:
Sony,Atlantic,Warner Bros,Universal,Polygram,Electra, Etc...
All the major record labels!

ENGLISH Call Toll FREE 1-888-315-4487 24 Hours
EN ESPANOL CALL TOLL FREE 1-888-666-5512

Products by Top 40 Recording Artists Like Britney,Nsync,Creed, Michael
Jackson, Striesand, Sinatra, The Beatles, Etc...  ALL THE POPULAR
ARTISTS!  Imagine going around to stores in your local area,
restocking a display, and walking out of the store with CASH
PROFITS!!! WE have established stores available now in your area!!!
All you do is restock the displays ONCE A WEEK!!! What have you got to
lose? Make the FREE call, and change your life! We also offer ongoing
support to all of our distributors forever!

ENGLISH Call Toll FREE 1-888-315-4487 24 Hours
EN ESPANOL CALL TOLL FREE 1-888-666-5512

No selling, Easy, Fast, and Fun For The Whole Family. And best of all,
an all CASH business!  Closing Out Areas Quickly! Only a specific
number of distributors for each area.  Call now to speak to a friendly
Customer Service Rep And find out MORE NOW!  Don't miss out on this
one! How can you lose by providing the HOTTEST SELLING products at the
lowest retail prices in the country, in the best locations in your
area? Call now to find out MORE!!!  Sing the tune of Financial
Freedom, call now!!!

ENGLISH Call Toll FREE 1-888-315-4487 24 Hours
EN ESPANOL CALL TOLL FREE 1-888-666-5512

Email is never sent unsolicited. Your name  was purchased as an opt in
open minded  person looking to make more  money. Best regards.  remove
karen8349487@bol.com.br

------------------------------

End of TELECOM Digest V20 #174
******************************
    
    
From editor@telecom-digest.org  Fri Mar  1 00:55:12 2002
Received: (from ptownson@localhost)
	by massis.lcs.mit.edu (8.9.1/8.9.1) id AAA22172;
	Fri, 1 Mar 2002 00:55:12 -0500 (EST)
Date: Fri, 1 Mar 2002 00:55:12 -0500 (EST)
From: editor@telecom-digest.org
Message-Id: <200203010555.AAA22172@massis.lcs.mit.edu>
To: ptownson
Approved: patsnewlist
Subject: TELECOM Digest V20 #175

TELECOM Digest     Fri,  1 Mar 2002 00:55:00 EST    Volume 20 : Issue 175

Inside This Issue:                             Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    Broadband-"Boosting"; Tauzin-Dingell Bill Passes House (Marcus D. Falco)
    A Complaint About Spam in the Digest (Marcus Didius Falco)
    Assistance Needed Airlink Wireless PC to TV Setup (vid2001)
    Re: Poor Implementation of CID in Colorado (John R. Levine)
    Re: Cell Phone Booster Antennas (John R. Levine)
    Re: Definity G3 Solution (Mike)
    How Caller ID Works (David Pflug)
    Help Me Identify This Panasonic Small-Office Phone System (Al Dykes)
    Hi, Mom! I Just Won A Gold Medal! (Eric Friedebach)
    Puzzle About How My Phone Got Diverted (arti)
    Domestic Telecom Equipment Maker in Australia (W.C.H. Tsai)
    Spammer With a Toll Free Number (Steven Lichter)
    Re: Telemarketer to Blame for Traverse City, MI Mystery  (S. Lichter)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
exclusively to telecommunications topics. It is circulated anywhere
there is email, in addition to various telecom forums on a variety of
networks such as Compuserve and America On Line, and other forums.
It is also gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated 
newsgroup 'comp.dcom.telecom'.

TELECOM Digest is a not-for-profit, mostly non-commercial educational
service offered to the Internet by Patrick Townson. All the contents
of the Digest are compilation-copyrighted. You may reprint articles in
some other media on an occasional basis, but please attribute my work
and that of the original author.

Contact information:    Patrick Townson/TELECOM Digest
                        Post Office Box 50
                        Independence, KS 67301
                        Phone: 630-841-7174
                        Email: editor@telecom-digest.org

Subscribe:  telecom-subscribe@telecom-digest.org
Unsubscribe:telecom-unsubscribe@telecom-digest.org


This Digest is the oldest continuing e-journal about telecomm-
unications on the Internet, having been founded in August, 1981 and
published continuously since then.  Our archives are available for
your review/research. We believe we are the second oldest e-zine/
mailing list on the internet in any category!

URL information:        http://telecom-digest.org

Anonymous FTP: hyperarchive.lcs.mit.edu/telecom-archives/archives
  (or use our mirror site: ftp.epix.net/pub/telecom-archives)

Email <==> FTP:  telecom-archives@telecom-digest.org 

      Send a simple, one line note to that automated address for
      a help file on how to use the automatic retrieval system
      for archives files. You can get desired files in email.

*************************************************************************
*   TELECOM Digest is partially funded by a grant from                  *
*   Judith Oppenheimer, President of ICB Inc. and purveyor of accurate  *
*   800 & Dot Com News, Intelligence, Analysis, and Consulting.         *
*   http://ICBTollFree.com, http://1800TheExpert.com                    *
*   Views expressed herein should not be construed as representing      *
*   views of Judith Oppenheimer or ICB Inc.                             *
*************************************************************************

ICB Toll Free News.  Contact information is not sold, rented or leased.
Access to Premium (P) links requires upgrade to a paid subscription.

One click a day feeds a person a meal.  Go to http://www.thehungersite.com

Only subscribers or registered users of ICB Toll Free News web site
will be able to access all or some of the full text of URLs provided.

LEGAL STUFF: TELECOM Digest (sm) is owned by Patrick Townson.
Copyright 2000 ICB, Inc. and TELECOM Digest. All rights reserved.
Our attorney is Bill Levant, of Blue Bell, PA.

   In addition, a gift from Mike Sandman, Chicago's Telecom Expert
   has enabled me to replace some obsolete computer equipment and
   enter the 21st century sort of on schedule. His mail order 
   telephone parts/supplies service based in the Chicago area has
   been widely recognized by Digest readers as a reliable and very
   inexpensive source of telecom-related equipment. Please request
   a free catalog today at http://www.sandman.com 
   ---------------------------------------------------------------
    
Finally, the Digest is funded by gifts from generous readers such as
yourself who provide funding in amounts deemed appropriate. Your help
is important and appreciated. A suggested donation of twenty dollars
per year per reader is considered appropriate. See our address above.
Please make at least a single donation to cover the cost of processing
your name to the mailing list.

All opinions expressed herein are deemed to be those of the author. Any
organizations listed are for identification purposes only and messages
should not be considered any official expression by the organization.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Thu, 28 Feb 2002 15:16:01 -0500
From: Marcus Didius Falco <marcus_d_falco@yahoo.com>
Subject: Broadband-"Boosting" Tauzin-Dingell Bill Passes The House


NewsScan Daily, 28 February 2002 ("Above The Fold")

BROADBAND-BOOSTING BILL PASSES THE HOUSE

The Tauzin-Dingell Bill, which revises the 1996 Telecommunications Act
to allow "Baby Bell" companies to offer broadband Internet access
without first demonstrating that they've opened their local phone
networks to competition, has passed in the U.S. House of
Representatives by a vote of 273-157.

Supporters of the bill had argued that it would encourage the uptake
of high-speed Internet access among consumers and would level the
playing field with the largely unregulated cable companies, the Bells'
main competition. "This is about making sure the Internet is free from
the bureaucrats who might regulate it to death," said bill co-sponsor
W.J."Billy" Tauzin (R-La.).

The bill now faces stiff opposition in the Senate, however, led by
Sen. Ernest Hollings (D-S.C.), who described it earlier this week as a
"blasphemy." Lawmakers are probably hoping to draw out the debate,
which pits two well-funded industries against each other and has
proven a gravy train for members on both sides of the issue. Since
1999, long-distance companies have given a total of $12.6 million to
federal candidates, parties and political action committees affiliated
with congressional leadership, and the Bells have made $19.4 million
in contributions over the same period. (Wall Street Journal 28 Feb 2002)

http://online.wsj.com/article/0,,SB1014847141663755200,00.html?mod=technology_main_whats_news

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 28 Feb 2002 15:29:51 -0500
From: Marcus Didius Falco <marcus_d_falco@yahoo.com>
Subject: A Complaint About Spam in the Digest


At 12:18 PM 2/28/2002, editor@telecom-digest.org wrote:

Pat:

I think all of us get enough SPAM without reproducing it in the
digest. I can understand why you might reproduce the 800 number, since
the list of 800 numbers seems to be defunct, but there's no reason to
send the whole spam. It takes time to download, and time to space
through. (Indeed, I've seen it suggested on another list that someone
could get carpel tunnel paging through his or her daily load of SPAM.

BTW, there are a couple of SPAMmers who specifically pick the digest
(or Comp.dcom.telecom) to SPAM. I get crap from "wing 'n' a prayer", a
used equipment dealer, and some other similar spammers. There's no way
I would EVER purchase anything from them.


> You will love the last paragraph!
> From: weuuwe@zxmail.com
> Subject: CALL 1-888-315-4487 & MAKE $150,000 PER YEAR!
> Date: Tue, 26 Feb 2002 19:26:43 -1700
>
> What have you got to lose? Make the FREE call, and change your life!
> ENGLISH Call Toll FREE 1-888-315-4487 24 Hours
> EN ESPANOL CALL TOLL FREE 1-888-666-5512

[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: You know, you are quite correct. I do
not see any reason to give these fools any more free rides here,
just to get a couple of phone numbers. From now on, anyone who
wants to send in entries for the business directory should PLEASE
send in just one or two lines. Something about the nature of the
'business', the number to call, and a few words or maybe a line of
context. Maybe include the newsgroup where you found it. That's 
all I intend to print in the future, unless its something REALLY
funny or really offensive, etc. But you are correct, there has
been far too much of it lately here.   PAT]

------------------------------

From: ramachandranvidya@hotmail.com (vid2001)
Subject: Assistance Needed Airlink Wireless PC to TV setup
Date: 28 Feb 2002 13:21:49 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


I just found something that's called a PC to TV  Airlink Wireless VGA
to NTSC Converter.  Planning to video conference from the living room,
along with other goodies.  Can anyone offer suggestions relating to
this setup and does any know of any useful software that I can use.


Thanks,

Vidya Ramachandran
ramachandranvidya@hotmail.com

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 28 Feb 2002 16:28:19 EST
From: johnl@iecc.com (John R. Levine)
Subject: Re: Poor Implementation of CID in Colorado
Organization: I.E.C.C., Trumansburg NY USA


> My caller id compatible telephone displays 7 digit numbers if the area
> code is the same as mine, else 10... but I know the telco is sending
> me all 10 digits.

My CLID box, which I bought for about $5 at K-Mart, displays the raw
data, and I get 7D for numbers in my NPA and 10D elsewhere.  Since
there are no overlays here and none likely in the next decade or two,
that's a reasonable thing to do.

I suspect the original poster's problem is that the telco programmed
the switch to do the same thing before overlays, and forgot to change
it when the overlays arrived.  It's probably a 10 second fix once you
find the right person, but good luck finding someone in the repair
bureau who'll even take a report on it.


John R. Levine, IECC, POB 727, Trumansburg NY 14886 +1 607 387 6869
johnl@iecc.com, Village Trustee & Sewer Commissioner http://iecc.com/johnl
Member, Provisional board, Coalition Against Unsolicited Commercial E-mail

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 28 Feb 2002 16:29:16 EST
From: johnl@iecc.com (John R. Levine)
Subject: Re: Cell Phone Booster Antennas
Organization: I.E.C.C., Trumansburg NY USA


>>  One of these booster antennas, coupled with a cell service plan that
>>  offers unlimited night and weekend calls, not to mention free long
>>  distance calling, might be one solution.

> Not that I want to rain on anybody's parade, but what are the legal
> signal strength limits?

The limit is 3 watts, but handheld phones transmit only 750mw.  The
boosters I've seen amplify 750mw to 3w so they should be legal.  There
might be issues of swamping the other people sharing your spectrum if
you have a CDMA phone, but I don't see any problem with TDMA or analog.

>  Given the hand-offs between cell-towers, I think that the best
> solution might be to connect to a rooftop yagi antenna pointed at the
> nearest cell tower.  This would concentrate more signal in the right
> direction without requiring your radiated power to increase.

I'd do that along with the booster.


John R. Levine, IECC, POB 727, Trumansburg NY 14886 +1 607 387 6869
johnl@iecc.com Village Trustee and Sewer Commissioner http://iecc.com/johnl
Member, Provisional board, Coalition Against Unsolicited Commercial E-mail

------------------------------

From: anonmike@hotmail.com (Mike)
Subject: Re: Definity G3 Solution
Date: 28 Feb 2002 13:50:05 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


I busied it out.  Still not working.  Thank you.

Cywinski, Robert <RCywi@SPRING-FORD.k12.pa.us> wrote in message 
news: <telecom20.166.3@telecom-digest.org>

>> I have a Definity G3si Release 6 BCS with an Octel 250.  We have about
>> 75 users. About five to eight users have experienced this problem, the
>> message lamp either does not turn on when there is a new message or
>> the message lamp stays on even after the message is listened to.  I
>> have switched phones to no avail.  We have 6408D+.

>> I have done two troubleshooting steps:

>> 1. Ran "Clear AMW All [EXT]" on the Definity.
>> 2. Had them delete all their voicemails.

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 28 Feb 2002 17:10:21 EST
From: David Pflug <pflug@alum.mit.edu>
Reply-To: David Pflug <pflug@alum.mit.edu>
Subject: How Caller ID Works


I am helping put together a talk on Telcom Services (caller ID, call
waiting) and would like to include a slide on how Caller ID works.  I
would like it to have some technical detail ... at this level:

1. User dials destination phone number.

2. Local telephone switch analyses call.

3. ( this part would have basics on what info is passed between which
equipment.)

n. Destination phone rings and between 1st and 2nd ring xxxxxxx
signal is passed to the phone and the number is displayed.

Are there any good resources that have the level of detail?


Dave

------------------------------

From: adykes@panix.com (Al Dykes)
Subject: Help me Identify This Panasonic Small-Office Phone System
Date: 28 Feb 2002 17:24:09 -0500
Organization: PANIX -- Public Access Networks Corp.


The equipment is about 30 by 30 inches by 9 inches deep, screwed to
the wall, and the only identification is "Panasonic Digital Business
System"

The office has about 30 desks. I assume that's close to the capacity
of the system. 

The desksets say "Panasonic DBS". 

Can anyone name this system and point me to some information about
it. It's maybe 7 years old.

Thanks,


Al Dykes
adykes@panix.com

------------------------------

From: Eric Friedebach <friedebach@telecom-digest.zzn.com>
Date: Thu, 28 Feb 2002 17:15:06 +0000
Subject: Hi, Mom! I Just Won A Gold Medal! 


Hi, Mom! I Just Won A Gold Medal!
Feb. 18, 2002  

Hang up and drive, and other forms of cell-phone abuse.
By Kenneth Lapins, InformationWeek.com

It has never been easier to say, "Hi, Mom," "How are your tomatoes
coming in, Mom?" or "Hey, Mom! I just set a world record and won a
medal in speed skating." I doubt that anybody was surprised to see, in
the Olympic Parade of Nations, all those athletes marching with cell
phones held to their ears.

Cell phones have invaded every corner of our existence -- often corners
that should be left in the shadows. A recent Associated Press article
points out that fixed phone lines will soon be outnumbered by cell
phones. Communication is one of the fundamentals of human existence.
That's why the Internet has boomed.

http://www.informationweek.com/story/IWK20020214S0019


Eric Friedebach

------------------------------

From: arti <arti13@insightbb.com>
Subject: Puzzle About How My Phone Got Diverted
Date: Thu, 28 Feb 2002 18:27:30 -0800


    I am not sure if you can help me with this. Someone was able to
program my number to ring at someone else's home.  I am trying to
figure out how this was done.  Is there a computer program that does
this?  I contacted my telephone co. and there was no call forwarding
enabled from their end.  Any suggestions on how to solve this problem?


Thank you,

ArtiOrtega

------------------------------

From: W.C.H. Tsai <wchtsai@tpts5.seed.net.tw>
Subject: Domestic Telecom Equipment Maker in Australia
Date: Fri, 1 Mar 2002 09:42:35 +0800
Organization: DCI HiNet
Reply-To: W.C.H. Tsai <wchtsai@tpts5.seed.net.tw>


Hi to All:

I want to know if Australia has a domestic telecom equipment maker,
since I plan to imigrate to Australlia.

Thank you for your answer!


William

------------------------------

From: stevenl11@aol.com (Steven Lichter)
Date: 01 Mar 2002 03:00:21 GMT
Organization: AOL http://www.aol.com
Subject: Spammer With a Toll Free Number


 ...to teach this individual about the cost of owning an 800 number...

The following number belongs to a used car company located in the
greater Portland, Or. area (Vancover, Wash.)  They had a company
spam thousands of e-mail address looking for business; why they
would do this is beyond me.  But when I called to complain, they
felt what was done was ok.  So lets all call them and find out
what cars they have to sell, ask about a lot of them to keep the
salesman busy, maybe if he can't make any money they will learn
not to dump on people all over the world.  By the way, they are
one of those who will finance anyone at 200,000% per day.  Be sure
to tell them who sent you so they will know I'm not very happy.


1-877-201-6410

Remember it is against the law to harrass anyone by telephone. Also
you should use a payphone so that the operator can make a little 
money.


Apple Elite II 909-359-5338. Home of GBBS/LLUCE, support for the 
Apple II 24 hours  2400/14.4.  An OggNet Server.

The only good spammer is a dead one!!!  Have you hunted one down today?


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: I'll tell you why they tried that very
dubious and controversial business practice (spamming). Businesses who
know very little about the net are approached by some shyster who
tells them about all the profits they can make by doing this. The
business agrees to try it, so the shyster dumps a load all over the
net, collects his money from the business place and vanishes. Then
the complaints come rolling in, and the business is left holding the
bag. 

Five or six years ago, an old lady with a small floral arrangement
business here in Independence fell for that. She never had any 
experience at all with computers or the net, but wanted to learn
about them and use computers in her business. This 'nice man' offered
to help her, and sent out a massive spam telling about her business
venture. The complaints rolled in heavily. She apologized to a few
hundred people who called on the phone to complain, and the local
Chamber of Commerce here even got complaints about her. After she
apologized to everyone she also expressed her ignorance of all things
computer prior to that point. She told me recently the whole
experience left her with a very bad taste in her mouth about using
computers at all or email, etc.  

Whenever you happen to talk with some small business person in your
community warn them not to listen to scammers who try to sell them
on 'getting lots of business by using email'. Tell them not only
will they get burned, sometimes badly, but they will actually get a
very poor reputation as a result. In the meantime, work on the used
car dealer mentioned above. He may need  it anyway.     PAT]  

------------------------------

From: stevenl11@aol.com (Steven Lichter)
Date: 01 Mar 2002 03:02:57 GMT
Organization: AOL http://www.aol.com
Subject: Re: Telemarketer to Blame for Traverse City, MI Phone Mystery 


> Ameritech spokeswoman Carolyn Wilson said Wednesday that their
> investigation showed that a Traverse City telemarketer had
> accidentally programmed Sivek's phone number as the outgoing
> identification number on an automatic dialing machine.  [.....]  Full
> story at: http://www.record-eagle.com/2002/feb/21fone.htm >>

Ya right a mistake.!!!!

Apple Elite II 909-359-5338. Home of GBBS/LLUCE, support for the 
Apple II 24 hours  2400/14.4.  An OggNet Server.

The only good spammer is a dead one!!!  Have you hunted one down today?  (c)


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note:  I wonder if the telemarketer has been
sued yet because of his clumsy programming?  Certainly Sivek has 
grounds for legal action; so does telco; so do the residents who were
repeatedly affected.    PAT]

------------------------------

End of TELECOM Digest V20 #175
******************************
    
    
From editor@telecom-digest.org  Fri Mar  1 20:41:57 2002
Received: (from ptownson@localhost)
	by massis.lcs.mit.edu (8.9.1/8.9.1) id UAA10724;
	Fri, 1 Mar 2002 20:41:57 -0500 (EST)
Date: Fri, 1 Mar 2002 20:41:57 -0500 (EST)
From: editor@telecom-digest.org
Message-Id: <200203020141.UAA10724@massis.lcs.mit.edu>
To: ptownson
Approved: patsnewlist
Subject: TELECOM Digest V20 #176

TELECOM Digest     Fri, 1 Mar 2002 20:42:00 EST    Volume 20 : Issue 176

Inside This Issue:                            Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    Re: Puzzle About How My Phone Got Diverted (Tom Schmidt)
    Re: Puzzle About How My Phone Got Diverted (Dave Phelps)
    Re: Octel/Definity Message Lamp Problem (Mike)
    Re: Assistance Needed Airlink Wireless PC to TV Setup (Scott Dorsey)
    Re: Definity G3 Solution (Andy Hornstein)
    Re: Help me Identify This Panasonic Small-Office Phone System (D Phelps)
    Phones on Planes (David Clayton)
    Tauzin-Dingell Clears House Hurdle (Marcus Didius Falco)
    Good Source For Wireless Solutions (Tom Parks)
    208V vs 110V Power (Jim Pizzirusso)
    Area Codes in ND, SD (Rev. John Charles Wilson)
    Canada Leaving Country Code 1? (Rev. John Charles Wilson)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
exclusively to telecommunications topics. It is circulated anywhere
there is email, in addition to various telecom forums on a variety of
networks such as Compuserve and America On Line, and other forums.
It is also gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated 
newsgroup 'comp.dcom.telecom'.

TELECOM Digest is a not-for-profit, mostly non-commercial educational
service offered to the Internet by Patrick Townson. All the contents
of the Digest are compilation-copyrighted. You may reprint articles in
some other media on an occasional basis, but please attribute my work
and that of the original author.

Contact information:    Patrick Townson/TELECOM Digest
                        Post Office Box 50
                        Independence, KS 67301
                        Phone: 630-841-7174
                        Email: editor@telecom-digest.org

Subscribe:  telecom-subscribe@telecom-digest.org
Unsubscribe:telecom-unsubscribe@telecom-digest.org


This Digest is the oldest continuing e-journal about telecomm-
unications on the Internet, having been founded in August, 1981 and
published continuously since then.  Our archives are available for
your review/research. We believe we are the second oldest e-zine/
mailing list on the internet in any category!

URL information:        http://telecom-digest.org

Anonymous FTP: hyperarchive.lcs.mit.edu/telecom-archives/archives
  (or use our mirror site: ftp.epix.net/pub/telecom-archives)

Email <==> FTP:  telecom-archives@telecom-digest.org 

      Send a simple, one line note to that automated address for
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*************************************************************************
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*   Views expressed herein should not be construed as representing      *
*   views of Judith Oppenheimer or ICB Inc.                             *
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Access to Premium (P) links requires upgrade to a paid subscription.

One click a day feeds a person a meal.  Go to http://www.thehungersite.com

Only subscribers or registered users of ICB Toll Free News web site
will be able to access all or some of the full text of URLs provided.

LEGAL STUFF: TELECOM Digest (sm) is owned by Patrick Townson.
Copyright 2000 ICB, Inc. and TELECOM Digest. All rights reserved.
Our attorney is Bill Levant, of Blue Bell, PA.

   In addition, a gift from Mike Sandman, Chicago's Telecom Expert
   has enabled me to replace some obsolete computer equipment and
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Please make at least a single donation to cover the cost of processing
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All opinions expressed herein are deemed to be those of the author. Any
organizations listed are for identification purposes only and messages
should not be considered any official expression by the organization.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Reply-To: Tom Schmidt <tjsnews@tschmidt.invalid>
From: Tom Schmidt <tjsnews@tschmidt.invalid>
Subject: Re: Puzzle About How My Phone Got Diverted
Date: Fri, 01 Mar 2002 15:35:36 GMT


arti <arti13@insightbb.com> wrote in message
news:telecom20.175.10@telecom-digest.org:

>     I am not sure if you can help me with this. Someone was able to
> program my number to ring at someone else's home.  I am trying to
> figure out how this was done.  Is there a computer program that does
> this?  I contacted my telephone co. and there was no call forwarding
> enabled from their end.  Any suggestions on how to solve this problem?

Can you be more specific, what do you mean by diverted?

Someone calls your number.
  Does your phone ring?
  Does another phone ring, if so always the same one?

Does this happen all the time?

I'm not a phone tech, but it is hard to understand how a call can be
diverted without the knowledge of the Telco.

------------------------------

From: Dave Phelps <tippenring@deadspam.com>
Subject: Re: Puzzle About How My Phone Got Diverted
Date: Fri, 1 Mar 2002 18:58:19 -0600
Organization: Posted via Supernews, http://www.supernews.com


In Ameritech land, its not very hard. You call up repair, tell them
you want to CFA the line to another destination. Usually the only
confirmation is that they ask you for the current service address.

Its too easy really, but I'm not sure how they could authenticate the
person making the request any better than asking for the service
address.

In article <telecom20.175.10@telecom-digest.org>, arti13@insightbb.com 
says:

>     I am not sure if you can help me with this. Someone was able to
> program my number to ring at someone else's home.  I am trying to
> figure out how this was done.  Is there a computer program that does
> this?  I contacted my telephone co. and there was no call forwarding
> enabled from their end.  Any suggestions on how to solve this problem?


Dave Phelps
Phone Masters Ltd.
deadspam=tippenring

------------------------------

From: anonmike@hotmail.com (Mike)
Subject: Re: Octel/Definity Message Lamp Problem
Date: 1 Mar 2002 06:06:24 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


I checked all those type of settings.  All voice mailboxes correspond
to the correct extension and visa versa.  Some of them it works most
of the time and then it just runs into the problem.  A couple have not
worked for a while. Thank you.


Cywinski, Robert <RCywi@SPRING-FORD.k12.pa.us> wrote in message
news:<telecom20.172.10@telecom-digest.org>:

> After my initial response to this issue, it occurred to me that my
> solution to this similar problem was to make sure that my Definity
> extension message lamp field needed to correspond to the subscriber'
> voice mail box number. Also, the Intuity Audix message lamp field had
> to be set to the extension number. If you have lamps that are on and
> no messages are in the mail box, it's possible that the Audix
> subscriber's message lamp field has the incorrect extension in the
> message lamp field. We also use 6400 series sets.

------------------------------

From: kludge@panix.com (Scott Dorsey)
Subject: Re: Assistance Needed Airlink Wireless PC to TV setup
Date: 1 Mar 2002 11:25:26 -0500
Organization: Former users of Netcom shell (1989-2000)


In article <telecom20.175.3@telecom-digest.org>, vid2001
<ramachandranvidya@hotmail.com> wrote:

> I just found something that's called a PC to TV  Airlink Wireless VGA
> to NTSC Converter.  Planning to video conference from the living room,
> along with other goodies.  Can anyone offer suggestions relating to
> this setup and does any know of any useful software that I can use.

It sort of works.  Resolution is terrible and you can't really read
any of the words on the screen, but for video conferencing it might be
good enough.


scott

"C'est un Nagra.  C'est suisse, et tres, tres precis."

------------------------------

From: AHornstein@asicentral.com (Andy Hornstein)
Subject: Re: Definity G3 Solution
Date: 1 Mar 2002 12:37:23 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


Try going into the profile of the voice mailbox in Octel and turning
the message waiting indicator off. Save your change. Go back in the
profile and turn it back on.


Andy

Cywinski, Robert <RCywi@SPRING-FORD.k12.pa.us> wrote in message
news:<telecom20.166.3@telecom-digest.org>:

>> I have a Definity G3si Release 6 BCS with an Octel 250.  We have about
>> 75 users. About five to eight users have experienced this problem, the
>> message lamp either does not turn on when there is a new message or
>> the message lamp stays on even after the message is listened to.  I
>> have switched phones to no avail.  We have 6408D+.

>> I have done two troubleshooting steps:

>> 1. Ran "Clear AMW All [EXT]" on the Definity.
>> 2. Had them delete all their voicemails.

>> This has corrected the problem for about 4 people.  There are still a
>> few left who continue to experience this problem.  I am all out of
>> ideas.  If anyone is aware of the solution to this please let me know.

> Have had this on my G3r. Busy-out and release the affected stations.
> This should do it.

------------------------------

From: Dave Phelps <tippenring@deadspam.com>
Subject: Re: Help me Identify This Panasonic Small-Office Phone System
Date: Fri, 1 Mar 2002 00:11:12 -0600
Organization: Posted via Supernews, http://www.supernews.com


Oddly enough, your system is a Panasonic DBS. What kind of info are
you looking for? IIRC, the DBS takes cards and you can change the
system config by adding cards, up to a certain limit of course.

In article <telecom20.175.8@telecom-digest.org>, adykes@panix.com says:

> The equipment is about 30 by 30 inches by 9 inches deep, screwed to
> the wall, and the only identification is "Panasonic Digital Business
> System"

> The office has about 30 desks. I assume that's close to the capacity
> of the system. 

> The desksets say "Panasonic DBS". 

> Can anyone name this system and point me to some information about
> it. It's maybe 7 years old.


Dave Phelps
Phone Masters Ltd.
deadspam=tippenring

------------------------------

From: David Clayton <dcstar@acslink.net.au>
Subject: Phones on Planes
Date: Fri, 01 Mar 2002 17:40:30 +1100
Organization: Customer of Connect.com.au Pty. Ltd.
Reply-To: dcstar@acslink.net.au


18 Feb 2002 - Airline gives mobiles on planes a turn-on
The Australian, 18/02/2002, page 3. 

Qantas has brought in new rules about the use of mobile phones on its
planes, after doing a deal with air safety regulators.

A previous blanket ban on the use of mobiles, even in the boarding
bridges, has been amended so that passengers may now continue to use
their phones while sitting waiting for take-off and queueing to get
off.

The first flights to be affected will be on the new CityFlyer service
to Brisbane; the changes will then be progressively introduced on all
other Qantas flights.


Regards, 

David Clayton, e-mail: dcstar@acslink.net.au
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

Dilbert's words of wisdom #18: Never argue with an idiot. They drag
you down to their level then beat you with experience.

------------------------------

Date: Fri, 01 Mar 2002 18:27:08 -0500
From: Marcus Didius Falco <marcus_d_falco@yahoo.com>
Subject: Tauzin-Dingell Clears House Hurdle


EDUCAUSE Washington Update, March 1, 2002

TAUZIN-DINGELL CLEARS HOUSE HURDLE The House passed the controversial
Internet Freedom and Broadband Deployment Act (H.R. 1542) on Wednesday
by a vote of 273-157. More popularly known as "Tauzin-Digell" (after
the bill's Congressional sponsors), the bill would allow the regional
bell companies' entry into the broadband marketplace without first
opening their local networks to competition, which is currently
required under the Telecommunications Act of 1996.

Members of the higher education community have been split on this
bill, with attitudes depending heavily on their current broadband
service provider and whether they have any competitive alternatives.

Tauzin-Dingell passed the House with three amendments:

Amendment 1: Requires the regional Bells to notify the Department
of Justice 30 days prior to offering any interLATA high speed data
service originating in any state where the company has not
received the authority from the FCC to provide interLATA services
(as currently required under Section 271 of the Telecommunications
Act). This was a concession to the House Judiciary Committee,
which reported the bill unfavorably and wanted to make sure the
Bells adhere to anti-trust regulations.

Amendment 2: Increases the fines the FCC may levy against the
Bells and other phone companies for Telecommunications Act
violations from $120,000 to $1 million per day per violation. This
amendment also increases the penalty from $1.2 million to $10
million for continuing violations. Critics have charged that the
Bells have had no incentive to open their networks to competitors
and that it was cheaper for them to pay the FCC fines than to
comply with the law.

Amendment 3: Requires the Bells to share their lines as they
upgrade for broadband services, but allows them to charge "just
and reasonable rates" instead of the "wholesale rates" as required
under current law. However, the FCC is not required to repeal or
modify any access regulations in effect since May 24, 2001, nor is
it allowed to expand the Bells' obligations to provide access to
any network elements needed for high-speed data service. Critics
argue that this will undermine the Commission's current public
inquiry to craft performance measures to monitor Bells compliance
with FCC access rules, and will place an undue burden on the
competitive local exchange carriers (CLECs) trying to connect to
the Bells' networks. The amendment would also give competitors
access to certain rights-of-way for broadband access, but would
allow the Bells to charge for it. This amendment is full of
confusing language and will most likely be a lightning rod for
debate in the Senate.

Tauzin-Dingell now moves to the Senate Commerce Committee, where
Chairman Ernest Hollings (D-SC) has already expressed his staunch
opposition. While some believe Tauzin-Dingell will die in the
Senate, others believe that Hollings may be willing to compromise
and that a less controversial version may make its way to the
Senate floor.

To view the Tauzin-Dingell bill, with amendments, go to
http://thomas.loc.gov Type "H.R. 1542" in the search field.

CYBERSECURITY BILL RAISES CIVIL LIBERTY CONCERNS

The House Judiciary Crime Subcommittee approved a substitute bill
to the "Cyber Security Enhancement Act" (H.R. 3482) on Tuesday
<http://www.house.gov/judiciary/schedule.htm>, raising concerns
of privacy advocates that there will be no effective balance to
government surveillance of Internet communications. H.R. 3482
expands provisions found under the recently enacted antiterrorism
legislation, the USA-PATRIOT Act, whereby Internet service
providers may disclose their customers' communications to a
"government entity" if the provider believes "in good faith" that
the communications involve a danger of physical injury or death.
In addition, federal emergency pen-register and trap-and-trace
powers would be expanded in response to immediate threats to
national security interests, allowing these sorts of surveillance
without obtaining wiretap orders.

New language in the substitute bill would allow the federal
government to sue an ISP for knowingly failing to comply with a
government's request to preserve the communication of a customer.
The federal government would be required to reimburse private
companies when agencies request communication records, even if
the government does not obtain the information desired. As with
the USA-PATRIOT Act, higher education institutions will most
likely be considered ISPs under this legislation and will be
affected by any changes to existing cybersecurity law.

H.R. 3482 is available on the Thomas Legislative Information Web
site at http://thomas.loc.gov
Type "H.R. 3482" in the search field.

------------------------------

From: tparks60@hotmail.com (Tom Parks)
Subject: Good Source for Wireless Solutions
Date: 1 Mar 2002 07:42:06 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


Hello,

I am new to this list, but just found an excellent site for wireless
technology information, specifically PDA's and Handhelds.  Here is a
pretty good article:
http://www.isit.com/Feature.cfm?articleid=3707&tech=WIRE

isitWIRELESS.com also has a very resourceful newsletter that is FREE.

ou can register for it here.
http://www.isit.com/LibCard.cfm?tech=WIRE


Best Regards, 

Tom Parks

------------------------------

From: jim@pizzirusso.net (Jim Pizzirusso)
Subject: 208V vs 110V Power
Date: 1 Mar 2002 12:30:33 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


I was wondering I there is an advantage to powering
Data/Telecommunications equipment (routers, switches, etc.) via 208V
power vs 110V power.  I know that most carriers power there equipment
with -48 VDC, but I am working in an AC only environment so this is
not an option.  In previous lives, I have used 110 power only in AC
environment. I am not a power guy so, but I do not believe there is an
issue with 2 phase vs 3 phase power for this equipment.


Thanks,

Jim

------------------------------

From: johnway35@hotmail.com (Rev. John Charles Wilson)
Subject: Area Codes in ND, SD
Date: 1 Mar 2002 13:10:51 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


When will area code 605 (SD) and area code 701 (ND) be filled and need
to be split?  I am guessing the split would be east/west, with (for
SD) Sioux Falls still in 605 and Vapid (oops, I meant Rapid <g>) City
in the new code.  For ND, probably Fargo and Grand Forks keeping 701
and Minot getting a new code.

------------------------------

From: johnway35@hotmail.com (Rev. John Charles Wilson)
Subject: Canada Leaving Country Code 1?
Date: 1 Mar 2002 13:45:01 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


Has Canada ever sought to leave country code 1?  What about any of the
Carribean islands?  If Quebec seceded from Canada (or a US state
seceded from the Union) and sought a seperate  country code, what
would the new one most likely be?

------------------------------

End of TELECOM Digest V20 #176
******************************
    
    
From editor@telecom-digest.org  Sat Mar  2 01:32:59 2002
Received: (from ptownson@localhost)
	by massis.lcs.mit.edu (8.9.1/8.9.1) id BAA14740;
	Sat, 2 Mar 2002 01:32:59 -0500 (EST)
Date: Sat, 2 Mar 2002 01:32:59 -0500 (EST)
From: editor@telecom-digest.org
Message-Id: <200203020632.BAA14740@massis.lcs.mit.edu>
To: ptownson
Approved: patsnewlist
Subject: TELECOM Digest V20 #177

TELECOM Digest     Sat, 2 Mar 2002 01:33:00 EST    Volume 20 : Issue 177

Inside This Issue:                            Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    ICB Toll Free News 3/1/02 (Judith Oppenheimer)
    Re: 208V vs 110V Power (Dale Farmer)
    Re: 208V vs 110V Power (Jay Hennigan)
    Re: 208V vs 110V Power (danny burstein)
    Re: 208V vs 110V Power (Robert Casey)
    Phone Ring (BELLIS)
    Re: IMTS Phone Service Still Available? (Jay Hennigan)
    Re: How Caller ID Works (Mike Pollock)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
exclusively to telecommunications topics. It is circulated anywhere
there is email, in addition to various telecom forums on a variety of
networks such as Compuserve and America On Line, and other forums.
It is also gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated 
newsgroup 'comp.dcom.telecom'.

TELECOM Digest is a not-for-profit, mostly non-commercial educational
service offered to the Internet by Patrick Townson. All the contents
of the Digest are compilation-copyrighted. You may reprint articles in
some other media on an occasional basis, but please attribute my work
and that of the original author.

Contact information:    Patrick Townson/TELECOM Digest
                        Post Office Box 50
                        Independence, KS 67301
                        Phone: 630-841-7174
                        Email: editor@telecom-digest.org

Subscribe:  telecom-subscribe@telecom-digest.org
Unsubscribe:telecom-unsubscribe@telecom-digest.org


This Digest is the oldest continuing e-journal about telecomm-
unications on the Internet, having been founded in August, 1981 and
published continuously since then.  Our archives are available for
your review/research. We believe we are the second oldest e-zine/
mailing list on the internet in any category!

URL information:        http://telecom-digest.org

Anonymous FTP: hyperarchive.lcs.mit.edu/telecom-archives/archives
  (or use our mirror site: ftp.epix.net/pub/telecom-archives)

Email <==> FTP:  telecom-archives@telecom-digest.org 

      Send a simple, one line note to that automated address for
      a help file on how to use the automatic retrieval system
      for archives files. You can get desired files in email.

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From: Judith Oppenheimer <joppenheimer@icbtollfree.com>
Subject: ICB Toll Free News 3/1/02
Date: Fri, 1 Mar 2002 22:31:10 -0500


http://ICBTollFreeNews.Com HEADS UP HEADLINES

 from ICB Toll Free News - Covering the Political, Legal
and Marketing Arenas of 800, ENUM and Dot Com.

CONTENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDING MARCH 1, 2002

 - "LEGACY", CODE FOR "MONOPOLY"

 - RIPE NCC'S RESPONSE TO ICANN REFORM REPORT

 - THE CASE FOR PUTTING 800 IN ENUM - OR NOT

 - 800 INDUSTRY: ALLOW NUMBER TRANSFERS

 - THE CASE FOR REPLACING ICANN'S MANAGEMENT TEAM

 - ISN'T IT BETTER TO REMOVE INCOMPETENCE, THAN TO REORGANIZE IT?

 - INTERNET EXPERT: CLUELESS BUREAUCRATS CAN ACTUALLY BREAK THE INTERNET.

 - ICANN HAS FAILED

ICB Tollfree Editor's Note:

Its been a very busy couple of weeks.  The FCC is set to scrutinize
the toll free industry and marketplace.  ENUM could, incidentally or
negligently, destroy it.

And the Internet, *your* Internet, is facing an onerous challenge, a
draconian, Orwellian coup that could cripple the net and redefine your
rights.  Perhaps irrevocably.

Complacency and indifference, "someone else will take care of it,"
will no longer suffice.  Its on you.

 - ICANN ANNOUNCES ROAD TO REFORM. THE TERM ORWELLIAN COMES TO MIND.

 - CHARMING. REALLY CHARMING.

 - INTERNET POLICY

 - AT-LARGE REPORTS, AS DIFFERENT AS NIGHT AND DAY

 - ICANN DO-OVER MULLED

 - ICANN CLANDESTINE EU MEETING REVEALED

 - STOP.THE.INSANITY!

ARTICLE ACCESS CODE LEGEND

ICB Toll Free News offers two valuable service options:
F = Free - News and Features articles
P = Premium - Unlimited Site Access including all Articles and Documents.

Registration information is not sold, leased or rented.

***  For additional information about topics and stories,
keyword search here:  http://www.icbtollfree.com/Search.cfm.

P - "LEGACY", CODE FOR "MONOPOLY"
"Although there are significant legacy reasons for a so-called single
Internet DNS root, this has no relevance to ENUM." Makes perfect
sense, if you're a legacy DNS registry with no shot at ENUMonopoly.
CONTINUED HERE:  http://www.icbtollfree.com/article.cfm?articleId=5613

F - RIPE NCC'S RESPONSE TO ICANN REFORM REPORT The RIPE Network
Coordination Centre (RIPE NCC) is one of 3 Regional Internet
Registries (RIR) which exist in the world today, providing allocation
and registration services which support the operation of the Internet
globally. After reading Stuart Lynn's Reform Report, RIPE NCC
announces, "... we have to thoroughly re-assess our relationship with
ICANN." Don't we all.  
CONTINUED HERE: http://www.icbtollfree.com/article.cfm?articleId=5612

P - THE CASE FOR PUTTING 800 IN ENUM - OR NOT
The integrity of a Non-Geographic Service is determined by the
way it is understood by the public, in a particular context and
implementation. Specific numbering allocation, call routing, and
billing mechanisms/treatments as outlined in industry and regulatory
documentation identify Non-Geographic services.
CONTINUED HERE:  http://www.icbtollfree.com/article.cfm?articleId=5611

P - 800 INDUSTRY: ALLOW NUMBER TRANSFERS
"Since the inception of toll-free service, subscribers have been
able to make changes to the billing name and address (BNA) on
their accounts in response to business or personal needs, without
undue regulatory interference. Customers exercise similar control
over the BNA on their local, long distance, wireless, and other
telecommunications services, and singling out toll-free service for
different treatment would cause significant customer confusion
and concern."
CONTINUED HERE:  http://www.icbtollfree.com/article.cfm?articleId=5610

F - THE CASE FOR REPLACING ICANN'S MANAGEMENT TEAM
Like M. Stuart Lynn, I have been involved in ICANN activities for just
about a year. During that time, as a customer service representative
for a leading domain name registrar, I have talked to thousands of
individuals about domain name issues, ICANN, and problems
encountered by the Internet user community. I have also had the
honor to serve as Chair of the General Assembly of ICANN's Domain
Name Supporting Organization (DNSO), and much like Mr. Lynn I feel
comfortable enough with my state of knowledge and accumulated
experience that I too seek to share my views with the Board and the
community. by Danny Younger
CONTINUED HERE:  http://www.icbtollfree.com/article.cfm?articleId=5608

F - ISN'T IT BETTER TO REMOVE INCOMPETENCE, THAN TO REORGANIZE IT?
How can a management that architected this failed ICANN in the
first place, be considered as suddenly able to pull a rabbit out of a
hat and solve all of ICANN's problems?
Use your Back button to return to ICB.
CONTINUED HERE:  http://www.icbtollfree.com/article.cfm?articleId=5607

F - INTERNET EXPERT: CLUELESS BUREAUCRATS CAN ACTUALLY BREAK THE INTERNET.
"ICANN is more interested in, and totally focused on, arranging
power rather than providing simple stewardship and service... Why
does ICANN have to spend $10m to run the root servers when it
never used to cost anything? They're run voluntarily... One computer
scientist used to do this as a part time job. How much of a mountain
can we make of a molehill?"
CONTINUED HERE:  http://www.icbtollfree.com/article.cfm?articleId=5605

F - ICANN HAS FAILED
Another quite interesting claim is that that pesky US Government and
those pesky Americans will interfere with "long-term global stability."
How ironic. Taiwan didn't decide to run their own root because of
US Government participation. They did so because they did not
wish to deal with ICANN's nonsensical regulations and rantings.
The ccTLDs are not refusing to "play ball" with ICANN because of
US Government participation, but instead because of ICANN's
policies and desires for huge amounts of funding to pay
Jones Day and ICANN's travel agents. by Mikki Barry
CONTINUED HERE:  http://www.icbtollfree.com/article.cfm?articleId=5604

 -- Lost and Stolen Number Retrieval  --  ENUM Survival Strategies
 -- Crisis Resolution  --  Vanity Number Issues, Guidance & Navigation
 -- Tollfree Number Traces  --  Representation at SNAC, ENUM & ICANN Forums
 -- Strategic Leadership + Competitive Intelligence  --  Custom Research
    Reports
 -- Custom Problem Solving: disputes, litigation support, RespOrg issues,
    etc.

ICB Consultancy  --  http://1800TheExpert.com


Looking for the best 800 and long distance rates available today?
Choose from multiple programs - Rates as low as 2.9¢ per minute,
with no monthly minimums or hidden service charges!
Click here:  http://WhoSells800.com


F - ICANN ANNOUNCES ROAD TO REFORM. THE TERM ORWELLIAN COMES TO MIND.
Visualize ICANN Pres/CEO Stuart Lynn singing If I Ruled the World.
He wants, among other things:

 - to "explicitly and permanently abandon the notion that every individual
   with an interest in DNS policy has some "right" to equally weighted
   participation in ICANN";
 - he wants governments to lean on those companies and organizations
   that haven't signed contracts with ICANN;
 - and he wants to convert the Board of Directors to a Board of Trustees
   which will "have the ability to deliberate in private" and "be able to
   make policy decisions, not simply ratify or reject those proposed by
   subordinate bodies."

Mr. Lynn in his infinite wisdom states that "the concept of ... elections
from a self-selected pool of unknown voters is not just flawed, but fatally
flawed." Lynn's desire for independence from U.S. oversight
notwithstanding, does he have to be so flagrantly unAmerican?
CONTINUED HERE:  http://www.icbtollfree.com/article.cfm?articleId=5603

F - CHARMING. REALLY CHARMING.
In 2000, ICANN managed to create a voter registration system in
which a very large number of people who wanted to register were
unable to do so. ICANN then took the 143,806 survivors of the initial
registration gauntlet and began to whittle them down via its authentication
process. 76,183 people, about half, managed to get registered and to
log in at least once to validate their status. 34,035 voted.
Now, after two years of ICANN doing everything it possibly could to get
the people who registered to become ICANN members to lose interest
and go away, its At Large Study Committee (ALSC) laments that "The
level of interest in a self-sustaining membership has not been demonstrated
and factors such as the low level of user involvement in the ALSC's work
do raise concern."
CONTINUED HERE:  http://www.icbtollfree.com/article.cfm?articleId=5602

F - INTERNET POLICY
The political agendas of Aspen Institute participants are a matter
of some controversy, as they discuss "reforming/restructuring ICANN."
CONTINUED HERE:  http://www.icbtollfree.com/article.cfm?articleId=5600

F - AT-LARGE REPORTS, AS DIFFERENT AS NIGHT AND DAY
The NGO and Academic ICANN Study (NAIS) issued a statement this
week, favorably characterized as "yielding", describing "how best to
implement things the NAIS opposes." Today ICANN's own At Large
Study Committee issued its own Working Draft ALSC Implementation
Report. I can only describe it as pessimistic if not downright depressing,
explaining the creation of an ICANN-funding bureaucratic nightmare.
CONTINUED HERE:  http://www.icbtollfree.com/article.cfm?articleId=5601

F - ICANN DO-OVER MULLED
Representatives of the DOC, the NTIA, ICANN's outside counsel, lawyers
representing registries, registrars and intellectual property interests,
and academics, met today to discuss alternative model structures for ICANN.
CONTINUED HERE:  http://www.icbtollfree.com/article.cfm?articleId=5599

F - ICANN CLANDESTINE EU MEETING REVEALED
ICANN is apparently plotting with the European Commission,
behind closed doors, to restructure ICANN to exclude At Large
participation, and to place government representatives on the ICANN
Board. Looking for new funding sources, its been suggested that Board
seats may be for sale.
CONTINUED HERE:  http://www.icbtollfree.com/article.cfm?articleId=5598

P - STOP.THE.INSANITY!
Roberts' escalating rhetoric just before ICANN meetings is historically
both advance notice of decisions already made - and distraction from
other matters taking place privately. This time is no exception.
CONTINUED HERE:  http://www.icbtollfree.com/article.cfm?articleId=5597

EVERY 3.6 SECONDS SOMEONE DIES FROM HUNGER
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Copyright  2002 ICB, Inc. All rights reserved.

------------------------------

From: Dale Farmer <Dale@cybercom.net>
Subject: Re: 208V vs 110V Power
Date: Fri, 01 Mar 2002 21:47:30 -0500
Organization: The new clue zoo


Jim Pizzirusso wrote:

> I was wondering I there is an advantage to powering
> Data/Telecommunications equipment (routers, switches, etc.) via 208V
> power vs 110V power.  I know that most carriers power there equipment
> with -48 VDC, but I am working in an AC only environment so this is
> not an option.  In previous lives, I have used 110 power only in AC
> environment. I am not a power guy so, but I do not believe there is an
> issue with 2 phase vs 3 phase power for this equipment.

Power is power.  *shrugs* Make sure that the equipment has power
supplies that can use the 208VAC.  You may have to order a different
sub-model of the boxes, although nowadays lots of gear have
autoselecting powersupplies that figure out the right thing to do.
You will need a different power cord to plug into the 208 outlet, an
expensive one.

    The only real issues are does it provide enough watts to run your
gear, and is the supply reliable enough for your application.  I've
never heard of a router or switch large enough to require being wired
up with three phase power.  I have seen PDUs ( power distribution
units ) that take three phase on the input side.

    Higher voltage power allows you to deliver more watts over the
same size wire.  There are other things that it allows, but are not
worth bothering with here.  I would be very surprised if you were
getting two phase power, what you will find delivered in virtually all
of the US is three phase used for distribution and in industrial
settings, and single phase power for all the other end users.

    What I have done is run the 208 into the UPS unit in the bottom of
each rack, and then get output plug  modules for the UPS that delivers
110.  This assumes you are providing a UPS for your installation.  One
reason you may want to use 208 for your UPS outlets to your gear is to
discourage  folks from plugging other gear  into your UPS, eating into
it's runtime  or overloading it.   It really  sucks  when some workman
plugs his hammer drill into the handy plug on the back of your UPS and
starts drilling holes in the wall for some  future installation.  Then
gets all upset when the UPS dies and his drill stops working.


    --Dale

------------------------------

From: jay@west.net (Jay Hennigan)
Subject: Re: 208V vs 110V Power
Reply-To: jay@west.net
Organization: Disgruntled Postal Workers Against Gun Control
Date: Sat, 02 Mar 2002 04:02:37 GMT


On 1 Mar 2002 12:30:33 -0800, Jim Pizzirusso <jim@pizzirusso.net> wrote:

> I was wondering I there is an advantage to powering
> Data/Telecommunications equipment (routers, switches, etc.) via 208V
> power vs 110V power.  I know that most carriers power there equipment
> with -48 VDC, but I am working in an AC only environment so this is
> not an option.  In previous lives, I have used 110 power only in AC
> environment. I am not a power guy so, but I do not believe there is an
> issue with 2 phase vs 3 phase power for this equipment.

Advantages are that for the same amount of power consumption you can
use smaller wire (less amperage).  Disadvantages are non-standard
plugs and the risk of frying something that's designed for 120V (like
lights).

Most commercial buildings are fed with three-phase power, 120 volts 
from any one leg to the common neutral (ground).  Because the phases
are 120 degrees apart instead of 180, the voltage between any two of
the three hot leads will be a nominal 208.  

A single-phase load will typically be designed for 120 volts or 240,
rarely 208.  Three-phase loads are typically for heavier current uses
such as air conditioners, motors, etc.  

I'd recommend 120 volts unless the load device is over a kilowatt or 
so.  You'll find it easier to get spares, etc., and UPSes and the like
are a lot cheaper.    


Jay Hennigan - CCIE #7880 - Network Administration - jay@west.net
NetLojix Communications, Inc.  -  http://www.netlojix.com/
WestNet:  Connecting you to the planet.  805 884-6323

------------------------------

From: dannyb@panix.com (danny burstein)
Subject: Re: 208V vs 110V Power
Date: 2 Mar 2002 00:14:47 -0500
Organization: "mostly unorganized"


In <telecom20.176.10@telecom-digest.org> jim@pizzirusso.net (Jim
Pizzirusso) writes:

> I was wondering I there is an advantage to powering
> Data/Telecommunications equipment (routers, switches, etc.) via 208V
> power vs 110V power.  I know that most carriers power there equipment
> with -48 VDC, but I am working in an AC only environment so this is
> not an option.  In previous lives, I have used 110 power only in AC
> environment. I am not a power guy so, but I do not believe there is an
> issue with 2 phase vs 3 phase power for this equipment.

Aside from the general niceness of getting more power transmission per
set of wires (thus reducing the number of wire runs, circuit breakers,
etc.)  there's a specific practical reason I've noted.

I've found that a fully populated 19 inch rack (the standard width
stuff) will exceed 16 amps [a] when running at 120v, meaning either a
second power strip circuit has to be run [b] or some painful things
involving higher amperage supply are needed.

Using 208 (or better, 240) means that the amperage draw is cut in
(roughly) half, leaving a fair amount of spare capacity per circuit.

[a] in general, a continous duty circuit is supposed to be derated by 
twenty percent. So your standard 20 amp line gets cut to 16. (and let's 
not even think about power factor issues).

[b] that's above and beyond any desired redundancy.


Knowledge may be power, but communications is the key
		     dannyb@panix.com 
[to foil spammers, my address has been double rot-13 encoded]

------------------------------

From: Robert Casey <wa2ise@ix.netcom.com>
Subject: Re: 208V vs 110V Power
Date: Sat, 02 Mar 2002 00:45:30 -0500
Organization: wa2ise


If you use 208VAC, you avoid passing current on the neutral
wire back to the power company.  The switching power supplies
in these loads pull pulses of current at the top of the powerline
voltage waveform and no current between peaks.  In a 3 phase
powered building, each hot (120V line) sees the pulses from the
loads it supplies.  The neutral return (in a "Y" configuration of
power) sees return pulses from all three 120V hots.  That can
overload the neutral without any circuit breakers popping.
If you connect each load from one 120V hot phase to another
120V hot phase, you avoid this neutral issue.  In this case, the
load sees 208V, so configure it accordingly.  Some switching
power supplies can accept anything from 100VAC to 250VAC,
some require setting a switch.  Set such a switch to "220VAC".
I've run PCs from 208VAC and it works fine.  This avoids the
PC from blowing up if a neutral wire ever fails in a 3 phase
electric power system.

"The phone company's got your number!"

Jim Pizzirusso wrote:

> I was wondering I there is an advantage to powering
> Data/Telecommunications equipment (routers, switches, etc.) via 208V
> power vs 110V power.  I know that most carriers power there equipment
> with -48 VDC, but I am working in an AC only environment so this is
> not an option.  In previous lives, I have used 110 power only in AC
> environment. I am not a power guy so, but I do not believe there is an
> issue with 2 phase vs 3 phase power for this equipment.

------------------------------

From: BELLIS <BELLIS@TIDALWAVE.NET>
Subject: Phone Ring
Date: Fri, 1 Mar 2002 22:34:57 -0500


Do you know how to ring the phone in their own house. When I was
growing up there was a number to call that would ring the other
extensions in the house and the phone could be used as an
intercom. Thanks.

------------------------------

From: jay@west.net (Jay Hennigan)
Subject: Re: IMTS Phone Service Still Available?
Reply-To: jay@west.net
Organization: Disgruntled Postal Workers Against Gun Control
Date: Sat, 02 Mar 2002 03:44:57 GMT


On Thu, 21 Feb 2002 17:44:49 -0500, Don Kimberlin <dkimberlin@prodigy.net>
wrote:

> In article <Wed, 20 Feb 2002 07:29:07 -0700 > Ken
> 73115.1041@compuserve.com wrote:

>>  Anyone know if IMTS service -- the original car radio 
>> phone service offered by phone companies -- ....

> DING!  Sorry to say, IMTS was not the "original."  It was on 450 MHz.

> Since IMTS stood for "Improved Mobile Telephone Service," it could
> hardly be "improved" if it was the first, could it?

> What immediately preceded IMTS was, of course, MTS or Mobile Telephone
> Service on 150 Mhz.  And, there was even a granddaddy whose name I
> forgot on 35 mHz, with about one channel per state, because its
> coverage areas were so large.

Actually, the frequencies vs. the service types weren't fixed.  There
was MTS and IMTS on all three bands.  Channel designators were
two-letter alpha.  The low-band (30-50 MHz) began with Z, the
High-band began with Y or J, and the UHF began with Q.  MTS was
carrier signaling to get an operator, and alternating 600-1500 Hz
audio for selective dialing of the mobile.  The two-letter
designations were part of the mobile number, such as (805) YL3-5225.
Q and Z didn't appear on (most) telephone dials, and the Y and J
designations would result in dial pulls of 55, 57, 95, or 97 which
didn't spell common words and weren't in use (with KLondike being a
noted exception).  In Santa Barbara, IMTS on 150 co-existed with MTS
on 450 for quite a while.  GTE was ahead of Pacific Bell in California
in terms of introducing IMTS on 150.  Most Bell areas were still
manual in the late 1970s while GTE was IMTS.

IMTS was backwards-compatible with MTS.  An MTS user could "Key up" on
an unused IMTS channel and reach an operator.  IMTS employed a system
of "marked idle".  In metropolitan areas with multiple channels, one
idle channel would have a continuous 2000 Hz tone sent by the base
station.  All mobiles would search for and "lock on" to the marked
idle channel.  Regular landline numbers were assigned so that
land-to-mobile calls could be dialed directly.  However, the NXX was
dropped for faster signaling.  If your mobile number was (805)
963-5225, the base would send 8055225, in dial pulse of course!
Mobile-to-land calls were made by sending one's mobile number (less
NXX as above) in pulse which would return dial tone.  There was a
rotary dial on the control head.  The Motorola 1100 series had a
"selector unit" with dozens of flip-flops made out of discrete
transistors on a fold-out pair of circuit boards.  The number was
programmed with wire jumpers.  This was a big improvement over the
mechanical "Secode" rotary decoders.  The receivers were solid state
but the transmitters had tube finals.

Roaming was possible after a fashion.  The control heads were a
mechanical marvel.  There were three buttons, Home, Roam, and Manual.
In the home mode the active channels were selected by jumper and the
channel buttons would not latch.  In the roam mode the buttons
interlocked so that the user could select multiple channels that were
active in the remote area.  In the manual mode, only one channel could
be selected at a time, and the handset's push-to-talk button was used
to signal an operator.  There was a booklet published listing the
channels active in various service areas.

Harris produced a briefcase version as well as a pushbutton as opposed
to rotary dial control head.  Harris also made a premium mobile unit
that could have a cellular unit "piggybacked" onto the same control
unit.  These were rather pricey.  A Harris IMTS phone typically
retailed for about $3,000 in 1980s dollars, plus installation.


Jay Hennigan - CCIE #7880 - Network Administration - jay@west.net
NetLojix Communications, Inc.  -  http://www.netlojix.com/
WestNet:  Connecting you to the planet.  805 884-6323

------------------------------

From: Mike Pollock <itsamike@hotmail.com>
Subject: Re: How Caller ID Works
Date: Sat, 02 Mar 2002 04:01:56 GMT
Organization: Road Runner - NYC


Mike

David Pflug <pflug@alum.mit.edu> wrote in message
news:telecom20.175.7@telecom-digest.org...

> I am helping put together a talk on Telcom Services (caller ID, call
> waiting) and would like to include a slide on how Caller ID works.

[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Unfortunatly. Mike *said nothing*. All
I go there was his null message, shown above, as a reply to David
Pflug. Maybe Mike will tell us what he intended to say.     PAT]

------------------------------

End of TELECOM Digest V20 #177
******************************
    
    
From editor@telecom-digest.org  Mon Mar  4 14:10:17 2002
Received: (from ptownson@localhost)
	by massis.lcs.mit.edu (8.9.1/8.9.1) id OAA03354;
	Mon, 4 Mar 2002 14:10:17 -0500 (EST)
Date: Mon, 4 Mar 2002 14:10:17 -0500 (EST)
From: editor@telecom-digest.org
Message-Id: <200203041910.OAA03354@massis.lcs.mit.edu>
To: ptownson
Approved: patsnewlist
Subject: TELECOM Digest V20 #177

TELECOM Digest     Mon, 4 Mar 2002 14:10:00 EST    Volume 20 : Issue 178

Inside This Issue:                            Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    Telecom Update (Canada) #322, March 4, 2002 (Angus TeleManagement)
    Re: Canada Leaving Country Code 1? (John R. Levine)
    Re: Canada Leaving Country Code 1? (Dominic Richens)
    Re: Canada Leaving Country Code 1? (Carl Moore)
    Re: Area Codes in ND, SD (John R. Levine)
    Re: Area Codes in ND, SD (Linc Madison)
    Re: Area Codes in ND, SD (Clarence Dold)

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*   TELECOM Digest is partially funded by a grant from                  *
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*   800 & Dot Com News, Intelligence, Analysis, and Consulting.         *
*   http://ICBTollFree.com, http://1800TheExpert.com                    *
*   Views expressed herein should not be construed as representing      *
*   views of Judith Oppenheimer or ICB Inc.                             *
*************************************************************************

ICB Toll Free News.  Contact information is not sold, rented or leased.
Access to Premium (P) links requires upgrade to a paid subscription.

One click a day feeds a person a meal.  Go to http://www.thehungersite.com

Only subscribers or registered users of ICB Toll Free News web site
will be able to access all or some of the full text of URLs provided.

LEGAL STUFF: TELECOM Digest (sm) is owned by Patrick Townson.
Copyright 2000 ICB, Inc. and TELECOM Digest. All rights reserved.
Our attorney is Bill Levant, of Blue Bell, PA.

   In addition, a gift from Mike Sandman, Chicago's Telecom Expert
   has enabled me to replace some obsolete computer equipment and
   enter the 21st century sort of on schedule. His mail order 
   telephone parts/supplies service based in the Chicago area has
   been widely recognized by Digest readers as a reliable and very
   inexpensive source of telecom-related equipment. Please request
   a free catalog today at http://www.sandman.com 
   ---------------------------------------------------------------
    
Finally, the Digest is funded by gifts from generous readers such as
yourself who provide funding in amounts deemed appropriate. Your help
is important and appreciated. A suggested donation of twenty dollars
per year per reader is considered appropriate. See our address above.
Please make at least a single donation to cover the cost of processing
your name to the mailing list.

All opinions expressed herein are deemed to be those of the author. Any
organizations listed are for identification purposes only and messages
should not be considered any official expression by the organization.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Mon, 04 Mar 2002 11:48:55 -0500
From: Angus TeleManagement <jriddell@angustel.ca>
Subject: Telecom Update (Canada) #322, March 4, 2002



TELECOM UPDATE

published weekly by Angus TeleManagement Group
http://www.angustel.ca

Number 322: March 4, 2002

Publication of Telecom Update is made possible by generous
financial support from:
** AT&T CANADA http://www.attcanada.com
** BELL CANADA http://www.bell.ca
** GROUP TELECOM http://www.gt.ca
** LUCENT TECHNOLOGIES CANADA http://www.lucent.ca
** PRIMUS CANADA: http://www.primustel.ca
** Q9 NETWORKS: http://www.Q9.com
** TELUS: http://www.telus.com
** UNISPHERE NETWORKS: http://www.unispherenetworks.com


IN THIS ISSUE:

** RIM Intros Voice-Equipped BlackBerry
** Stream Placed in Receivership
** Avaya Intros IP PBXs
** Nortel Ends Transitional Leadership Body
** Telus Loses Appeal in Petty Case
** Bell to Raise Basic Overseas Rates
** Colleges Trial Wireless PDAs
** TeraGo Buys Building Access Provider
** CRTC to Review Service Improvement in North
** Mitel Offers Low-End IP Phones
** Call-Net Ruling to be Appealed
** Canadian Data Market Grows 17%
** Aliant to Post Tariffs On-Line
** NewTel to End Pre-Cellular Wireless Phone Service
** Toronto ISP Offers DSL for $34.95
** Williams Weighs Bankruptcy
** Neuman Moves to Bell Mobility
** Bell's Courtois Heads Comm Institute
** Certicom Names CEO
** Utilities Make Big Moves in Telecom

============================================================

RIM INTROS VOICE-EQUIPPED BLACKBERRY: Research in Motion has announced
a GPRS-based BlackBerry that includes cellphone capability. Two
U.S. wireless networks are to start shipping the units within a month;
Rogers AT&T and Microcell will offer them in Canada later this year.

** Cognos, whose software alerts managers regarding
    significant events in their business, has agreed to
    develop a version to run on BlackBerry devices.

** RIM's BlackBerry e-mail devices can now send files over
    the Internet to a printer or fax machine, using a service
    from PrinterOn.

STREAM PLACED IN RECEIVERSHIP: Stream Intelligent Networks has been
forced into bankruptcy protection on the initiative of GE
Capital. PricewaterhouseCoopers is interim receiver.  Telecom Update
understands that the decision was made February 22, after negotiations
to arrange new financing fell through.

** Stream, based in Toronto, describes itself as a
    Metropolitan Area Network Provider. It has fibre networks
    in Toronto and Mississauga, and won broadband wireless
    licences covering most of Canada in the January 2000
    spectrum auction. Telemanagement #189 (October 2001)
    featured a major interview with President and CEO Steve
    Spooner.

AVAYA INTROS IP PBXs: Avaya has announced a new IP telephony system,
including MultiVantage call control software, three servers, and two
gateways, as part of its ECLIPS portfolio.  General availability in
North America is planned for May 2002.

** The March issue of Telemanagement contains a feature
    report on the new system.

NORTEL ENDS TRANSITIONAL LEADERSHIP BODY: Nortel Networks has
dissolved the three-member Office of the Chief Executive created last
November. Frank Dunn continues as CEO, Red Wilson stays as
non-executive Chairman, and John Roth will leave the company in April.

** Nortel has launched two Remote Office products that extend
    the features of a Meridian or Succession PBX to remote
    workers via IP networking.

TELUS LOSES APPEAL IN PETTY CASE: Telus has again been ordered to pay
George Petty his performance bonus. On February 27, the Court of
Appeal for British Columbia rejected the company's appeal of last
year's B.C. Supreme Court ruling that it owed its former CEO a
performance bonus of $478,000 plus interest and legal expenses. (See
Telecom Update #269)

http://www.courts.gov.bc.ca/jdb-txt/ca/02/01/2002BCCA0135.htm

BELL TO RAISE BASIC OVERSEAS RATES: On May 1, Bell Canada will
increase the basic overseas rates paid by customers who do not
subscribe to Bell long distance plans.

COLLEGES TRIAL WIRELESS PDAs: Seneca College and Northern Alberta
Institute of Technology plan to provide learning materials to 300
students using wireless-enabled iPaq handheld computers. The pilot
project begins in September, using Bell Mobility's 1XRTT network.

TERAGO BUYS BUILDING ACCESS PROVIDER: TeraGo Networks has bought
Onsite Access Canada, a unit of Oxford Properties that provides
telecom services in about 30 Toronto-area office buildings. (See
Telecom Update #287)

** TeraGo says it has obtained $6.5 million in new equity
    financing.

CRTC TO REVIEW SERVICE IMPROVEMENT IN NORTH: In Public Notice 2002-1,
the CRTC initiates a review of the impact of Decision 2000-746, which
approved supplemental funding and rate increases for Northwestel along
with a four-year Service Improvement plan in Northwestel territory. To
take part, notify the Commission by March 15.

http://www.crtc.gc.ca/archive/ENG/Notices/2002/pt2002-1.htm

MITEL OFFERS LOW-END IP PHONES: Mitel Networks has announced pricing
for the two new IP phones described in the February issue of
Telemanagement. Model 5005 is listed at C$255, and #5001 at $170.

CALL-NET RULING TO BE APPEALED: Call-Net says it has learned that the
Ontario court ruling that no change in control occurred in the company
in 1999 will be appealed. (See Telecom Update #318)

CANADIAN DATA MARKET GROWS 17%: Convergence Consulting says that the
Canadian market for data communications and Internet access grew 17%
in 2001 and is likely to continue to increase at that rate this year
and in 2003.

http://www.convergenceonline.com

ALIANT TO POST TARIFFS ON-LINE: CRTC Telecom Order 2002-106 approves,
with modifications, applications from Aliant, NBTel, and NewTel to
replace their printed tariffs with an on-line version available
without charge at Aliant's website.  (See Telecom Update #314)

http://www.crtc.gc.ca/archive/ENG/Orders/2002/o2002-106.htm

NEWTEL TO END PRE-CELLULAR WIRELESS PHONE SERVICE: NewTel, a unit of
Aliant, plans to shut down its IMTS mobile wireless service in
Newfoundland and Labrador, introduced in 1965, within six months.

TORONTO ISP OFFERS DSL FOR $34.95: Pathway Communications, a
Toronto-based Internet access provider with 20,000 subscribers, now
offers residential DSL service for $34.95/month.

WILLIAMS WEIGHS BANKRUPTCY: Williams Communications, which operates a
U.S.-based 30,000-km fibre network, says it is "considering the
potential benefits of a negotiated Chapter 11 reorganization process"
and plans to cut "controllable spending" by 25%.

NEUMAN MOVES TO BELL MOBILITY: BCE has named Michael Neuman,
previously EVP of Teleglobe, as President and COO of Bell
Mobility. Pierre Blouin, CEO of Bell Mobility, is now also Executive
VP of BCE.

BELL'S COURTOIS HEADS COMM INSTITUTE: Bernard Courtois, Bell Canada's
Chief Strategy Officer, has been named President of the International
Institute of Communications, an independent forum for industry,
government, and academia that analyzes and debates trends in
communications.

CERTICOM NAMES CEO: Certicom, which develops wireless security
software, has named Ian McKinnon as President and CEO. The company
reports revenue of US$3.2 million and a pro forma net loss of 3.6
million for the three months ended January 31. (See Telecom Update
#309)

UTILITIES MAKE BIG MOVES IN TELECOM: The March issue of
Telemanagement, available this week, reports on the expansion of
telecom services offered by Canadian electrical utilities.  Also in
Telemanagement #193:

** An exclusive interview with the new head of the CRTC
** "SNMP Vulnerabilities Undermine Net Security"
** "Call Centres in Budget Squeeze"

Single copies of Telemanagement #190 are $75 each -- call 905-686-5050
ext 500 and charge to Visa, American Express, or Mastercard. Save 53%
with a 10-issue subscription -- go to
http://www.angustel.ca/teleman/tm.html.

============================================================

HOW TO SUBMIT ITEMS FOR TELECOM UPDATE

E-MAIL: editors@angustel.ca

FAX:    905-686-2655

MAIL:   TELECOM UPDATE
         Angus TeleManagement Group
         8 Old Kingston Road
         Ajax, Ontario Canada L1T 2Z7

===========================================================

HOW TO SUBSCRIBE (OR UNSUBSCRIBE)

TELECOM UPDATE is provided in electronic form only. There
are two formats available:

1. The fully-formatted edition is posted on the World
    Wide Web on the first business day of the week at
    http://www.angustel.ca

2. The e-mail edition is distributed free of charge.
    To subscribe, send an e-mail message to:
       TelecomUpdate@add.postmastergeneral.com
    To stop receiving the e-mail edition, send
    an e-mail message to:
       TelecomUpdate@remove.postmastergeneral.com

    Sending e-mail to these addresses will automatically add
    or remove the sender's e-mail address from the list. Leave
    subject line and message area blank.

===========================================================

COPYRIGHT AND CONDITIONS OF USE: All contents copyright 2002 Angus
TeleManagement Group Inc. All rights reserved. For further
information, including permission to reprint or reproduce, please
e-mail rosita@angustel.ca or phone 905-686-5050 ext 500.

The information and data included has been obtained from sources which
we believe to be reliable, but Angus TeleManagement makes no
warranties or representations whatsoever regarding accuracy,
completeness, or adequacy.  Opinions expressed are based on
interpretation of available information, and are subject to change. If
expert advice on the subject matter is required, the services of a
competent professional should be obtained.

------------------------------

Date: 2 Mar 2002 04:28:20 -0500
From: johnl@iecc.com (John R. Levine)
Subject: Re: Canada Leaving Country Code 1?
Organization: I.E.C.C., Trumansburg NY USA


> Has Canada ever sought to leave country code 1?

Good lord, no.

> What about any of the Carribean islands?

I don't think so.  The ones in the NANP seem to like it there.

> If Quebec seceded from Canada (or a US state seceded from the Union)
> and sought a seperate country code, what would the new one most
> likely be?

Were Quebec to secede, I'd be astonished if they changed their phone
numbers.  There's already dozens of countries in the NANP, one more
wouldn't make any difference.  (Well, it would be the first
francophone one.  Sacre bleu!)

In the unlikely event that they were to ask for a country code, they'd
probably get an unused 3-digit code starting with 2, which would then
cost a billion dollars to reprogram into all the phone switches in
North America.


John R. Levine, IECC, POB 727, Trumansburg NY 14886 +1 607 387 6869
johnl@iecc.com, Village Trustee and Sewer Commissioner http://iecc.com/johnl 
Member, Provisional board, Coalition Against Unsolicited Commercial E-mail

------------------------------

From: Dominic Richens <dominic.richens@sympatico.ca>
Subject: Re: Canada Leaving Country Code 1?
Date: Sat, 2 Mar 2002 08:36:00 -0500
Organization: Nortel


"Rev. John Charles Wilson" <johnway35@hotmail.com> wrote:

> Has Canada ever sought to leave country code 1?  What about any of the
> Carribean islands?  If Quebec seceded from Canada (or a US state
> seceded from the Union) and sought a seperate  country code, what
> would the new one most likely be?

Now I don't work for the CRTC or Bell Canada or anything like that,
but as a Canadian and former Quebecer working for Canadian companies,
I can't think of any reason why _I_ would want to leave the NANPA.

For my American customers, dialling a Nortel or Bombardier number
requires no more thought that Lucent or Boeing, unlike trying to dial
Alcatel or Aerospatial.  I even lived in France for a year and every
time I have to call someone in France, it takes me about 5 minutes
figure out if they are in provence or part of Paris et les environ,
because there is an extra digit in there somewhere for the former (or
used to be...have they fixed that yet?)

Somehow being part of NANPA makes Canadian companies seem less
"foreign" than, say, a French company ... not that Americans are
xenophobic or anything.

As for Quebec seceding, any changes that would hurt business/economy,
tangible or not, will not happen (same currency, same passport, same
federal gov't debt ... same dial-plan).  IMHO this is why secession has
not happened yet ...the rest of Canada sees it as the teenager who
moved out on their own, but routinely comes back to watch cableTV and
raid the ice-box.

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 4 Mar 2002 10:31:11 EST
From: Carl Moore <cmoore@ARL.ARMY.MIL>
Subject: Re: Canada Leaving Country Code 1?


You did mention the U.S., so notice that secession was an
issue in the (U.S.) Civil War, fought over 135 years ago.

There has been previous discussion in the archives about Canada
in country code 1:

1. As I recall, there could some technical problems in giving
   Canada a different country code, and it wouldn't be all that
   much relief for any area code shortage in +1.  Also remember
   that there are many small countries in old area code 809.

2. If Quebec left Canada?  Canada would be left non-contiguous,
   with Quebec standing between the maritime provinces and the
   rest of Canada, and would also cause those Canadian (federal)
   offices on the Quebec side of the Ottawa-Hull boundary to have
   to move to the Ontario side.  I do know that St. Regis is in
   Quebec but is using a prefix in area code 613 in Ontario.  But
   I don't know of any problems, if Quebec left Canada, with keeping
   area codes the way they are (recall what I just said about old
   area 809).

------------------------------

Date: 2 Mar 2002 04:24:15 -0500
From: johnl@iecc.com (John R. Levine)
Subject: Re: Area Codes in ND, SD
Organization: I.E.C.C., Trumansburg NY USA


> When will area code 605 (SD) and area code 701 (ND) be filled and need
> to be split?  I am guessing the split would be east/west, with (for
> SD) Sioux Falls still in 605 and Vapid (oops, I meant Rapid <g>) City
> in the new code.  For ND, probably Fargo and Grand Forks keeping 701
> and Minot getting a new code.

NANPA says they're both expected to fill up in 3Q 2007.  It'll
probably be even longer than that -- both were forecast to fill sooner
last year, so demand is slowing down.


John R. Levine, IECC, POB 727, Trumansburg NY 14886 +1 607 387 6869
johnl@iecc.com, Village Trustee and Sewer Commissioner http://iecc.com/johnl 
Member, Provisional board, Coalition Against Unsolicited Commercial E-mail

------------------------------

From: Linc Madison <lincmad001@telecom-digest.zzn.com>
Subject: Re: Area Codes in ND, SD
Date: Sat, 02 Mar 2002 15:53:44 -0800
Organization: MindSpring Enterprises


In article <telecom20.176.11@telecom-digest.org>, Rev. John Charles
Wilson <johnway35@hotmail.com> wrote:

> When will area code 605 (SD) and area code 701 (ND) be filled and
> need to be split?  I am guessing the split would be east/west, with
> (for SD) Sioux Falls still in 605 and Vapid (oops, I meant Rapid <g>)
> City in the new code.  For ND, probably Fargo and Grand Forks keeping
> 701 and Minot getting a new code.

Probably around the same time that either state gets a second rep in
Congress ...

SoDak did increase its population by 8.5% between the 1990 and 2000
censuses, but that's behind the 13.1% increase nationally. The 1990
census had been a record high for South Dakota, narrowly beating out
its previous high mark from 1930. South Dakota has over 500 prefixes
in use, but very low demand.

NoDak increased its population by only 0.5% in ten years, leaving it
still lower than it was in 1920. The total US population is up by about
150% over that time span. North Dakota also has about 500 prefixes in
use, but also very low demand.

The May 2000 COCUS results showed projected exhaust dates of about
2005 for both 701 and 605, but I would guess that the general slowdown
in demand for prefixes (due to the combination of consolidation of
industry players and the more efficient allocation of numbering
resources) will forestall relief for several more years beyond that. I
would say that there is a good chance that the Dakotas will make it to
the point where the NANP expands beyond 10-digit numbers before they
run out in their current area codes.


LincMad dot Com  *  North American Telephone Area Codes & Splits
Preferred Reply Address: Telecom # LincMad * Com
Unsolicited bulk e-mail will be reported to your admin or upstream.


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note:  Linc, what about tiny Rhode Island and
its 401 area code?  When, if ever, will that one split?  PAT]

------------------------------

From: dold@51.usenet.us.com
Subject: Re: Area Codes in ND, SD
Date: 4 Mar 2002 01:43:42 GMT
Organization: Wintercreek Data


Rev. John Charles Wilson <johnway35@hotmail.com> wrote:

> When will area code 605 (SD) and area code 701 (ND) be filled and need

Projections like this can be found at http://www.nanpa.com It's not
close enough (already in Jeopardy) to be listed on
http://www.nanpa.com/news/bulletin_board.html Following down the path
of http://www.nanpa.com/relief_planning/index.html

	Locality 	NPA Apr 01 Fcst 
	South Dakota	605 2007 3Q
	North Dakota	701 2007 3Q

Clarence A Dold - dold@email.rahul.net
                - Pope Valley (Napa County) CA.

------------------------------

End of TELECOM Digest V20 #178
******************************
    
    
From editor@telecom-digest.org  Mon Mar  4 14:16:51 2002
Received: (from ptownson@localhost)
	by massis.lcs.mit.edu (8.9.1/8.9.1) id OAA03670;
	Mon, 4 Mar 2002 14:16:51 -0500 (EST)
Date: Mon, 4 Mar 2002 14:16:51 -0500 (EST)
From: editor@telecom-digest.org
Message-Id: <200203041916.OAA03670@massis.lcs.mit.edu>
To: ptownson
Approved: patsnewlist
Subject: TELECOM Digest V20 #178

TELECOM Digest     Mon, 4 Mar 2002 14:10:00 EST    Volume 20 : Issue 178

Inside This Issue:                            Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    Telecom Update (Canada) #322, March 4, 2002 (Angus TeleManagement)
    Re: Canada Leaving Country Code 1? (John R. Levine)
    Re: Canada Leaving Country Code 1? (Dominic Richens)
    Re: Canada Leaving Country Code 1? (Carl Moore)
    Re: Area Codes in ND, SD (John R. Levine)
    Re: Area Codes in ND, SD (Linc Madison)
    Re: Area Codes in ND, SD (Clarence Dold)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
exclusively to telecommunications topics. It is circulated anywhere
there is email, in addition to various telecom forums on a variety of
networks such as Compuserve and America On Line, and other forums.
It is also gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated 
newsgroup 'comp.dcom.telecom'.

TELECOM Digest is a not-for-profit, mostly non-commercial educational
service offered to the Internet by Patrick Townson. All the contents
of the Digest are compilation-copyrighted. You may reprint articles in
some other media on an occasional basis, but please attribute my work
and that of the original author.

Contact information:    Patrick Townson/TELECOM Digest
                        Post Office Box 50
                        Independence, KS 67301
                        Phone: 630-841-7174
                        Email: editor@telecom-digest.org

Subscribe:  telecom-subscribe@telecom-digest.org
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This Digest is the oldest continuing e-journal about telecomm-
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published continuously since then.  Our archives are available for
your review/research. We believe we are the second oldest e-zine/
mailing list on the internet in any category!

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      Send a simple, one line note to that automated address for
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*************************************************************************
*   TELECOM Digest is partially funded by a grant from                  *
*   Judith Oppenheimer, President of ICB Inc. and purveyor of accurate  *
*   800 & Dot Com News, Intelligence, Analysis, and Consulting.         *
*   http://ICBTollFree.com, http://1800TheExpert.com                    *
*   Views expressed herein should not be construed as representing      *
*   views of Judith Oppenheimer or ICB Inc.                             *
*************************************************************************

ICB Toll Free News.  Contact information is not sold, rented or leased.
Access to Premium (P) links requires upgrade to a paid subscription.

One click a day feeds a person a meal.  Go to http://www.thehungersite.com

Only subscribers or registered users of ICB Toll Free News web site
will be able to access all or some of the full text of URLs provided.

LEGAL STUFF: TELECOM Digest (sm) is owned by Patrick Townson.
Copyright 2000 ICB, Inc. and TELECOM Digest. All rights reserved.
Our attorney is Bill Levant, of Blue Bell, PA.

   In addition, a gift from Mike Sandman, Chicago's Telecom Expert
   has enabled me to replace some obsolete computer equipment and
   enter the 21st century sort of on schedule. His mail order 
   telephone parts/supplies service based in the Chicago area has
   been widely recognized by Digest readers as a reliable and very
   inexpensive source of telecom-related equipment. Please request
   a free catalog today at http://www.sandman.com 
   ---------------------------------------------------------------
    
Finally, the Digest is funded by gifts from generous readers such as
yourself who provide funding in amounts deemed appropriate. Your help
is important and appreciated. A suggested donation of twenty dollars
per year per reader is considered appropriate. See our address above.
Please make at least a single donation to cover the cost of processing
your name to the mailing list.

All opinions expressed herein are deemed to be those of the author. Any
organizations listed are for identification purposes only and messages
should not be considered any official expression by the organization.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Mon, 04 Mar 2002 11:48:55 -0500
From: Angus TeleManagement <jriddell@angustel.ca>
Subject: Telecom Update (Canada) #322, March 4, 2002



TELECOM UPDATE

published weekly by Angus TeleManagement Group
http://www.angustel.ca

Number 322: March 4, 2002

Publication of Telecom Update is made possible by generous
financial support from:
** AT&T CANADA http://www.attcanada.com
** BELL CANADA http://www.bell.ca
** GROUP TELECOM http://www.gt.ca
** LUCENT TECHNOLOGIES CANADA http://www.lucent.ca
** PRIMUS CANADA: http://www.primustel.ca
** Q9 NETWORKS: http://www.Q9.com
** TELUS: http://www.telus.com
** UNISPHERE NETWORKS: http://www.unispherenetworks.com


IN THIS ISSUE:

** RIM Intros Voice-Equipped BlackBerry
** Stream Placed in Receivership
** Avaya Intros IP PBXs
** Nortel Ends Transitional Leadership Body
** Telus Loses Appeal in Petty Case
** Bell to Raise Basic Overseas Rates
** Colleges Trial Wireless PDAs
** TeraGo Buys Building Access Provider
** CRTC to Review Service Improvement in North
** Mitel Offers Low-End IP Phones
** Call-Net Ruling to be Appealed
** Canadian Data Market Grows 17%
** Aliant to Post Tariffs On-Line
** NewTel to End Pre-Cellular Wireless Phone Service
** Toronto ISP Offers DSL for $34.95
** Williams Weighs Bankruptcy
** Neuman Moves to Bell Mobility
** Bell's Courtois Heads Comm Institute
** Certicom Names CEO
** Utilities Make Big Moves in Telecom

============================================================

RIM INTROS VOICE-EQUIPPED BLACKBERRY: Research in Motion has announced
a GPRS-based BlackBerry that includes cellphone capability. Two
U.S. wireless networks are to start shipping the units within a month;
Rogers AT&T and Microcell will offer them in Canada later this year.

** Cognos, whose software alerts managers regarding
    significant events in their business, has agreed to
    develop a version to run on BlackBerry devices.

** RIM's BlackBerry e-mail devices can now send files over
    the Internet to a printer or fax machine, using a service
    from PrinterOn.

STREAM PLACED IN RECEIVERSHIP: Stream Intelligent Networks has been
forced into bankruptcy protection on the initiative of GE
Capital. PricewaterhouseCoopers is interim receiver.  Telecom Update
understands that the decision was made February 22, after negotiations
to arrange new financing fell through.

** Stream, based in Toronto, describes itself as a
    Metropolitan Area Network Provider. It has fibre networks
    in Toronto and Mississauga, and won broadband wireless
    licences covering most of Canada in the January 2000
    spectrum auction. Telemanagement #189 (October 2001)
    featured a major interview with President and CEO Steve
    Spooner.

AVAYA INTROS IP PBXs: Avaya has announced a new IP telephony system,
including MultiVantage call control software, three servers, and two
gateways, as part of its ECLIPS portfolio.  General availability in
North America is planned for May 2002.

** The March issue of Telemanagement contains a feature
    report on the new system.

NORTEL ENDS TRANSITIONAL LEADERSHIP BODY: Nortel Networks has
dissolved the three-member Office of the Chief Executive created last
November. Frank Dunn continues as CEO, Red Wilson stays as
non-executive Chairman, and John Roth will leave the company in April.

** Nortel has launched two Remote Office products that extend
    the features of a Meridian or Succession PBX to remote
    workers via IP networking.

TELUS LOSES APPEAL IN PETTY CASE: Telus has again been ordered to pay
George Petty his performance bonus. On February 27, the Court of
Appeal for British Columbia rejected the company's appeal of last
year's B.C. Supreme Court ruling that it owed its former CEO a
performance bonus of $478,000 plus interest and legal expenses. (See
Telecom Update #269)

http://www.courts.gov.bc.ca/jdb-txt/ca/02/01/2002BCCA0135.htm

BELL TO RAISE BASIC OVERSEAS RATES: On May 1, Bell Canada will
increase the basic overseas rates paid by customers who do not
subscribe to Bell long distance plans.

COLLEGES TRIAL WIRELESS PDAs: Seneca College and Northern Alberta
Institute of Technology plan to provide learning materials to 300
students using wireless-enabled iPaq handheld computers. The pilot
project begins in September, using Bell Mobility's 1XRTT network.

TERAGO BUYS BUILDING ACCESS PROVIDER: TeraGo Networks has bought
Onsite Access Canada, a unit of Oxford Properties that provides
telecom services in about 30 Toronto-area office buildings. (See
Telecom Update #287)

** TeraGo says it has obtained $6.5 million in new equity
    financing.

CRTC TO REVIEW SERVICE IMPROVEMENT IN NORTH: In Public Notice 2002-1,
the CRTC initiates a review of the impact of Decision 2000-746, which
approved supplemental funding and rate increases for Northwestel along
with a four-year Service Improvement plan in Northwestel territory. To
take part, notify the Commission by March 15.

http://www.crtc.gc.ca/archive/ENG/Notices/2002/pt2002-1.htm

MITEL OFFERS LOW-END IP PHONES: Mitel Networks has announced pricing
for the two new IP phones described in the February issue of
Telemanagement. Model 5005 is listed at C$255, and #5001 at $170.

CALL-NET RULING TO BE APPEALED: Call-Net says it has learned that the
Ontario court ruling that no change in control occurred in the company
in 1999 will be appealed. (See Telecom Update #318)

CANADIAN DATA MARKET GROWS 17%: Convergence Consulting says that the
Canadian market for data communications and Internet access grew 17%
in 2001 and is likely to continue to increase at that rate this year
and in 2003.

http://www.convergenceonline.com

ALIANT TO POST TARIFFS ON-LINE: CRTC Telecom Order 2002-106 approves,
with modifications, applications from Aliant, NBTel, and NewTel to
replace their printed tariffs with an on-line version available
without charge at Aliant's website.  (See Telecom Update #314)

http://www.crtc.gc.ca/archive/ENG/Orders/2002/o2002-106.htm

NEWTEL TO END PRE-CELLULAR WIRELESS PHONE SERVICE: NewTel, a unit of
Aliant, plans to shut down its IMTS mobile wireless service in
Newfoundland and Labrador, introduced in 1965, within six months.

TORONTO ISP OFFERS DSL FOR $34.95: Pathway Communications, a
Toronto-based Internet access provider with 20,000 subscribers, now
offers residential DSL service for $34.95/month.

WILLIAMS WEIGHS BANKRUPTCY: Williams Communications, which operates a
U.S.-based 30,000-km fibre network, says it is "considering the
potential benefits of a negotiated Chapter 11 reorganization process"
and plans to cut "controllable spending" by 25%.

NEUMAN MOVES TO BELL MOBILITY: BCE has named Michael Neuman,
previously EVP of Teleglobe, as President and COO of Bell
Mobility. Pierre Blouin, CEO of Bell Mobility, is now also Executive
VP of BCE.

BELL'S COURTOIS HEADS COMM INSTITUTE: Bernard Courtois, Bell Canada's
Chief Strategy Officer, has been named President of the International
Institute of Communications, an independent forum for industry,
government, and academia that analyzes and debates trends in
communications.

CERTICOM NAMES CEO: Certicom, which develops wireless security
software, has named Ian McKinnon as President and CEO. The company
reports revenue of US$3.2 million and a pro forma net loss of 3.6
million for the three months ended January 31. (See Telecom Update
#309)

UTILITIES MAKE BIG MOVES IN TELECOM: The March issue of
Telemanagement, available this week, reports on the expansion of
telecom services offered by Canadian electrical utilities.  Also in
Telemanagement #193:

** An exclusive interview with the new head of the CRTC
** "SNMP Vulnerabilities Undermine Net Security"
** "Call Centres in Budget Squeeze"

Single copies of Telemanagement #190 are $75 each -- call 905-686-5050
ext 500 and charge to Visa, American Express, or Mastercard. Save 53%
with a 10-issue subscription -- go to
http://www.angustel.ca/teleman/tm.html.

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The information and data included has been obtained from sources which
we believe to be reliable, but Angus TeleManagement makes no
warranties or representations whatsoever regarding accuracy,
completeness, or adequacy.  Opinions expressed are based on
interpretation of available information, and are subject to change. If
expert advice on the subject matter is required, the services of a
competent professional should be obtained.

------------------------------

Date: 2 Mar 2002 04:28:20 -0500
From: johnl@iecc.com (John R. Levine)
Subject: Re: Canada Leaving Country Code 1?
Organization: I.E.C.C., Trumansburg NY USA


> Has Canada ever sought to leave country code 1?

Good lord, no.

> What about any of the Carribean islands?

I don't think so.  The ones in the NANP seem to like it there.

> If Quebec seceded from Canada (or a US state seceded from the Union)
> and sought a seperate country code, what would the new one most
> likely be?

Were Quebec to secede, I'd be astonished if they changed their phone
numbers.  There's already dozens of countries in the NANP, one more
wouldn't make any difference.  (Well, it would be the first
francophone one.  Sacre bleu!)

In the unlikely event that they were to ask for a country code, they'd
probably get an unused 3-digit code starting with 2, which would then
cost a billion dollars to reprogram into all the phone switches in
North America.


John R. Levine, IECC, POB 727, Trumansburg NY 14886 +1 607 387 6869
johnl@iecc.com, Village Trustee and Sewer Commissioner http://iecc.com/johnl 
Member, Provisional board, Coalition Against Unsolicited Commercial E-mail

------------------------------

From: Dominic Richens <dominic.richens@sympatico.ca>
Subject: Re: Canada Leaving Country Code 1?
Date: Sat, 2 Mar 2002 08:36:00 -0500
Organization: Nortel


"Rev. John Charles Wilson" <johnway35@hotmail.com> wrote:

> Has Canada ever sought to leave country code 1?  What about any of the
> Carribean islands?  If Quebec seceded from Canada (or a US state
> seceded from the Union) and sought a seperate  country code, what
> would the new one most likely be?

Now I don't work for the CRTC or Bell Canada or anything like that,
but as a Canadian and former Quebecer working for Canadian companies,
I can't think of any reason why _I_ would want to leave the NANPA.

For my American customers, dialling a Nortel or Bombardier number
requires no more thought that Lucent or Boeing, unlike trying to dial
Alcatel or Aerospatial.  I even lived in France for a year and every
time I have to call someone in France, it takes me about 5 minutes
figure out if they are in provence or part of Paris et les environ,
because there is an extra digit in there somewhere for the former (or
used to be...have they fixed that yet?)

Somehow being part of NANPA makes Canadian companies seem less
"foreign" than, say, a French company ... not that Americans are
xenophobic or anything.

As for Quebec seceding, any changes that would hurt business/economy,
tangible or not, will not happen (same currency, same passport, same
federal gov't debt ... same dial-plan).  IMHO this is why secession has
not happened yet ...the rest of Canada sees it as the teenager who
moved out on their own, but routinely comes back to watch cableTV and
raid the ice-box.

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 4 Mar 2002 10:31:11 EST
From: Carl Moore <cmoore@ARL.ARMY.MIL>
Subject: Re: Canada Leaving Country Code 1?


You did mention the U.S., so notice that secession was an
issue in the (U.S.) Civil War, fought over 135 years ago.

There has been previous discussion in the archives about Canada
in country code 1:

1. As I recall, there could some technical problems in giving
   Canada a different country code, and it wouldn't be all that
   much relief for any area code shortage in +1.  Also remember
   that there are many small countries in old area code 809.

2. If Quebec left Canada?  Canada would be left non-contiguous,
   with Quebec standing between the maritime provinces and the
   rest of Canada, and would also cause those Canadian (federal)
   offices on the Quebec side of the Ottawa-Hull boundary to have
   to move to the Ontario side.  I do know that St. Regis is in
   Quebec but is using a prefix in area code 613 in Ontario.  But
   I don't know of any problems, if Quebec left Canada, with keeping
   area codes the way they are (recall what I just said about old
   area 809).

------------------------------

Date: 2 Mar 2002 04:24:15 -0500
From: johnl@iecc.com (John R. Levine)
Subject: Re: Area Codes in ND, SD
Organization: I.E.C.C., Trumansburg NY USA


> When will area code 605 (SD) and area code 701 (ND) be filled and need
> to be split?  I am guessing the split would be east/west, with (for
> SD) Sioux Falls still in 605 and Vapid (oops, I meant Rapid <g>) City
> in the new code.  For ND, probably Fargo and Grand Forks keeping 701
> and Minot getting a new code.

NANPA says they're both expected to fill up in 3Q 2007.  It'll
probably be even longer than that -- both were forecast to fill sooner
last year, so demand is slowing down.


John R. Levine, IECC, POB 727, Trumansburg NY 14886 +1 607 387 6869
johnl@iecc.com, Village Trustee and Sewer Commissioner http://iecc.com/johnl 
Member, Provisional board, Coalition Against Unsolicited Commercial E-mail

------------------------------

From: Linc Madison <lincmad001@telecom-digest.zzn.com>
Subject: Re: Area Codes in ND, SD
Date: Sat, 02 Mar 2002 15:53:44 -0800
Organization: MindSpring Enterprises


In article <telecom20.176.11@telecom-digest.org>, Rev. John Charles
Wilson <johnway35@hotmail.com> wrote:

> When will area code 605 (SD) and area code 701 (ND) be filled and
> need to be split?  I am guessing the split would be east/west, with
> (for SD) Sioux Falls still in 605 and Vapid (oops, I meant Rapid <g>)
> City in the new code.  For ND, probably Fargo and Grand Forks keeping
> 701 and Minot getting a new code.

Probably around the same time that either state gets a second rep in
Congress ...

SoDak did increase its population by 8.5% between the 1990 and 2000
censuses, but that's behind the 13.1% increase nationally. The 1990
census had been a record high for South Dakota, narrowly beating out
its previous high mark from 1930. South Dakota has over 500 prefixes
in use, but very low demand.

NoDak increased its population by only 0.5% in ten years, leaving it
still lower than it was in 1920. The total US population is up by about
150% over that time span. North Dakota also has about 500 prefixes in
use, but also very low demand.

The May 2000 COCUS results showed projected exhaust dates of about
2005 for both 701 and 605, but I would guess that the general slowdown
in demand for prefixes (due to the combination of consolidation of
industry players and the more efficient allocation of numbering
resources) will forestall relief for several more years beyond that. I
would say that there is a good chance that the Dakotas will make it to
the point where the NANP expands beyond 10-digit numbers before they
run out in their current area codes.


LincMad dot Com  *  North American Telephone Area Codes & Splits
Preferred Reply Address: Telecom # LincMad * Com
Unsolicited bulk e-mail will be reported to your admin or upstream.


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note:  Linc, what about tiny Rhode Island and
its 401 area code?  When, if ever, will that one split?  PAT]

------------------------------

From: dold@51.usenet.us.com
Subject: Re: Area Codes in ND, SD
Date: 4 Mar 2002 01:43:42 GMT
Organization: Wintercreek Data


Rev. John Charles Wilson <johnway35@hotmail.com> wrote:

> When will area code 605 (SD) and area code 701 (ND) be filled and need

Projections like this can be found at http://www.nanpa.com It's not
close enough (already in Jeopardy) to be listed on
http://www.nanpa.com/news/bulletin_board.html Following down the path
of http://www.nanpa.com/relief_planning/index.html

	Locality 	NPA Apr 01 Fcst 
	South Dakota	605 2007 3Q
	North Dakota	701 2007 3Q

Clarence A Dold - dold@email.rahul.net
                - Pope Valley (Napa County) CA.

------------------------------

End of TELECOM Digest V20 #178
******************************
    
    
From editor@telecom-digest.org  Mon Mar  4 16:47:22 2002
Received: (from ptownson@localhost)
	by massis.lcs.mit.edu (8.9.1/8.9.1) id QAA07613;
	Mon, 4 Mar 2002 16:47:22 -0500 (EST)
Date: Mon, 4 Mar 2002 16:47:22 -0500 (EST)
From: editor@telecom-digest.org
Message-Id: <200203042147.QAA07613@massis.lcs.mit.edu>
To: ptownson
Approved: patsnewlist
Subject: TELECOM Digest V20 #179

TELECOM Digest     Mon, 4 Mar 2002 16:40:00 EST    Volume 20 : Issue 179

Inside This Issue:                            Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    Looking For Merlin Legend Admin Resources (Tom Dixon)
    KX-TD1232 background/hold music? (James Gifford)
    Which OSP Clearinghouse is Better? (Doctor Java)
    Telco Taxes and Prepaid Calling Cards (Doctor Java)
    International Telecomm Joint Ventures Questionnaire (GB008040)
    How to Protect From Erroneous Toll-Free Usage? (Bob Resnick)
    KX-TD Two-Way Record Feature (James Gifford)
    RolmLink Protocols (Jabriol)
    USA - Non Geographic Number (Rajesh Patel)
    Calling from "Artificial" Area Code? (Anthony E. Siegman)
    Re: IMTS Phone Service Still Available? (S. Falke)
    Re: Puzzle About How My Phone Got Diverted (John David Galt)
    Re: How Caller ID Works: Explained at HowStuffWorks (Mike Pollock)
    Re: Help me Identify This Panasonic Small-Office Phone System (Al Dykes)
    Re: Phone Ring (James Gifford)
    Re: IMTS Phone Service Still Available? (Steven Lichter)
    Re: Spammer With a Toll Free Number/Oregonusedcars.com (Steven Lichter)
    Re: Help me Identify This Panasonic Small-Office Phone System (Charles P)
    Re: AT&T Partner Voice Mail Question (Charles P)
    Problem Configuring SS7 Stack on Live Network (samrat)
    Seeking to Buying Old Yellow Pages (Greg)
    Re: Definity G3 Solution (Mike)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
exclusively to telecommunications topics. It is circulated anywhere
there is email, in addition to various telecom forums on a variety of
networks such as Compuserve and America On Line, and other forums.
It is also gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated 
newsgroup 'comp.dcom.telecom'.

TELECOM Digest is a not-for-profit, mostly non-commercial educational
service offered to the Internet by Patrick Townson. All the contents
of the Digest are compilation-copyrighted. You may reprint articles in
some other media on an occasional basis, but please attribute my work
and that of the original author.

Contact information:    Patrick Townson/TELECOM Digest
                        Post Office Box 50
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This Digest is the oldest continuing e-journal about telecomm-
unications on the Internet, having been founded in August, 1981 and
published continuously since then.  Our archives are available for
your review/research. We believe we are the second oldest e-zine/
mailing list on the internet in any category!

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*************************************************************************
*   TELECOM Digest is partially funded by a grant from                  *
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*   800 & Dot Com News, Intelligence, Analysis, and Consulting.         *
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*   Views expressed herein should not be construed as representing      *
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Access to Premium (P) links requires upgrade to a paid subscription.

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Only subscribers or registered users of ICB Toll Free News web site
will be able to access all or some of the full text of URLs provided.

LEGAL STUFF: TELECOM Digest (sm) is owned by Patrick Townson.
Copyright 2000 ICB, Inc. and TELECOM Digest. All rights reserved.
Our attorney is Bill Levant, of Blue Bell, PA.

   In addition, a gift from Mike Sandman, Chicago's Telecom Expert
   has enabled me to replace some obsolete computer equipment and
   enter the 21st century sort of on schedule. His mail order 
   telephone parts/supplies service based in the Chicago area has
   been widely recognized by Digest readers as a reliable and very
   inexpensive source of telecom-related equipment. Please request
   a free catalog today at http://www.sandman.com 
   ---------------------------------------------------------------
    
Finally, the Digest is funded by gifts from generous readers such as
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is important and appreciated. A suggested donation of twenty dollars
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Please make at least a single donation to cover the cost of processing
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All opinions expressed herein are deemed to be those of the author. Any
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should not be considered any official expression by the organization.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Tom Dixon <tdixon@nospam-arcidea.com>
Subject: Looking for Merlin Legend Admin Resources
Date: 04 Mar 2002 18:50:50 GMT
Organization: Concentric Internet Services


Are there any websites or mailing lists for Merlin Legend
administration.  I have a lot of solved problems I can help others
with, and have a few issues I need some help with myself.


Tom Dixon
tdixon@nospam.bellsouth.net

------------------------------

From: James Gifford <jgifford@surewest.not>
Subject: KX-TD1232 Background/Hold Music?
Date: Sun, 03 Mar 2002 16:56:27 -0800
Organization: Nitrosyncretic Press
Reply-To: jgifford@surewest.not


I have a used KX-TD1232 that I recently got into service, after some
teething and setup problems.

I'm trying to use the BGM (background music) feature and having trouble.

Do I need to do anything but couple a line-level mono audio signal to
one of the BGM jacks? I've done so (the earphone output of a small
radio) and am getting no signal. I've tried both inputs and used
Programator to set the BGM and Hold music input to both inputs ... no
sound. Is there a single component or circuit that's likely to be bad,
here, or am I doing something wrong in the setup?

(I have a complete user manual but only the -1 supplement for the 
installation manual, so I'm missing some crucial basic info.)


Thanks for any help ...



|           James Gifford - Nitrosyncretic Press            |
| http://www.nitrosyncretic.com for the Heinlein FAQ & more |
|  Tired of auto-spam... change "not" to "net" for replies  |

------------------------------

Reply-To: Doctor Java <javadevelopersjournal@chiltown.com>
From: Doctor Java <javadevelopersjournal@chiltown.com>
Subject: Which OSP Clearinghouse is Better?
Organization: Java Developers Journal
Date: Sun, 03 Mar 2002 15:00:12 GMT


Does anyone have advice on selecting an OSP clearinghouse? I know of
Gric and TransNexus but have no way of knowing which one is better and
why. Any input is greatly appreciated.

------------------------------

Reply-To: Doctor Java <javadevelopersjournal@chiltown.com>
From: Doctor Java <javadevelopersjournal@chiltown.com>
Subject: Telco Taxes and Prepaid Calling Cards
Organization: Java Developers Journal
Date: Sun, 03 Mar 2002 14:59:28 GMT


I would like to learn about how wholesale VOIP providers handle and
calculate taxes. I ran across some software (billsoft) and wanted to
know if this is the primary method or there is a better method?

------------------------------

From: <GB008040@ntu.ac.uk>
Subject: International Telecomm Joint Ventures Questionnaire
Date: Sat, 2 Mar 2002 17:41:01 -0000 


Hi,

If possible could you very kindly spend just a few minutes of your
time completing the questionnaire below.

The results will be used as part of my dissertation, which is
investigating International Joint Ventures (IJV) in the global
telecomm industry with a special focus on the Concert IJV.

1).	In your opinion what is the main reason that telecomm companies
enter into International Joint Venture (IJV) agreements?
	(please place an x next to the appropriate answer)
 
*	Economies of scale				
*	Increase knowledge base
*	Entry into a foreign market
*	Extend network coverage
*	To overcome regulations in a foreign country
*	Share financing
*	Become a "one-stop shop" for customers
*	Other....please specify

2).	How would you rate the following as being of key importance to a
successful IJV in the telecomm industry?
	(5 being the most important, 1 being of least importance)

*	Sufficient finance available from the parent companies
*	Separate strategy from parent companies
*	Synergies in strategy with parent companies
*	Similar network infrastructure
*	Contrasting network infrastructure
*	Similar corporate cultures of parent companies
*	Overcoming customer ownership issues
*	Brand Image
*	Other....please specify

3).	What problems, in your opinion, may an IJV encounter?

4).	What, in your opinion, were the main reasons the Concert IJV between
BT and AT&T was created? 

5).	What do you feel lead to the eventually failure of the Concert IJV,
between BT and AT&T?

6).	Do you feel telcos will be deterred in creating future IJVs
considering the poor performance and failures of others in the past?
	(please place an x next to the appropriate answer)

	Yes		No

7).	Do you think there is a key role for IJVs to play in the future of
the global telecomm industry? 
	(please place an x next to the appropriate answer)

	Yes		No

If there is any other information, or sources of it, that you feel may
be of use to my dissertation then I would be very grateful if you
could include this in your response.

Also if you know other anybody else who has a knowledge of the
industry and may be willing to participate in this survey please could
you very kindly forward this email on to them.

Lots of thanks for lending me your time.


Kind Regards,

Andrew Baldock

------------------------------

From: bresnick2000@yahoo.com (Bob Resnick)
Subject: How to Protect From Erroneous Toll-Free Usage?
Date: 2 Mar 2002 20:22:22 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


I am thinking of having a toll-free number for my business. Although,
I know toll-free numbers are used by businesses liberally, I am a
little concerned about someone maliciously calling my toll-free number
to rack up my charges. Is that considered illegal and can action be
taken should a situation like that arise? What level of protection do
I have from the telephone companies? Thanks for any advice in advance.


Bob


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note:  It *is* illegal if it is done
maliciously *and it can be proven*. You get no protection from telco
for calls 'in the normal course of business' just because they happen
to be wrong numbers or because there is little or no likelyhood of
any sale/profit to yourself taking place. In other words, if fifty
thousand netters call you to ask questions about your ad and none of
them buy your product/service that's no one's fault. If someone calls
you to complain about your advertising, that's a legitimate call. 
'Harassment' is illegal, and it occurs when you cause someone's
telephone to ring over and over without speaking when they answer,
or if the person calls repeatedly after being asked to quit doing so.
I'm not even sure if that last thing applies in a business context,
although it does apply to residence phones. In other words, don't
spam, and many of your problems won't exist.  When you publish an ad
on the net (spamming) inviting people to call and inquire about your
product or service, don't be amazed when they do so. And don't let
your feelings get hurt or have a hissy fit when the phone bill comes
next month, or maybe two weeks later if telco gets nervous and sends
you an interim billing. 

Several years ago, a phreak took umbrage at something he heard Jerry
Falwell say on his television one day, so he did a number on Falwell's
toll-free lines. A couple million dollars worth. Ultimatly AT&T filed
suit against the phreak, but that was an exceptional case. The suit
was filed and won on the basis the phreak had not stayed on the line
and requested a Bible or other literature or otherwise wasted the 
phone room's time. (What he did was program his modem to dial Falwell's
number once a minute, then sit there in silence when they answered.
That went on for a couple months.) That you see, was *harassment*. If
harassment does not occur, telco can't help you. Digest readers always
understand the importance of not harassing when they let their fingers
do the walking and shop by phone.  Is that clear?    PAT]

------------------------------

From: James Gifford <jgifford@surewest.not>
Subject: KX-TD Two-Way Record Feature
Date: Sun, 03 Mar 2002 16:59:15 -0800
Organization: Nitrosyncretic Press
Reply-To: jgifford@surewest.not


In the continuing saga, I'd like to enable the 2-Way Recording feature
of my KX-TD1232-1 + KX-TVS200 system. In Programator, I have the
option of assigning a flexible key to this, and it wants me to specify
an extension as the "argument." I've tried this and while the key
seems to respond (i.e., it lights up when I press it during a
conversation), it doesn't appear to be recording anything.

I have complete docs for the TVS200 and User docs for the TD1232, but
the 2WR instructions are extremely short and vague.

Help...? Thanks...!


|           James Gifford - Nitrosyncretic Press            |
| http://www.nitrosyncretic.com for the Heinlein FAQ & more |
|  Tired of auto-spam... change "not" to "net" for replies  |

------------------------------

From: JABRIOL2000@yahoo.com (Jabriol)
Subject: RolmLink Protocols
Date: 4 Mar 2002 08:22:16 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


All,

I am looking for some info on the RolmLink protocols, I believe, there
are two, one being synchronous at 256kbps, the other being 19.2
bi-directional asynchronous, which make this particular protocols
compatible with the HiComm series, Am I correct?

(arjw regulars: I do work for a living.. why can you do that?)

------------------------------

From: Rajesh Patel <puxs@hotmail.com>
Subject: USA - Non Geographic Number
Date: Mon, 4 Mar 2002 16:56:59 UTC
Organization: BT Openworld


Hi,

Does anybody know where I can obtain information about non-geographic
numbers for the USA??

Thanks for any help in advance.


Raj


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Well, you can ask us for starters. Here
are a few such numbers, all of which are for INCOMING calls only:
900 = premium charge numbers
800,888,877,866 = incoming reverse charge (toll free) numbers     PAT]

------------------------------

From: aes <siegman@stanford.edu>
Subject: Calling from "Artificial" Area Code?
Date: Sat, 02 Mar 2002 13:01:48 -0800
Organization: Stanford University


I've been suggesting that a a very reasonable and effective compromise
solution to the whole telemarketing issue would be legislation
mandating that all telemarketing calls must be made, or must go out,
carrying Caller ID with some unique, specific "artifical" Caller ID
prefix that would be the same nationwide, analogous to the 800 or 900
or similar prefixes.

I've also been asserting (and believe it to be true) that with modern
telephone technology it would be technically simple for telcos to
provide this capability, at very low cost, to telemarketers setting up
to make bulk calls.

Anyone want to confirm -- or argue with -- this latter assertion?  I'd
like to confirm that others agree this is really correct, or if not,
what the technical issues might be.

Email cc of replies appreciated (I can only read news on a slow dialup
link at the moment).

------------------------------

From: s falke <busbar@pacbell.net>
Subject: Re: IMTS Phone Service Still Available?
Organization: Prodigy Internet http://www.prodigy.com
Date: Sat, 02 Mar 2002 20:33:43 GMT


>> What immediately preceded IMTS was, of course, MTS or Mobile
>> Telephone Service on 150 Mhz.  And, there was even a granddaddy
>> whose name I forgot on 35 mHz, with about one channel per state,
>> because its coverage areas were so large. Actually, the
>> frequencies vs. the service types weren't fixed. 

> There was MTS and IMTS on all three bands.  Channel designators were
> two-letter alpha.  The low-band (30-50 MHz) began with Z, the
> High-band began with Y or J, and the UHF began with Q.  MTS was
> carrier signaling to get an operator, and alternating 600-1500 Hz
> audio for selective dialing of the mobile.  The two-letter
> designations were part of the mobile number, such as (805) YL3-5225.
> Q and Z didn't appear on (most) telephone dials, and the Y and J
> designations would result in dial pulls of 55, 57, 95, or 97 which
> didn't spell common words and weren't in use (with KLondike being a
> noted exception)...

Interesting that
http://ourwebhome.com/TENP/Recommended.html designates 55,
57, 95, 97 as "In 1955, this was reserved for radio telephone numbers."

In Patterson, CA [heavy farming area] Evans telephone had 150MHz IMTS,
[~18-inch whip] with the control head containing a beige G-type hand
set and a rotary dial underneath.  It looked roughly like a WE
princess phone.  [Never saw any in pink.]  I think that they all had
the same prefix as land lines; 209-892.

You were trailer trash if your daddy didn't have one in his pickup.


s falke

------------------------------

From: John David Galt <jdg@diogenes.sacramento.ca.us>
Subject: Re: Puzzle About How My Phone Got Diverted
Date: Fri, 01 Mar 2002 23:20:00 -0800
Organization: Diogenes the Cynic Hot-Tubbing Society


>>     I am not sure if you can help me with this. Someone was able to
>> program my number to ring at someone else's home.  I am trying to
>> figure out how this was done.  Is there a computer program that does
>> this?  I contacted my telephone co. and there was no call forwarding
>> enabled from their end.  Any suggestions on how to solve this problem?

> In Ameritech land, its not very hard. You call up repair, tell them
> you want to CFA the line to another destination. Usually the only
> confirmation is that they ask you for the current service address.

I'd complain in writing and copy the state utility commission.  The
telco has no business accepting such a request unless it's in writing
and signed by you.  Period.

------------------------------

Date: Sat, 2 Mar 2002 16:49:08 EST
From: Mike Pollock <itsamike@hotmail.com>
Subject: Re: How Caller ID Works


Hello!

I highly recommend that you read a great article at HowStuffWorks.
It's called Howstuffworks "How does Caller ID work? How is the
caller's phone number sent to my phone?".  See:
http://www.howstuffworks.com/question409.htm.

After you check it out, look at the many other great topics at:
http://www.howstuffworks.com

Re: How Caller ID Works

No, Mike didn't say nothing. Mike sent a URL for HowStuffWorks.com

Maybe this method will get it there intact.


Mike

> [TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Unfortunatly. Mike *said nothing*. All
> I go there was his null message, shown above, as a reply to David
> Pflug. Maybe Mike will tell us what he intended to say.     PAT]

------------------------------

From: adykes@panix.com (Al Dykes)
Subject: Re: Help me Identify This Panasonic Small-Office Phone System
Date: 2 Mar 2002 10:20:14 -0500
Organization: PANIX -- Public Access Networks Corp.


Thanks, Ultimatly I was interested in expandability.

In article <telecom20.176.6@telecom-digest.org>, Dave Phelps
<tippenring@deadspam.com> wrote:

> Oddly enough, your system is a Panasonic DBS. What kind of info are
> you looking for? IIRC, the DBS takes cards and you can change the
> system config by adding cards, up to a certain limit of course.

> In article <telecom20.175.8@telecom-digest.org>, adykes@panix.com says:

>> The equipment is about 30 by 30 inches by 9 inches deep, screwed to
>> the wall, and the only identification is "Panasonic Digital Business
>> System"

>> The office has about 30 desks. I assume that's close to the capacity
>> of the system. 

>> The desksets say "Panasonic DBS". 

>> Can anyone name this system and point me to some information about
>> it. It's maybe 7 years old.


Al Dykes
adykes@panix.com

------------------------------

From: James Gifford <jgifford@surewest.not>
Subject: Re: Phone Ring
Date: Sat, 02 Mar 2002 08:38:40 -0800
Organization: Nitrosyncretic Press
Reply-To: jgifford@surewest.not


BELLIS wrote:

> Do you know how to ring the phone in their own house. When I was
> growing up there was a number to call that would ring the other
> extensions in the house and the phone could be used as an
> intercom. Thanks.


It depends on the local system. In some, dialing your own number and
then hanging up will cause the system to ring back. In others, it's a
callback number that reads back the calling number and other
diagnostic information, then calls back when you hang up. These
numbers vary and to keep yokels and yucksters from overloading their
capacity, are kept semi-secret and changed on a regular basis.

If your own number doesn't work, you might be able to wheedle the
number out of a local telco servicer.



|           James Gifford - Nitrosyncretic Press            |
| http://www.nitrosyncretic.com for the Heinlein FAQ & more |
|  Tired of auto-spam... change "not" to "net" for replies  |

------------------------------

From: stevenl11@aol.com (Steven Lichter)
Date: 02 Mar 2002 21:16:28 GMT
Organization: AOL http://www.aol.com
Subject: Re: IMTS Phone Service Still Available?


About 5 years or so ago, GTE in the Hemet/Perris area of Southern
California turned a system on.  It was used in a couple of the CO
Maintenance Vehicles; not really sure why other then the Cellular
might have been blocked going up the mountain.  I had talked to a
couple of the people who were on them and it did not sound have
bad. Not sure if they are still using them, since I retired, and most
of the others around there have done the same or left for greener
pastures; found a bunch up in Oregon while I was doing contract work.



Apple Elite II 909-359-5338. Home of GBBS/LLUCE, support for the 
Apple II 24 hours  2400/14.4.  An OggNet Server.

The only good spammer is a dead one!!!  Have you hunted one down today?  (c)

------------------------------

From: stevenl11@aol.com (Steven Lichter)
Date: 02 Mar 2002 16:30:55 GMT
Organization: AOL http://www.aol.com
Subject: Re: Spammer With a Toll Free Number


I tried to call the toll free number that I had posted the other day
and got a recording saying I could not dial that number, to me that
means they either took it off or cut area codes they don't want calls
from.  A friend of mine who I e-mailed about it; he lives in
Beaverton, OR, I gave hime the local 503 A/C number that they listed
and he called them.  It appears that they got a lot calls and were not
too happy.  Also the web site was very slow last night so they must
have taken a few hits there. Maybe they got the word and a milion
dollar telephone bill.


Well, as I reported above that they appeared to have learned that
spamming is not a good way to do business.  I just got another one
from them using a different forged header as well as clearly from a
different site.  Going to the old link gives you a site has moved,
using the new link goes right back to a site that is clearly the same
only with a new toll free number 888-362-5888.  I guess I'm going to
have to call a few friends of mine with Verizon in Oregon and see if
they consider what they are doing as fraud.

Remember it is against the law to harass anyone by telephone. Also you
should use a payphone so that the operator can make a little money.


Apple Elite II 909-359-5338. Home of GBBS/LLUCE, support for the 
Apple II 24 hours  2400/14.4.  An OggNet Server.

The only good spammer is a dead one!!!  Have you hunted one down today?  (c)

------------------------------

From: Charles P <cp.cp@verizon.net>
Subject: Re: Help me Identify This Panasonic Small-Office Phone System
Date: Mon, 04 Mar 2002 01:38:33 GMT


Dave Phelps got it right, it's a Panasonic DBS.  That's what they're
called, there are a few varieties.

Panasonic has two lines of phone systems, one is the KXT line and the
other is the DBS.  They are basically two separate companies that
share the same name. There is no relation between the phone systems
though.

It is a reliable system. The code numbers on the side of the cabinet
contain the clue to an actual model number for the system.


Charles

charles@telephonesecurity.com
Global Communications
Tarrytown, NY
www.avtele.com
www.telephonesecurity.com

"Al Dykes" <adykes@panix.com> wrote in message
news:telecom20.175.8@telecom-digest.org...

> The equipment is about 30 by 30 inches by 9 inches deep, screwed to
> the wall, and the only identification is "Panasonic Digital Business
> System"

> The office has about 30 desks. I assume that's close to the capacity
> of the system.

> The desksets say "Panasonic DBS".

> Can anyone name this system and point me to some information about
> it. It's maybe 7 years old.

------------------------------

From: Charles P <cp.cp@verizon.net>
Subject: Re: AT&T Partner Voice Mail Question
Date: Mon, 04 Mar 2002 01:38:32 GMT


If you have never done voicemail before, you will probably want help.
There is a mailing list for Lucent stuff where you might find help.
http://www.yahoogroups.com/group/Avaya-List Most of the talk there is
about large systems but there are some guys well versed in all the
Partner stuff too.  Mention where you are located and you may find
someone nearby who is willing to help.


charles


"Chris" <donchaspamme@spamhole.com> wrote in message
news:telecom20.173.7@telecom-digest.org...

> Our church recently moved into a new building that came with an AT&T
> Partner Communications System Release 4.1.  This system was probably
> installed around 1996.  It has 4 extensions, two incoming lines and
> works very well for us.  However, we would like to add voice mail and
> an automated attendant to it.

> Since our budget is limited (actually our budget is zero, I will
> probably donate the equipment and my time) we need to find a used
> voice mail unit.

> What do I need to find?  I have located a Lucent Partner Mail VS Rel.
> 1.0 for $399, and a AT&T Partner Voice Mail System 2-port Rel 1.8 for
> about $100.  Which of these will work for me?  How hard would it be to
> install and set-up?  Are there manuals available on-line for either of
> these units?

------------------------------

From: snarza@ematic.com (samrat)
Subject: Problem Configuring SS7 Stack on Live Network
Date: 4 Mar 2002 04:56:15 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


Hi,

We are facing some problem in putting SS7 stack(Septel PCI
Datakinetics) on live ss7 network. But somehow could not get the E1
link up. Could someone explain the meaning of following error messages
and possilble solution for rectify these: PCM loss, BER3, BER5, AIS,
SYNC loss.


Regards,

Samrat

------------------------------

From: lovemozart@hotmail.com (Greg)
Subject: Buying Old Yellow Pages?
Date: 4 Mar 2002 09:10:13 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


I'm looking to buy some old San Diego yellow pages from the years 1975
to 1982.  Is this an impossible quest?  Aside from submitting some
classified ads in San Diego newspapers (I live in Oklahoma City), I'm
not sure where to even begin looking.

Are most old phone books recycled or destroyed?


Thanks!

------------------------------

From: anonmike@hotmail.com (Mike)
Subject: Re: Definity G3 Solution
Date: 4 Mar 2002 09:24:45 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


That fixed the problem, thank you for your help.

AHornstein@asicentral.com (Andy Hornstein) wrote in message
news:<telecom20.176.5@telecom-digest.org>:

> Try going into the profile of the voice mailbox in Octel and turning
> the message waiting indicator off. Save your change. Go back in the
> profile and turn it back on.

> Cywinski, Robert <RCywi@SPRING-FORD.k12.pa.us> wrote in message
> news:<telecom20.166.3@telecom-digest.org>:

>>> I have a Definity G3si Release 6 BCS with an Octel 250.  We have about
>>> 75 users. About five to eight users have experienced this problem, the
>>> message lamp either does not turn on when there is a new message or
>>> the message lamp stays on even after the message is listened to.  I
>>> have switched phones to no avail.  We have 6408D+.

>>> I have done two troubleshooting steps:
>>> 1. Ran "Clear AMW All [EXT]" on the Definity.
>>> 2. Had them delete all their voicemails.

>>> This has corrected the problem for about 4 people.  There are still a
>>> few left who continue to experience this problem.  I am all out of
>>> ideas.  If anyone is aware of the solution to this please let me know.

>> Have had this on my G3r. Busy-out and release the affected stations.
>> This should do it.

------------------------------

End of TELECOM Digest V20 #179
******************************
    
    
From editor@telecom-digest.org  Tue Mar  5 00:26:50 2002
Received: (from ptownson@localhost)
	by massis.lcs.mit.edu (8.9.1/8.9.1) id AAA16185;
	Tue, 5 Mar 2002 00:26:50 -0500 (EST)
Date: Tue, 5 Mar 2002 00:26:50 -0500 (EST)
From: editor@telecom-digest.org
Message-Id: <200203050526.AAA16185@massis.lcs.mit.edu>
To: ptownson
Approved: patsnewlist
Subject: TELECOM Digest V20 #180

TELECOM Digest     Tue, 5 Mar 2002 00:21:00 EST    Volume 20 : Issue 180

Inside This Issue:                            Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    Press Reports of Interest Regarding Telecom (Monty Solomon)    
    Re: Canada Leaving Country Code 1? (Ed Pugh)
    Re: How to Protect From Erroneous Toll-Free Usage? (Carl Navarro)
    Re: Help Me Identify This Panasonic Small-Office System (Carl Navarro)
    Re: Calling from "Artificial" Area Code? (Tom Schmidt)
    Re: The Latest Fad From Japan (Jack Daniel)
    Re: Calling Card Startups (Doctor Java)
    Re: Area Codes in RI (John R. Levine)
    Re: BER for a Different Kind of Link (Nitoy Nitoy)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
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----------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Mon, 4 Mar 2002 22:16:08 -0500
From: Monty Solomon <monty@roscom.com>
Subject: Press Reports Regarding Telecom


Verizon slashes 10,000 employees
Becomes latest victim in telecommunications shakeout

BREAKING NEWS
DOW JONES NEWSWIRES

NEW YORK, March 4 - Verizon Communications Inc. said it will lay off
another 10,000 employees, or 4 percent of its work force, making it
the latest casualty in the shakeout going on in the telecommunications
industry.

http://www.msnbc.com/news/719241.asp

                    ==========================

The Internet Amenity: The Net Effect
By Simson Garfinkel
March 2002

For big organizations, hoarding wireless bandwidth costs more than 
giving it away. Smell a free lunch?

Before I started writing this column for Technology Review, I spent
eight months as the "chief scientist" for an Internet startup called
Broadband2Wireless. (In fact, I was the only scientist.) Our company
tried to build a high-speed wireless Internet service that could be
accessed in cities throughout the United States, South America, Europe
and Asia. We were going to do it using unlicensed portions of the
spectrum and with wireless network equipment that employed a hot new
standard called 802.11. And we were going to charge no more than $50 a
month.

Of course, we failed. We had $30 million in funding; we needed $200
million. We had a handful of good engineers; we needed dozens.
Nevertheless, our company's basic vision was right on target. We knew
that one day there would be a pervasive wireless Internet that's as
easy to use as today's telephone network. Within 10 or 15 years' time,
practically every computer and every handheld device will be online
all the time.

http://www.techreview.com/articles/garfinkel0302.asp

                 =============================

IE, Outlook Run Malicious Commands Without Scripting

By Thomas C Greene in Washington
Posted: 03/04/2002 at 08:46 EST

An attacker can run arbitrary commands on Windows machines with a
simple bit of HTML, an Israeli security researcher has demonstrated.
The exploit will work with IE, Outlook and OutlooK Express even if
active scripting and ActiveX are disabled in the browser security
settings.

http://www.theregus.com/content/4/24206.html

                  =================

AT&T agrees to pay $20m to settle lawsuit over cable TV packages

By Bruce Mohl, Globe Staff, 2/27/2002

AT&T has agreed to pay as much as $20 million to settle a class-action
lawsuit alleging its corporate predecessors misrepresented cable
television packages to certain customers in New England during the
late 1990s.

The lawsuit, first filed in 1999, alleges customers in certain
municipalities in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine were sold
standard cable service (called Total Basic or Basic 3 at the time)
without being told that the same channel lineup could be had for
roughly half the price by purchasing a lower tier package called Basic
2.

http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/058/business/AT_T_agrees_to_pay_20m_to_settle_lawsuit_over_cable_TV_packages+.shtml

                   ==================

Cable firm's gutsy move shields customers

By Bruce Mohl, Globe Staff, 3/3/2002

William Cunningham of Braintree was mad, but he wasn't quite sure who 
to be mad at.

An avid hockey fan, Cunningham had eagerly awaited the Olympics and
planned to watch many of the games leading up to last Sunday's gold
medal contest. But, as he tuned into CNBC for hockey coverage,
Cunningham discovered that his local cable operator was running
financial news.

His anger at his cable operator, the municipally owned Braintree 
Electric Light Department, dissipated when he learned why the 
Olympics weren't on. Braintree Electric told him NBC was charging too 
much for its Olympics coverage on MSNBC and CNBC, and its cable 
customers shouldn't have to foot the bill.

http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/062/business/Cable_firm_s_gutsy_move_shields_customers+.shtml

                    ==================

Worker Accused of Selling Colleagues' ID's Online

By JACOB H. FRIES

A former employee of the Prudential Insurance Company was arrested 
yesterday and charged with stealing the identities of colleagues from 
a database containing 60,000 names and selling some of them over the 
Internet as part of a credit card scam, federal prosecutors in 
Brooklyn announced.

While working in the tax department at Prudential, the former 
employee, Donald Matthew McNeese of Callahan, Fla., stole the 
database of personnel records, making it one of the largest potential 
identity-theft cases ever, said Jim Walden, the assistant United 
States attorney prosecuting the case for the Eastern District of New 
York. Mr. Walden would not specify how many people had money stolen 
in the scam.

http://www.nytimes.com/2002/03/02/technology/02INTE.html

------------------------------

From: edpugh@freenet.carleton.ca (Ed Pugh)
Subject: Re: Canada Leaving Country Code 1?
Date: 4 Mar 2002 19:39:37 GMT
Organization: The National Capital FreeNet
Reply-To: edpugh@freenet.carleton.ca (Ed Pugh)


Interesting discussion.

Just out of curiosity, does anyone know the country code for
St. Pierre/Michelon (spelling??) (or, for that matter, any other
"European" province or land existing in North America)?  Does St.P/M
have a NA area code, a European country/city code, or what?

What about Greenland?  (AFIK, it's part of NA, is it not?)


Inquiring minds, and all that...  :-)
Thanks and regards,


Edward L. (Ed) Pugh, M.Sc.Eng.(EE)
Senior Firmware/Real-Time Software Engineer
Ottawa  ON  Canada


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Since Saint P/M Island 'belongs' to
France it has a country code similar to France.  I suppose that
*if* Quebec left Canada and *if* it requested its own country code
that since it is mostly French in its language and culture, it also
would get a 'French style' country code. Just IMHO of course.  PAT]

------------------------------

From: Carl Navarro <cnavarro@wcnet.org>
Subject: Re: How to Protect From Erroneous Toll-Free Usage?
Date: Mon, 04 Mar 2002 21:34:48 -0500
Organization: Airnews.net! at Internet America


On 2 Mar 2002 20:22:22 -0800, bresnick2000@yahoo.com (Bob Resnick)
wrote:

> I am thinking of having a toll-free number for my business. Although,
> I know toll-free numbers are used by businesses liberally, I am a
> little concerned about someone maliciously calling my toll-free number
> to rack up my charges. Is that considered illegal and can action be
> taken should a situation like that arise? What level of protection do
> I have from the telephone companies? Thanks for any advice in advance.

The answer, of course, is none.  Part of the terms of service is that
you agree to pay for all calls to your phone, legitimate or not.

In my two 800 number experience, one started as a regional number.
Unfortunately, it was the Great Lakes region and the last seven digits
is the same as the number for American Airlines Paging at O'Hare
airport.  You wouldn't believe the number of phone calls I get, even
from the airport to my 800 number asking if this is American Airlines
Paging.  After the first 100 calls I can get pretty rude :-).

When 888 was introduced, I made the mistake of matching my local
number to the 888 number.  The mistake?  My local number spells
FL-CHIPS.  The 800 number is on every bag of chips Frito Lay sells.
Never mind that is says call Monday-Friday from 9-5 Central time.  You
wouldn't believe the stupid people who called to tell me about the Sun
Chips they bought that were either very good, very bad, or who gives a
crap.  I solved the problem by changing the number.

Recently I had a no-voice call from our own area code.  I called the
customer who denied calling.  I suggested that it was going to stop.
It didn't so I called again.  When I didn't raise an answer, I called
his local phone company and said that it would become a legal matter
if that number ever called mine again.  It has not happened for almost
a month so I guess I got my point across.

I guess the answer is if you are a company with a similar name, avoid
national advertising of your number.  If you get calls from a specific
region that you don't want to do business in, restrict that region.
Most carriers offer some sort of area code blocking.  If you get a
number that is close to someone popular, change it.  You can also
block payphone calls, but that does tend to become inconvenient if you
need to call your own self from a payphone :-).


Carl Navarro

[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Carl is mostly correct. When you agree
to accept a reverse-charge (collect) call, whether it is automatically
dialed, (re 800) or manually handled (re, through an operator who 
asks if you want to accept the charges) that concludes the matter. 
You pay. The 'casual' caller (i.e. the caller with no evil intentions)
is off the hook, and you pay.  As Carl points out, large companies
like American Airlines *sometimes* can twist things around a little
more to their liking, but don't count on it in your case. 

If it is possible, try to isolate calls to your 800 number so they
terminate on their own (group of) instruments, or with distinctive
ringing, etc, so you can easily see the amount of useage they recieve.
If you just terminate them in a common area (such as on an ACD or
switchboard with a bunch of other numbers) then as soon as the calls
leave the operator's control you will *absolutely no control* over
the charges, etc. If you or some other responsible employee can
HEAR the ringing signal, SEE the instrument picked up and talked 
on, then you can tell the caller to 'please call me back on my non-
800 numbers' if you wish. Some companies allow the 800 numbers for
sales, promotions, etc. but require everyone else to come in on
the regular numbers.    PAT]

------------------------------

From: Carl Navarro <cnavarro@wcnet.org>
Subject: Re: Help me Identify This Panasonic Small-Office Phone System
Date: Mon, 04 Mar 2002 21:40:36 -0500
Organization: Airnews.net! at Internet America


On 2 Mar 2002 10:20:14 -0500, adykes@panix.com (Al Dykes) wrote:

> Thanks, Ultimatly I was interested in expandability.

The single cabinet IIRC comes in 40/72/96 port capacity.  Is that
expandable enough?  The architecture of the shelf is there should be
some number of card slots and some number of Amphenol cables in the
top of the box.  If yours has 12 slots and 4 or 5 Amps, it's a 96 (try
looking at the part number for a clue).  It's not likely that a 30
phone system was put in a 40 port cabinet but ... oh, wait a minute,
maybe the customer was being "frugal". 

Anyway, Joe Childs of Austin Telecom is pretty good at figuring out
and selling you what you might need, even if it's a larger cabinet.


Carl Navarro

------------------------------

Reply-To: Tom Schmidt <tjsnews@tschmidt.invalid>
From: Tom Schmidt <tjsnews@tschmidt.invalid>
Subject: Re: Calling from "Artificial" Area Code?
Date: Tue, 05 Mar 2002 00:51:01 GMT


"aes" <siegman@stanford.edu> wrote in message
news:telecom20.179.10@telecom-digest.org...

> I've been suggesting that a a very reasonable and effective compromise
> solution to the whole telemarketing issue would be legislation
> mandating that all telemarketing calls must be made, or must go out,
> carrying Caller ID with some unique, specific "artifical" Caller ID
> prefix that would be the same nationwide, analogous to the 800 or 900
> or similar prefixes.

> I've also been asserting (and believe it to be true) that with modern
> telephone technology it would be technically simple for telcos to
> provide this capability, at very low cost, to telemarketers setting up
> to make bulk calls.

As much as I hate telemarketers I don't think they ought to be ghettoized
any more then the ill fated proposal to create special Internet top level
domains like .sex.


Tom

------------------------------

From: Jack Daniel <JackDaniel@RFSolutions.com>
Reply-To: JackDaniel@RFSolutions.com
Subject: Re: The Latest Fad From Japan
Date: Tue, 05 Mar 2002 02:23:00 GMT
Organization: EarthLink Inc. -- http://www.EarthLink.net


Everybody,

You can get a version of these at almost any auomobile accessory store,
like Pep Boys.

They are called cellular phone ring detectors and sometime come packaged
as an air freshner also. I have one shapded like a flying saucer and
another like a fat miniature airplane.  Cost about $3.95

Kids use them in their cars so they can tell the phone is ringing while
there's a 100 dB boom box turned on.

AND THEY WORK. When ever a cell handset rings, it also sends a brief
tranmission back to the cell site. These little gadgets have a small IC
and battery that detects that signal (or any other RF signal nearby!)
and causes some very bright subminiature leds to flash for a few
seconds.

Has nothing to do with what carrier or service you have.


Jack Daniel

Marcus Didius Falco wrote:

> According to a short note on the BBC last night, the latest fad from
> Japan is false fingernails that flash to indicate your cell phone is
> ringing.

> Is this the solution to the problem of cellphones ringing in concerts,
> movies, museums, and other inappropriate places?

------------------------------

Reply-To: Doctor Java <javadevelopersjournal@chiltown.com>
From: Doctor Java <javadevelopersjournal@chiltown.com>
Subject: Re: Calling Card Startups
Organization: Java Developers Journal
Date: Mon, 04 Mar 2002 11:42:57 GMT


Your post was very good. I think the entire group would love to see
the white papers you mentioned as this question keeps arising.

MegA <bryon.spahn@corporate.ge.com> wrote in message
news:telecom20.174.3@telecom-digest.org:

> Doctor Java <javadevelopersjournal@chiltown.com> wrote in message
news:<telecom20.170.14@telecom-digest.org>:

>> I think everyone is looking for information that would typically be in
>> a business plan. Equipment selection is easy, just buy Cisco, MindCTI
>> and so on.

> When it comes to establishing a pre-paid platform, you would be a fool
> to buy Cisco. We are not talking about an ACD, we are talking about
> routing. (Least cost routing and independent IVR to be exact) If you
> can find a cisco platform that will perform like a lucent EXS in the
> pre-paid market, I would be shocked. When discussing hardware you need
> to consult someone who has been through it before and not just spit
> out the first company that comes to mind without a thourough knowledge
> of their products. As far as a brochure or "white papers" on starting
> a pre-paid business, I can't help you there.

> I can however tell you how to establish a customer base, order
> circuits, establish co-location, set rates based on carrier, and make
> money. The only thing I can't do is hold someone's hand who doesn't
> know how to run a business in the first place. The first thing you
> need to know about pre-paid is that it is a race to the bottom. The
> truth be told, the person with the lowest rates wins PERIOD. There are
> two ways to get there and make money. Use cut-rate carriers where you
> have a 60% completion rate but you can terminate to Pakistan for two
> cents per minute, or get a ton of traffic so that you can lobby the
> circuit providers to lower your rates. I have plenty more to say about
> this subject but I do not wish to publish a novel in comp.dcom.telecom
> so I will be going.
>
> If you would like more information, contact me directly.

> Best of luck,

> Bryon
> a.k.a. MegA

------------------------------

Date: 4 Mar 2002 15:58:40 -0500
From: johnl@iecc.com (John R. Levine)
Subject: Re: Area Codes in RI
Organization: I.E.C.C., Trumansburg NY USA


> [TELECOM Digest Editor's Note:  Linc, what about tiny Rhode Island and
> its 401 area code?  When, if ever, will that one split?  PAT]

NANPA says it'll be full early next year, industry wants an overlay.
Since the adjacent parts of Massachusetts are already overlaid, they
may even get one.

RI is geographically small, but it has considerably more people than
either of the Dakotas, or Vermont, Wyoming, or Delaware.


John R. Levine, IECC, POB 727, Trumansburg NY 14886 +1 607 387 6869
johnl@iecc.com, Village Trustee and Sewer Commissioner http://iecc.com/johnl
Member, Provisional board, Coalition Against Unsolicited Commercial E-mail

------------------------------

From: Nitoy Nitoy <nitoy69@hotmail.com>
Subject: Re: BER for Different Kind of Link
Date: Sun, 03 Mar 2002 13:22:15 +0000


It's all what you're willing to put up with.  You would obviously have
higher standards for a fiber optic link (say 10**-12 for a
coast-to-coast line for example) than for terrestrial radio.  There's
also the consideration of what's on the line (regens, repeaters, etc.)
that affect the "figure of merit" for a system in general. You know of
course that there are other factors besides BER (the R is not for Rate
it's for RATIO as one ex-Bell Labs employee insisted to everyone who
would listen, willingly or not) that are used for quality measures.
And different protocols/systems use different definitions.  Some will
base thresholds on Block Errors, others on different distributions of
errors (different phenomena lend themselves to different distributions.
Fading for example will give a different profile than jitter induced
errors).  


Nitoy

------------------------------

End of TELECOM Digest V20 #180
******************************
    
    
From editor@telecom-digest.org  Tue Mar  5 19:02:46 2002
Received: (from ptownson@localhost)
	by massis.lcs.mit.edu (8.9.1/8.9.1) id TAA05036;
	Tue, 5 Mar 2002 19:02:46 -0500 (EST)
Date: Tue, 5 Mar 2002 19:02:46 -0500 (EST)
From: editor@telecom-digest.org
Message-Id: <200203060002.TAA05036@massis.lcs.mit.edu>
To: ptownson
Approved: patsnewlist
Subject: TELECOM Digest V20 #181

TELECOM Digest     Tue, 5 Mar 2002 19:02:00 EST    Volume 20 : Issue 181

Inside This Issue:                            Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    Re: Canada Leaving Country Code 1? (Rob)
    Re: Canada Leaving Country Code 1? (Burkitt-Gray Alan)
    Re: Canada Leaving Country Code 1? (Jack Hamilton)
    Re: Canada Leaving Country Code 1? (Linc Madison)
    Re: Canada Leaving Country Code 1? (Laura Halliday)
    Re: Canada Leaving Country Code 1? (John Bartley)
    Re: Canada Leaving Country Code 1? (John R. Levine)
    48 Volt 10 Amp DC Power Supplies? (Brandon Buckner)
    The Corner Internet Network vs. the Cellular Giants (Monty Solomon)
    Telephone Repeat Coils Needed (Charles Beard)
    Club de l'Arche de demain soir! (Jean-Bernard Condat)
    Last Laugh! We Have to Quit, Too? (Matt Simpson)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
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Contact information:    Patrick Townson/TELECOM Digest
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----------------------------------------------------------------------

From: rob51166@yahoo.com (Rob)
Subject: Re: Canada Leaving Country Code 1?
Date: 5 Mar 2002 02:48:19 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


edpugh@freenet.carleton.ca (Ed Pugh) wrote in message
news:<telecom20.180.2@telecom-digest.org>:

> Interesting discussion.

> Just out of curiosity, does anyone know the country code for
> St. Pierre/Michelon (spelling??) (or, for that matter, any other
> "European" province or land existing in North America)?  Does St.P/M
> have a NA area code, a European country/city code, or what?

St Pierre et Miquelon has its own country code of 508, although I
believe that it was once, for a short time, included in the NANP. I
know that several French DOMs (Overseas Departments) can be dialed
directly from France without having to dial the international codes
etc ... but I don't think that this is the case for St Pierre et
Miquelon.

> What about Greenland?  (AFIK, it's part of NA, is it not?)

Greenland is *geographically* part of North America, although it's
also got its own country code (299)

> HTH!  :-)

> For my American customers, dialling a Nortel or Bombardier number
> requires no more thought that Lucent or Boeing, unlike trying to dial
> Alcatel or Aerospatial.  I even lived in France for a year and every
> time I have to call someone in France, it takes me about 5 minutes
> figure out if they are in provence or part of Paris et les environ,
> because there is an extra digit in there somewhere for the former (or
> used to be...have they fixed that yet?)

> Yeah, I agree.

Dialing in France never used to be very straight forward; or very easy
to understand for that matter.  If you were in the Greater Paris area
and wanted to phone someone outside that area, then you had to dial
the access code (16) then the 8-digit local number.  If you were
outside Paris and wanted to call inside the city you had to dial 16
then area code (1) then the 8-digit local number (note that Paris was
the only part of the country to have an area code).  If you were in
the north of France, say Calais, and were calling someone in Perpignan
near the Spanish border then you only had to dial the 8 digit number.

Now, thankfully, France Telecom has changed things.  There are now 5
area codes covering the country (01 - Paris, 02 - Northeast France, 03
- Northwest France, 04 - Southeast France incl Corsica, 05 - Southwest
France) and all are followed by an 8-digit number, with all 10 digits
having to be dialed in all instances.

Is that still as clear as mud???   That's the French for you!!!   :-))


Rob

------------------------------

From: Burkitt-Gray Alan <ABurkitt@EUROMONEYPLC.COM>
Subject: Re: Canada Leaving Country Code 1?
Date: Tue, 5 Mar 2002 10:44:19 -0000 


"I even lived in France for a year and every time I have to call
someone in France, it takes me about 5 minutes figure out if they are
in provence or part of Paris et les environ, because there is an extra
digit in there somewhere for the former (or used to be ... have they
fixed that yet?)" wrote Dominic Richens <dominic.richens@sympatico.ca>

Yes, France changed five years ago. Now everyone's in one of five
geographical area codes, 01 to 05, with 06 for mobile numbers; but you
always dial all 10 digits (area code plus eight digits) even if you're
calling from the same area. From outside France you dial +33 then the
area code without the zero, then the eight-digit number.


Alan Burkitt-Gray
Editor, Global Telecoms Business
e-mail aburkitt@euromoneyplc.com

------------------------------

From: Jack Hamilton <jfh@acm.org>
Subject: Re: Canada Leaving Country Code 1?
Date: Mon, 04 Mar 2002 22:12:09 -0800
Organization: Copyright (c) 2002 by Jack Hamilton
Reply-To: jfh@acm.org


edpugh@freenet.carleton.ca (Ed Pugh) wrote:

> Interesting discussion.

> Just out of curiosity, does anyone know the country code for
> St. Pierre/Michelon (spelling??) 

Linc Madison's country code page: 

   <http://www.lincmad.com/countrycodes.html>

and the SPM home page say 508.  The other 50n codes are given to small
countries in Central and South America (Belize, El Salvador, etc.)
> (or, for that matter, any other "European" province or land 
> existing in North America)?  

There are only four countries on the North American mainland:  The US,
Mexico, Canada, and France.

There are various other island "countries" near Florida; some use
country codes and some use NA area codes.  I'm not a geologist, so I
can't tell you whether the Bahamas are part of North America are not.

> Does St.P/M
> have a NA area code, a European country/city code, or what?

It has its own code.  "Country" seems to be used rather loosely in
telephony.

> What about Greenland?  (AFIK, it's part of NA, is it not?)

It has country code 299.  Most of the other 200 codes are in Africa, but
the Faeroe Islands have 298 and Aruba has 297.  There are other islands
scattered through the series.

> Inquiring minds, and all that...  :-)
> Thanks and regards,

> [TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Since Saint P/M Island 'belongs' to
> France it has a country code similar to France.  

Not very similar -- SPM is 508, and metropolitan France is 33.  French
Polynesia has 689, in a different series.  American Samoa has 684, and
other Pacific countries have codes starting with 6: 61 for Australia,
679 for Fiji, and so forth.

> I suppose that
> *if* Quebec left Canada and *if* it requested its own country code
> that since it is mostly French in its language and culture, it also
> would get a 'French style' country code. Just IMHO of course.  PAT]

These codes seem to be assigned more by geography, with exceptions,
than by nationality, with exceptions.  I suppose that reduces
political squabbles.  One might argue whether that small South
American entity is the Falkland Islands, belonging to Great Britain,
or the Malvinas, belonging to Argentina, but there's no denying that
it's a small entity in South America.

------------------------------

From: Linc Madison <lincmad001@telecom-digest.zzn.com>
Subject: Re: Canada Leaving Country Code 1?
Date: Tue, 05 Mar 2002 04:29:51 -0800
Organization: MindSpring Enterprises


In article <telecom20.180.2@telecom-digest.org>, Ed Pugh
<edpugh@freenet.carleton.ca> wrote:

> Interesting discussion.

> Just out of curiosity, does anyone know the country code for St.
> Pierre/Michelon (spelling??) (or, for that matter, any other
> "European" province or land existing in North America)?  Does St.P/M
> have a NA area code, a European country/city code, or what?

St. Pierre and Miquelon are in country code 508.
 
> What about Greenland?  (AFIK, it's part of NA, is it not?)

Greenland (a.k.a. Kalaallit Nunaat) is in country code 299, since it
is actually located in Africa, not North America.

Some of the French overseas possessions (DOM/TOMs, which is overseas
Departments and overseas Territories, respectively) are more integrated
with the French telephone numbering system than others. For example,
the French Antilles are in country code 590, but they can also be
reached from the mainland of France by dialing 05 90 xx xx xx. However,
you cannot reach them from most other countries by dialing +33 590.

Likewise, you can dial St. Pierre and Miquelon as 05 08 xx xx xx from
the mainland of France, but not as +33 508 xx xx xx from elsewhere.

Calling from the U.S. or Canada, use 011-508, but note that the
DOM/TOMs recently did a bit of renumbering.

OLD SYSTEM:
locally     xx xx xx
national    0508 xx xx xx
int'l       +508 xx xx xx

NEW SYSTEM:
locally     05 08 xx xx xx
national    05 08 xx xx xx
int'l       +508 5 08 xx xx xx

The above applies to French Guyana (+594), Martinique (+596), Mayotte
(+269), and Reunion (+262), but not to the Pacific territories of
Wallis & Futuna (+681), New Caledonia (+687), or French Polynesia
(+689).

I think that the distinction is that the +5xx and +2xx locations are
DOMs, meaning that they are part of France, just as much as Paris or
Burgundy. The +6xx are TOMs, meaning that they are overseas
territories.

-- 
LincMad dot Com  *  North American Telephone Area Codes & Splits
Preferred Reply Address: Telecom # LincMad * Com
Unsolicited bulk e-mail will be reported to your admin or upstream.

------------------------------

From: marsgal42@hotmail.com (Laura Halliday)
Subject: Re: Canada Leaving Country Code 1?
Date: 5 Mar 2002 08:55:11 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


edpugh@freenet.carleton.ca (Ed Pugh) wrote in message
news:<telecom20.180.2@telecom-digest.org>:

> Interesting discussion.

> Just out of curiosity, does anyone know the country code for
> St. Pierre/Michelon (spelling??) (or, for that matter, any other
> "European" province or land existing in North America)?  Does St.P/M
> have a NA area code, a European country/city code, or what?

St. Pierre et Miquelon is country code 508. All the French overseas
territories have their own country codes, like French Guiana (594),
French Polynesia (689), and so on.

> What about Greenland?  (AFIK, it's part of NA, is it not?)

Greenland is 299. There were no 5xx country codes available, so they
assigned one from a neighbouring region.


Laura Halliday VE7LDH     "Que les nuages soient notre
Grid: CN89lg                    pied a terre..."
ICBM: 49 16.57 N 123 0.24 W        - Hospital/Shafte

------------------------------

From: John Bartley <johnbartley@email.com>
Date: Tue, 05 Mar 2002 10:29:29 -0800
Subject: Re: Canada Leaving Country Code 1?


While waiting on Mon, 4 Mar 2002 10:31:11 EST in da vastness of space
to hitch a ride w/ Galen, Carl Moore <cmoore@ARL.ARMY.MIL> wrote:

<snip>

> 2. If Quebec left Canada?  Canada would be left non-contiguous,
>   with Quebec standing between the maritime provinces and the
>   rest of Canada, 

<snip>

So? Da UP gets along just fine not being connected to the rest of
Meechigan.  Ditto for Alaska.


Please change my entry in your address book as follows:
email: john@503bartley.com
SMS: johnbartley@sprintpcs.com (100 char max, please)
res: 503-BAR-TLEY (503.227.8539)
ofc: 503.326.2231...147
cel: 503.358.6847

------------------------------

Date: 5 Mar 2002 17:38:43 -0500
From: johnl@iecc.com (John R. Levine)
Subject: Re: Canada Leaving Country Code 1?
Organization: I.E.C.C., Trumansburg NY USA


> Just out of curiosity, does anyone know the country code for
> St. Pierre/Michelon (spelling??)

It's country code 508.  Local numbers are six digits, the dialing
plan is more or less the same as for the rest of France.

> (or, for that matter, any other
> "European" province or land existing in North America)?

The French territories in the Caribbean have country codes 590 and
596, also with six digit local numbers.  Note that France considers
its overseas departments (DOM) and overseas territories (TOM) to be
integral parts of France, somewhat the same relationship the U.S. has
to Hawaii.  Were Quebec to secede, it would be an independent country,
not part of France.

On the other hand, the British Virgin Islands are a crown colony but
are part of the NANP with area code 284.  The BVI uses US money as
well, since they're far closer to the USVI than to anything else, but
having been there, I can assure you they definitely consider
themselves British, regardless of what phone numbers and money they
use.

> What about Greenland?  (AFIK, it's part of NA, is it not?)

Legally, it's part of Denmark, and it's easier to fly there from
Denmark or Iceland than from North America.  (I believe there's one or
two flights per week via Baffin Island.)  You can argue about what
continent it's more closely aligned to, but its country code is 299
and local numbers appear to be six digits.


John R. Levine, IECC, POB 727, Trumansburg NY 14886 +1 607 387 6869
johnl@iecc.com, Village Trustee and Sewer Commissioner http://iecc.com/johnl 
Member, Provisional board, Coalition Against Unsolicited Commercial E-mail

------------------------------

From: Brandon Buckner <brandonb@netins.net>
Subject: 48 Volt 10 Amp DC Power Supplies?
Date: Tue, 5 Mar 2002 00:19:26 -0600
Organization: netINS, Inc.


Anyone know where I can pick up a small one to power a single piece of
equipment on the cheap? Can't seem to find much on ebay other than
about 2 I'm watching. I'm not certain they will do what I want
though. No need to be new, used will be fine. It is not for a mission
critical device.


Thanks,

Brandonb

------------------------------

Subject: The Corner Internet Network vs. the Cellular Giants
Date: Tue, 5 Mar 2002 03:40:44 -0500
From: Monty Solomon <monty@roscom.com>


March 4, 2002

The Corner Internet Network vs. the Cellular Giants

By JOHN MARKOFF

SAN FRANCISCO, March 3 The informal Wi-Fi networks that inexpensively
provide wireless Internet access are fine, as far as they go which is
generally a few hundred feet. But what happens when there are enough
of them to weave together in a blanket of Internet coverage?

What begins to appear is a high-speed wireless data network built from
the bottom up, rather than the top-down wireless cellular data
networks now being established by giant telecommunications companies.


http://www.nytimes.com/2002/03/04/technology/04MESH.html

------------------------------

From: chb890@aol.com (Charles Beard)
Date: 05 Mar 2002 13:34:02 GMT
Organization: AOL http://www.aol.com
Subject: Telephone Repeat Coils Needed


Does any one on the list know where i can find some REP-111C repeat
coils. They were used on all metallic broadcast loops.

I need at least 8 or more.


Charles Beard
chb890@swbell.net
877-341-2337 off
800-994-3013  Cellular
Charles H. Beard
CSSI
905 Palo Pinto St.,Weatherford,Tx. 76086-4135
FAX 877-613-0230 
e-mail chb890@aol.com / chb890@swbell.net

------------------------------

From: Jean-Bernard Condat <condat@posteasy.org>
Subject: Club de l'Arche de demain soir!
Date: Mon, 4 Mar 2002 12:37:20 +0100


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note:  ?????    PAT]


Bonjour,

Mardi 5 Mars  18h30 prcises, vous tes cordialement invit  une soire
rencontre du Club de l'Arche dont le thme de la soire sera:

     Michel HERVE
     est le Prsident de l'APCE (Agence pour la Cration d'Entreprises)
     "La Cration d'Entreprise en France"

Cette intervention renoue avec la proccupation conomique du CLub et
plusieurs soires sont prvues sur ce thme dans les semaines  venir.

ATTENTION
La soire se droulera au 18 rue de Varenne  Paris 8 (Metro : Rue du Bac /
Svres Babylone), suivre le flchage "Club de l'Arche".

nombreux complter votre information et dbattre avec notre invit.
Apportez votre bonne humeur, vos questions, un(e) de vos ami(e)s afin de lui
faire dcouvrir qui nous sommes en lui rappelant notre site www.arche.fr.st.
Venez nombreux, c'est gratuit!


   Jean-Bernard Condat (mail@jeanbernardcondat.com,
   www.jeanbernardcondat.com)
   Club de l'Arche, Secrtaire, tl./fax: 0153013874

------------------------------

From: Matt Simpson <msimpson@uky.edu>
Subject: Last Laugh! We Have to Quit, Too???
Date: Tue, 05 Mar 2002 08:09:15 -0500
Organization: University of Kentucky


It looks like Kentucky is about to get a new anti-telemarketing law.
Both houses of the legislature have passed it, and it just needs the
governor's signature, which probably will happen.

Our previous law supported a "do-not-call" list, but it had so many
exemptions that it was virtually worthless.  Attempts to strengthen it
in the past failed because of political squabbling. Everybody thought
it was a good idea, but neither party wanted the other one to get any
credit for it.

But now we're finally getting one that's so strong that one legislator
opposed it after he realized it would apply to politicians making
fund-raising calls!

------------------------------

End of TELECOM Digest V20 #181
******************************

Note: Issues 182-183 got sent out in reverse order. 183 reads next
here, then 182 follows, then 184 comes after that. Sorry.   PAT    
    
From editor@telecom-digest.org  Thu Mar  7 14:07:36 2002
Received: (from ptownson@localhost)
	by massis.lcs.mit.edu (8.9.1/8.9.1) id OAA14146;
	Thu, 7 Mar 2002 14:07:36 -0500 (EST)
Date: Thu, 7 Mar 2002 14:07:36 -0500 (EST)
From: editor@telecom-digest.org
Message-Id: <200203071907.OAA14146@massis.lcs.mit.edu>
To: ptownson
Approved: patsnewlist
Subject: TELECOM Digest V20 #183

TELECOM Digest     Thu, 7 Mar 2002 11:21:18 EST    Volume 20 : Issue 183

Inside This Issue:                            Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    FCC Reclassifies DSL Service To Spur Competition (Eric Friedebach)
    Invalid Caller-ID (Dave Close)
    Residential Phone Usage Stats (K. Corcoran)
    Those French Messages - was Re: Club de l'Arche de demain soir (G Hall)
    REQ: AT&T 1310 Answering Machine Commands? (Annorax of Krenim)
    The Real Reason 3G is Vaporware (Monty Solomon)
    Re: AT&T Partner Voice Mail Question (Marty Tennant)
    Re: 208V vs 110V Power (Dalvenjah FoxFire)
    Re: Phone Card Complaints (Pete Weiss)
    Re: Remote Access Dial-in Device (JDS)
    Re: Buying Old Yellow Pages? (Robert Casey)
    Re: How to Protect From Erroneous Toll-Free Usage? (Gail M. Hall)
    Re: Calling from "Artificial" Area Code? (Mark Crispin)
    Re: Canada Leaving Country Code 1? (Al Gillis)
    Another 800 Spammer (Steven Lichter)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
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----------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Wed, 6 Mar 2002 14:00:27 PST
From: Eric Friedebach <friedebach@yahoo.com>
Reply-To: eric@c4ever.com
Subject: FCC Reclassifies DSL Service To Spur Competition


By John Rendleman, Information Week
Feb. 25, 2002  

High-speed Internet access is moved to a less-regulated category.

The FCC is changing how it regulates telephone-based broadband
services to encourage local telephone companies and other providers to
deploy broadband services more quickly.

The FCC will reclassify high-speed Internet access services offered
over telephone facilities -- until now classified as telecommunications
services -- as information services, which it regulates with a lighter
hand. The reclassification applies to what the FCC calls telephone-
based broadband services, or digital subscriber line services offered
by local phone companies or by rivals that lease elements of the local
phone companies' networks to provide their own DSL offerings.

http://www.informationweek.com/story/IWK20020221S0019


Eric Friedebach

------------------------------

From: dave@compata.com (Dave Close)
Subject: Invalid Caller-ID
Organization: Compata, Costa Mesa, California
Date: Thu, 07 Mar 2002 07:00:08 GMT


I received an incoming call on which the connection was very poor.
Basically, the other party was unintelligible. Since his number was
displayed by caller-id, I said that I would call him back, and hung
up. But when I called the number, I got a recording that the number
was no longer in service.

Is this common? If it's an error, whose at fault?


Dave Close, Compata, Costa Mesa CA  "Politics is the business of getting
dave@compata.com, +1 714 434 7359    power and privilege without
dhclose@alumni.caltech.edu           possessing merit." - P. J. O'Rourke

------------------------------

From: kevin.corcoran@currenttechnologies.com (Kevin Corcoran)
Subject: Residential Phone Usage Stats
Date: 6 Mar 2002 14:30:09 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


Can someone give me information about what the typical/average
residential busy hour phone usage is? or direct me to where I could
find that information?  Thanks.

------------------------------

From: Gail M. Hall <gmhall@apk.net>
Subject: Those French Messages - was Re: Club de l'Arche de demain soir!
Date: Wed, 06 Mar 2002 19:09:59 -0500
Reply-To: gmhall@apk.net


On Wed, 6 Mar 2002 06:32:06 -0500, in comp.dcom.telecom, (Dominic Richens
<dominic.richens@sympatico.ca>) wrote:

> Looks like SPAM for a seminar on starting your own business in France
> ... from some guy who has something against the letter! (probably
> just stripped from the original e-mail).

> Jean-Bernard Condat <condat@posteasy.org> wrote:

[ deleted ]


>> [TELECOM Digest Editor's Note:  ?????    PAT]


Pat, this guy sends messages in French every so often.  Many of them
came when the robot was letting them in.  Some members went to a great
effort to run the message through an Internet translator and the
messages still came out strange.

My opinion -- and I know YOU are the boss of this group -- is that
this guy should be told to send messages in English because that is
the language of this group.  If he wants to include the French, fine.
But he should include English in the message for this group.

Since he is putting you to extra work to figure out what he is talking
about, he is being inconsiderate toward you and the rest of us who
don't know French.

If I were moderator, I would send him a REJECT notice and say that
English is the language, that spam is not allowed, and unless he also
includes English in his message, it will not be approved for posting.


>> Bonjour,

[ deleted]

>>    Jean-Bernard Condat (mail@jeanbernardcondat.com,
>>    www.jeanbernardcondat.com)
>>    Club de l'Arche, Secrtaire, tl./fax: 0153013874

> [TELECOM Digest Editor's Note:  Did he send spam protesting the spam 
> which someone else had sent in France? Is that it?  Or is this
> original spam on its own merit?  Or was he merely one of the misguided
> folks who send entire copies of spam to me in an effort to complain
> about it?  PAT]

Since I don't know French, I don't know what Mr. Condat wrote.  Now
that you are here, though (HoooRay!!!), I think you can feel free to
tell him to write in English so you can do your job as moderator
without all this extra trouble.

If you find someone who knows French that is willing to check those
for you, fine.  But people shouldn't put YOU to a lot of extra work,
considering all the great work you are ALREADY doing.



Gail from Ohio USA

[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note:  The main problem with your suggestion
Gail, is that I do not like the idea of being *nationalistic* in my
management of this Internet resource. While its not my fault that I
only speak English (rather poorly, I think), neither is it the other
person's fault he only speaks French.

The internet is for everyone, on a worldwide basis.  I'll grant you
the internet is mostly a USA invention over the past twenty or thirty
years, with so much of the work in making it what it has come to be
the results of American people's hard work. Which is to say, IMO, if
it had not been 'invented' using American ingenuity it probably would
not have ever invented at all. Consider Cambridge and Berkeley as the
best examples of this. People in other countries have been involved in
developing the net and the software used, but it mostly began right
here, in California and Massachusetts. To my way of thinking, telling
people in other countries they have to speak English in order to
participate in a worldwide forum would be like Albert (the bore) Gore
saying 'since I invented the net in 1993, you must be sure to include
commercial messages in everything.' What a lot of nerve!

I'll also grant you I have done a lot of hard work on this over the
past decade or so, and with my brain aneurysm still calling the shots
I feel very, very tired every day, and its almost impossible for me
to think of anything new and original these days. The brain damage
was pretty severe, and the psychiatrist from UK at Lawrence the 
Social Security people hired to come here and examine me a year ago 
doesn't think I will *ever* be back to normal. All I will be able
to do is limp around on my cane and get very tired when I try to
concentrate on writing/repairing my scripts, etc. So yeah, Gail, I
do get very, very tired getting this Digest out each day. Thank God
I still have my typing skills since my handwriting went to hell
with the brain damage I have. 

Be that as it may; we all get tired from work and we all endure any
number of insults on our intelligence from the spams and scams on the
net. But I don't like telling people in other nations they have to
speak my language in order to participate in a forum where I serve as
the custodian. Some people do that, I'm sure. But it just isn't fair
to participants in other countries. I'll cut them for spamming (if I
know it), but not because they speak their native tongue.   PAT]

------------------------------

From: Annorax of Krenim <annorax@krenim.emp>
Subject: AT&T 1310 Answering Machine Commands?
Date: Wed, 06 Mar 2002 21:45:13 GMT
Organization: Road Runner - NC


Hey, I recently dusted-off my old AT&T 1310 answering machine and put
it back into service; unfortunately, I've long lost the card with all
of the remote commands for this beast.

I tried the AT&T and Lucent web sites with no luck and called Lucent and 
the group that bought their consumer products division with no luck.

Does anyone have a list of these commands or know where I can get them?

This answering machine is about 12 years old and uses a regular
cassette tape.  It actually still works too!


Thanks,

Annorax

------------------------------

Date: Wed, 6 Mar 2002 22:21:13 -0500
From: Monty Solomon <monty@roscom.com>
Subject: The Real Reason 3G is Vaporware


Elisa Batista
2:00 a.m. March 6, 2002 PST

The four-year litigation that has tied up some licenses to operate on
the nation's airwaves has had "minimal" impact on mobile phone
operators' ability to offer next-generation (3G) wireless services,
telecommunications experts say.

One reason U.S. carriers can't offer high-speed data 3G services, 
such as video teleconferencing over mobile phones like NTT DoCoMo 
does in Japan, is that the mobile operators here need more spectrum.

http://www.wired.com/news/wireless/0,1382,50855,00.html

------------------------------

From: Marty Tennant <marty@lowtechdesigns.com>
Subject: Re: AT&T Partner Voice Mail Question 
Date: Wed, 6 Mar 2002 12:37:46 -0500


Chris <donchaspamme@spamhole.com> wrote in message
news:telecom20.173.7@telecom-digest.org:

> Our church recently moved into a new building that came with an AT&T
> Partner Communications System Release 4.1.  This system was probably
> installed around 1996.  It has 4 extensions, two incoming lines and
> works very well for us.  However, we would like to add voice mail and
> an automated attendant to it.

I recently upgraded a Partner ACS with voicemail and an automated attendant
very inexpensively for my church.

Call me at 843 527-4485 for details.


Marty Tennant
Georgetown SC

------------------------------

From: Dalvenjah FoxFire <dalvenjah._*at*_.dal._*dot*_.net@galanthis.cts.com>
Subject: Re: 208V vs 110V Power
Date: 06 Mar 2002 09:40:13 -0800


"wa2ise" == Robert Casey <wa2ise@ix.netcom.com> writes:

> The neutral return (in a "Y" configuration of power) sees
> return pulses from all three 120V hots.  That can overload
> the neutral without any circuit breakers popping.  If you
> connect each load from one 120V hot phase to another 120V
> hot phase, you avoid this neutral issue.  In this case,
> the load sees 208V, so configure it accordingly.  Some

* disclaimer: anything you do is your own problem; high voltage power
  can kill, etc. etc.

Not true ... remember that since the three phases of current are 120
degrees out of phase, if you balance the current across all three
hots properly, the neutral wire sees an effective load of zero.

This is also true in single-phase residential, except the two hots are
180 degrees out of phase, so you only need to balance power draw
across two hots instead of three.

Three phase Delta (found more in industrial than commercial
environments) is another animal entirely; two of the phases are
referenced to ground, but the third (wild leg) can do interesting
and scary things, getting much higher than 208V with reference
to ground/neutral; consult a qualified electrician before dealing
with something like this.

The returns end up cancelling each other out. You can never see
more current on the neutral wire than a single hot can put out by
itself; that's why the NEC doesn't say that a neutral in a 3-phase
setup needs to be any bigger than the hot wires.

Another corrolary of this is that you could in theory take two 120V
devices and hook them up in series to a 240V (*NOT* 208V) circuit; at
that point all the neutral really does is to bring the middle of the
circuit to the same voltage as reference ground.  Do not try this at
home, though; there're lots of good reasons power systems are designed
the way they are, and this is not a Good Configuration.

* disclaimer: anything you do is your own problem; high voltage power
  can kill, etc. etc.


 Dalvenjah FoxFire (aka Sven Nielsen)      Fundamentalist Agnostic: "I don't
 Founder, the DALnet IRC Network           know, and neither do you!"
 e-mail: dalvenjah _*at*_ dal _*dot*_net   WWW: http://www.dal.net/~dalvenjah/whois: SN90                              Try DALnet! http://www.dal.net/

------------------------------

From: pete-weiss@psu.edu (Pete Weiss)
Subject: Re: Phone Card Complaints
Date: Wed, 06 Mar 2002 15:58:01 -0500
Organization: Penn State University -- Office of Administrative Systems


On 5 Mar 2002 09:46:40 -0800, haspohr@yahoo.com (Joe Jackson) wrote:

> Where can I file a complaint about a dodgy phone card provider in the
> US, that has a non-existent customer service? What is the appropriate
> authority for this?

Follow the advice in the last paragraph of:

http://www.fcc.gov/cib/consumerfacts/prepaidcards.html

------------------------------

Subject: Re: Remote Access Dial-in Device
From: JDS <t111@syntelsoft.com>
Organization: Prodigy Internet http://www.prodigy.com
Date: Wed, 06 Mar 2002 21:13:10 GMT


> I'm looking to purchase a remote access server device, simular to what
> your local ISP would maintain, and have a few questions regarding such
> hardware.

Check eBay item 2005715460 - Lucent/Ascend MAX TNT 672 w/Warranty.
672 Modems and dial-up and VoIP capable.  Auction expires tomorrow.
Price is $10,500 but no bids yet.

    	It looks like this handles a single T3 circuit.

Also Ascend MAX MX 2T1 w/Options Item # 2006288385 starting at $200.
No bids.  Auction expires at 15:18 PST today.  You are bidding on a
Ascend MAX MX 2T1 It has the following options installed: ISDN,
MX-SL-8BRIN, MX-SL- 32ETH This unit is in perfect shape and it works
great! New List Price is in the Thousands! Why buy new. 30-day
Warranty, so bid with confidence and save.

    	This must be T1 or ISDN PRI.

eBay gives a sobering indication of just how fast these devices
depreciate.

------------------------------

From: Robert Casey <wa2ise@ix.netcom.com>
Subject: Re: Buying Old Yellow Pages?
Date: Wed, 06 Mar 2002 18:05:55 -0500
Organization: wa2ise


You'd have to find someone's grandmother who had forgotten to throw
them out.  Someone disposing an estate of someone who just checked
out. How you'd do that from a remote city I don't know.  Ebay would be
a longshot, but it costs nothing to do a search on their site.

Greg wrote:

> I'm looking to buy some old San Diego yellow pages from the years 1975
> to 1982.  Is this an impossible quest?  Aside from submitting some
> classified ads in San Diego newspapers (I live in Oklahoma City), I'm
> not sure where to even begin looking.

> Are most old phone books recycled or destroyed?

------------------------------

From: Gail M. Hall <gmhall@apk.net>
Subject: Re: How to Protect From Erroneous Toll-Free Usage?
Date: Wed, 06 Mar 2002 19:09:57 -0500
Reply-To: gmhall@apk.net


Another customer viewpoint:

On 06 Mar 2002 00:53:42 GMT, in comp.dcom.telecom, Ross Oliver
(reo@roscoe.airaffair.com) wrote:

> On 2 Mar 2002 20:22:22 -0800, Bob Resnick <bresnick2000@yahoo.com> wrote:

>> I am thinking of having a toll-free number for my business. Although,
>> I know toll-free numbers are used by businesses liberally, I am a
>> little concerned about someone maliciously calling my toll-free number
>> to rack up my charges. Is that considered illegal and can action be
>> taken should a situation like that arise? What level of protection do
>> I have from the telephone companies? Thanks for any advice in advance.

> I would like to throw in a customer viewpoint.  The freefall in long
> distance rates has greatly diminished the importance of a toll-free
> number for me as a customer.  My LD rate is $0.05/min 24x7 (and LD on
> my cell phone is *free*), so I think nothing of calling
> cross-continent any time of day.  The only time I will look for an 800
> number is when calling large organizations like a bank where I might
> be on hold for 10-20 minutes.

My viewpoint is a bit different.  I would not mind paying long
distance myself IF THEY PICK IT UP RIGHT AWAY and DO NOT PUT ME ON
HOLD!

I have called toll-free numbers to companies where I am put on hold for a
LONG time.  Sometimes a customer can wait 15 minutes to an hour.  If I
really, REALLY want to talk to them and can wait, I would wait.

But I would NOT want to pay the long distance rate to hear their music and
advertising!

> Rather than an 800 number, I look for businesses with an email address
> *that gets answered*.  If I find something that interests me in a
> magazine ad or web site at 1am, I am much more likely to fire off an
> email than try and remember to call during "normal" business hours.

I agree.  Too many companies put responding to e-mail at the bottom of
their priority list.

However, often I have a question and may need to answer questions.  I
think in those cases talking to a live human being gets the job done
faster.

> Businesses with email addresses that don't get answered don't get my
> business.

E-mail is still not always the best for me, so for me it would depend
on the situation.


> Ross Oliver

> [TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: But how would you know if they answered
> their email or not until you laboriously set upon preparing your
> letter and mailing it, then waiting for a week or two for an answer
> which never arrived?   PAT]

Yes, the back-and-forth exchanges we can get by phone is often the
fastest when we have questions back and forth.  Both parties get
immediate feedback unless one party does not have an answer at hand.

If a business wants to ask the customer to pay for the call, then that
business should not put callers on hold for more than a minute or two
and, IMO, should not put them through a long voice-mail menu system.
If a human cannot answer right away, use a simple answering machine
type device or service where the customer can leave their name and
number and the nature of their business or question.  Or have your
answering device play a SHORT message telling customers when someone
will be there to answer the phone.

I think we ALL have to deal with a certain number of "wrong number"
calls, but most of the time those people calling my residential phone
get off the phone right away when they find out it's the wrong number.
I think we have to consider a "reasonable" number of wrong numbers as
part of the cost of doing business, but just where the line between
"normal and reasonable" and "way too much" is drawn, I don't know.
Surely some business college or university has done studies about this
question.

If it's possible to block callers who block caller ID from their
phones, then, in theory, you can usually get the numbers of people who
abuse your toll-free service.


Gail from Ohio USA

------------------------------

From: Mark Crispin <mrc@CAC.Washington.EDU>
Subject: Re: Calling from "Artificial" Area Code?
Date: Wed, 6 Mar 2002 17:21:53 -0800
Organization: Networks and Distributed Computing


On 5 Mar 2002, John R. Levine wrote:

> It would be technically possible, but I think the national mandatory
> "do not call" list proposed by the FCC would be a better idea, since
                                     ^^^ FTC
> it would get telemarketers off our phones without having to pay for
> extra cost equipment and service that we don't otherwise want.

The sooner the "do not call" list comes about, the better.  I just got
yet another robot telemarketer phone call (ignoring the announcement
from the No Solicitation service that I pay Qwest good money for each
month), this one hawking an obvious scam (yourhomecareer.com) to
separate the foolish and naive from their money.

I've learned from past experience that Qwest doesn't care when this
happens, and just refers you to the attorney general's office.  The WA
State Attorney General's office, in turn, just sees "telemarketer" and
sends you a broilerplate letter about how to write to the DMA to get
taken off their lists.

I'm trying a complaint with the FTC this time.

What I don't understand, given the state budget crisis, is why our
solons haven't gotten the idea of taxing telemarketers and spammers.
They have the necessary authority, since it constitutes "doing
business" in the state.

What's more, the tax collector is the one government entity that you
can be certain is dogged at persuit of its quarry.

There are numerous precedents of the use of punitive taxation to
eliminate something that would be difficult to ban outright (or
difficult to enforce an outright ban).

 -- Mark --

http://staff.washington.edu/mrc
Science does not emerge from voting, party politics, or public debate.

------------------------------

From: Al Gillis <alg@aracnet.com>
Subject: Re: Canada Leaving Country Code 1?
Date: Wed, 6 Mar 2002 17:32:11 -0800
Organization: http://extra.newsguy.com
Reply-To: Al Gillis <alg@aracnet.com>


This excellent discussion just cries out for the wisdom and knowledge of
Mark Cuccia of New Orleans.

Jack Hamilton <jfh@acm.org> wrote in message
news:telecom20.181.3@telecom-digest.org:

> edpugh@freenet.carleton.ca (Ed Pugh) wrote:

>> Interesting discussion.

>> Just out of curiosity, does anyone know the country code for
>> St. Pierre/Michelon (spelling??)

> Linc Madison's country code page:

>    <http://www.lincmad.com/countrycodes.html>

[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: And on, and on, ad nauseum. Sorry Al, I
trimmed off ninety percent of the message you sent, which had another
fifty or so '>' lines.  It *is* a good discussion thread.  I do not
know where Mark is these days. I've not heard from him in a couple
years at least. Some of his essays here were very good.    PAT]

------------------------------

From: stevenl11@aol.com (Steven Lichter)
Date: 07 Mar 2002 02:25:13 GMT
Organization: AOL http://www.aol.com
Subject: Another 800 spammer


 ...to teach this individual about the cost of owning an 800 number...

  -----Original Message-----

Buy some insurance from her, bet her agency is in a high speed car
to run off with your money!!!!

Brenda Lawrence
Customer Care
(800) 388-9211

                       ----------------------

Remember it is against the law to harrass anyone by telephone. Also
you should use a payphone so that the operator can make a little 
money.

Apple Elite II 909-359-5338. Home of GBBS/LLUCE, support for the 
Apple II 24 hours  2400/14.4.  An OggNet Server.

The only good spammer is a dead one!!!  Have you hunted one down today?  (c)

------------------------------

End of TELECOM Digest V20 #183
******************************
    
From editor@telecom-digest.org  Thu Mar  7 14:36:26 2002
Received: (from ptownson@localhost)
	by massis.lcs.mit.edu (8.9.1/8.9.1) id OAA15590;
	Thu, 7 Mar 2002 14:36:26 -0500 (EST)
Date: Thu, 7 Mar 2002 14:36:26 -0500 (EST)
From: editor@telecom-digest.org
Message-Id: <200203071936.OAA15590@massis.lcs.mit.edu>
To: ptownson
Approved: patsnewlist
Subject: TELECOM Digest V20 #182

TELECOM Digest     Wed, 6 Mar 2002 12:12:00 EST    Volume 20 : Issue 182

Inside This Issue:                            Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    INET 2002 Explores Future Directions for the Internet  (A Shroeder)
    Re: Club de l'Arche de demain soir! (Dominic Richens)
    Re: 48 Volt 10 Amp DC Power Supplies? (James Gifford)
    Re: Seattle Local Phone Service Options (Richard Silverstein)
    Nick Petreley: Identity theft (Marcus Didius Falco)
    Re: Canada Leaving Country Code 1? (Larry & Wanda Finch)
    Hunt Group Question (Mike)
    Re: Calling From "Artificial" Area Code? (John R. Levine)
    Re: USA - Non Geographic Number (John R. Levine)
    IMUX DSL to Logical Dial-up Circuit? (Gary C. New)
    Re: How to Protect From Erroneous Toll-Free Usage? (Ross Oliver)
    Phone Card Complaints (Joe Jackson)
    Re: Good Source for Wireless Solutions (John Bartley)
    Remote Access Dial-in Device (Gary C. New)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
exclusively to telecommunications topics. It is circulated anywhere
there is email, in addition to various telecom forums on a variety of
networks such as Compuserve and America On Line, and other forums.
It is also gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated 
newsgroup 'comp.dcom.telecom'.

TELECOM Digest is a not-for-profit, mostly non-commercial educational
service offered to the Internet by Patrick Townson. All the contents
of the Digest are compilation-copyrighted. You may reprint articles in
some other media on an occasional basis, but please attribute my work
and that of the original author.

Contact information:    Patrick Townson/TELECOM Digest
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This Digest is the oldest continuing e-journal about telecomm-
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published continuously since then.  Our archives are available for
your review/research. We believe we are the second oldest e-zine/
mailing list on the internet in any category!

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Anonymous FTP: hyperarchive.lcs.mit.edu/telecom-archives/archives
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*************************************************************************
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----------------------------------------------------------------------

From: A. Shroeder/The Internet Society 
Subject: INET 2002 Explores Future Directions for the Internet 
Date: Wed, 6 Mar 2002 00:18:31 -0500
Reply-To: lance@isoc.org


For additional information:
Melissa Byrd
Foretec Seminars, Inc.
(508) 650-4020 x224
mbyrd@foretec.com


INET 2002 Explores Future Directions for the Internet

Internet Society's 12th Annual Conference on "Internet Crossroads: Where
Technology and Policy Intersect"

Washington, D.C., February 27, 2002 - The Internet Society (ISOC) of
Reston, VA has announced that INET 2002, the Internet Society's 12th
annual INET conference, will be held from June 18-21, 2002 at the
Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington, VA, just outside of Washington,
D.C. The conference will bring together leaders of the global Internet
community, who are shaping key decisions on Internet technology and
policy.

At INET 2002 technology experts, business leaders and policy makers
will unite under one roof to discuss and debate the technologies and
policies that will define the future of the Internet. More than 40
sessions will examine new developments in business, academia,
government, and the non-profit sector.

The INET 2002 tracks are:
 Technology-including sessions on security, peer-to-peer applications,
grid computing, the wireless Net, etc.

 Policy-including sessions on on-line privacy, intellectual property,
domain names, anonymity, etc.

 Uses of the Internet-including sessions on e-government, on-line
education, Internet and development, etc.

The first day of the conference, June 18, will be devoted to two
full-day and twelve half-day tutorials on a wide range of technical,
legal, and policy issues.

INET 2002 provides many meaningful benefits to the attendee, including
learning about new Internet technologies, such as Internet Protocol
version 6 (IPv6). Participants will explore a wide range of questions,
including: What are the new hot technologies and "killer
applications?" How will new Internet standards determine how the
Internet is used? How are policy makers shaping the Internet? How is
the Internet changing education, business, and government? No other
conference offers the chance to network with so many of the key
players who have designed and built the Internet.

"INET 2002's program is designed to provide new insights into the
technologies, standards, and policies that will define the Next
Generation Internet and show how it could shape our society," said
Michael Nelson, INET 2002 co-chair and director of Internet Technology
and Strategy at IBM. "We are at a crossroads in the development of the
Internet. Key decisions are being made on authentication; domain
names; wireless Internet standards; applications such as Grid
computing, Web services, and instant messaging; intellectual property;
and on-line privacy and security. INET 2002 will bring together
leaders of the global Internet community to debate which paths we
should take in these and other areas."

The IPv6 Forum's IPv6 Technology Deployment Summit is being combined
with INET 2002. The summit will host global industry leaders reporting
on applications and international initiatives for large-scale
deployment of IPv6, the Next Generation Internet.

"ISOC's INET conferences are central to the Internet community's
discussion of the development of the Internet's technology and
policy," said Albert Vezza, president of Foretec Seminars and vice
president of the Corporation for National Research Initiatives
(CNRI). "We look forward to working with ISOC to bring the Internet's
most influential leaders from around the globe to Washington, D.C."

Working journalists and industry analysts can receive complementary
registration by contacting Melissa Byrd at (508) 650-4020, ext. 224, or
mbyrd@foretec.com.

To become a sponsor of INET 2002, please contact the Internet Society
at sponsor@inet2002.org.

Registration for INET 2002 is now open online. For more information
about INET 2002 or to register, please visit the INET 2002 Web site at
http://www.inet2002.org.

About ISOC

The Internet Society  is a non-profit,
non-governmental, open membership organization whose worldwide
individual and organization members make up a veritable "who's who" of
the Internet industry. It provides leadership in technical and
operational standards, policy issues, and education. ISOC hosts two
annual Internet conferences ,
trains people from all over the world in networking technologies,
conducts workshops for educators, and electronically publishes an
award-winning magazine, "E-On The Internet."

ISOC provides an international forum to address the most important
economic, political, social, ethical and legal initiatives influencing
the evolution of the Internet. This includes facilitating discussions
on key policy decisions such as taxation, copyright protection,
privacy and confidentiality, and initiatives towards self-governance
of the Internet.

ISOC is the organizational home of the International Engineering Task
Force, the Internet Architecture Board, the Internet Engineering
Steering Group, and the Internet Research Task Force - the standards
setting and research arms of the Internet community. These
organizations operate in an environment of bottom-up consensus
building made possible through the participation of thousands of
people from throughout the world.

About Foretec Seminars

Foretec Seminars, formed in 1997 as a subsidiary of the Corporation
for National Research Initiatives (CNRI), manages and provides meeting
planning and technical support for technology-related
conferences. Foretec is also responsible for various functions of the
Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) Secretariat, including
arranging IETF meetings. Other recent events include the Tenth
International Python Conference in Alexandria, VA (2002), the Global
IPv6 Summit in Canada (2001) and the Ninth International World Wide
Web Conference in Amsterdam (2000). http://www.foretec.com

To unsubscribe, send a message to majordomo@www.isoc.org with
UNSUBSCRIBE press in the body.
[Leave the subject blank.]
Please read our Terms of Use Agreement for all discussion lists:
http://www.isoc.org/members/discuss/tou.shtml

------------------------------

From: Dominic Richens 
Subject: Re: Club de l'Arche de demain soir!
Date: Wed, 6 Mar 2002 06:32:06 -0500
Organization: Nortel


Looks like SPAM for a seminar on starting your own business in France
 ... from some guy who has something against the letter! (probably
just stripped from the original e-mail).

Jean-Bernard Condat  wrote:

> [TELECOM Digest Editor's Note:  ?????    PAT]

> Bonjour,

> Mardi 5 Mars  18h30 prcises, vous tes cordialement invit  une soire
> rencontre du Club de l'Arche dont le thme de la soire sera:

>      Michel HERVE
>      est le Prsident de l'APCE (Agence pour la Cration d'Entreprises)
>      "La Cration d'Entreprise en France"

> Cette intervention renoue avec la proccupation conomique du CLub et
> plusieurs soires sont prvues sur ce thme dans les semaines  venir.

>    Jean-Bernard Condat (mail@jeanbernardcondat.com,
>    www.jeanbernardcondat.com)
>    Club de l'Arche, Secrtaire, tl./fax: 0153013874

[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note:  Did he send spam protesting the spam 
which someone else had sent in France? Is that it?  Or is this
original spam on its own merit?  Or was he merely one of the misguided
folks who send entire copies of spam to me in an effort to complain
about it?  PAT]

------------------------------

From: James Gifford 
Subject: Re: 48 Volt 10 Amp DC Power Supplies?
Date: Tue, 05 Mar 2002 22:38:24 -0800
Organization: Nitrosyncretic Press
Reply-To: jgifford@surewest.not


Brandon Buckner wrote:

> Anyone know where I can pick up a small one to power a single piece of
> equipment on the cheap? Can't seem to find much on ebay other than
> about 2 I'm watching. I'm not certain they will do what I want
> though. No need to be new, used will be fine. It is not for a mission
> critical device.


Build one. A 50-60 VAC secondary 10A transformer, a 25A rectifier 
bridge, a voltage regulator, and a whup-ass pass transistor and heat 
sink shouldn't set you back more than about $50 if you have a good 
surplus electronics outlet available.



|           James Gifford - Nitrosyncretic Press            |
| http://www.nitrosyncretic.com for the Heinlein FAQ & more |
|  Tired of auto-spam... change "not" to "net" for replies  |

------------------------------

From: richards1052@attbi.com (Richard Silverstein)
Subject: Re: Seattle Local Phone Service Options
Date: 5 Mar 2002 10:44:03 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


Thanks for the detailed response.  I should have mentioned that I was
looking for residential local service.  I checked out the website you
mentioned and it only provides commercial service.


Richard

Al Gillis  wrote in message
news::

> Hi Richard,
> 
> I'm in Portland and use Electric Lightwave, Inc. for a number of
> services.  They are one of the bigger players in Seattle as well.
> I've got a whole lot of trunks running over PRIs, with primary and
> backup D channels (our 81c is connected to ELIs Portland switch via a
> moderate speed optical connection).  We also use ELI for local
> transport (about a dozen DS-1s connecting Nortel Carrier Remote units
> around town), an OC-3 and a couple of DS-3s connecting to our LD and
> WAN carrier (I'd guess that's enough!).  The service has been pretty
> bullet proof so far - no failures, no unexplained weirdness (I
> probably shouldn't be talking about this!!).

> ELI's price was good (not a low ball price but enough lower than Qwest
> to make us look twice) but the thing that really got us interested was
> that Qwest couldn't offer PRI service from our serving CO.  They
> proposed backhauling PRIs (and DID trunks and numbers) from another CO
> and (get this) charging us mileage for the honor of doing business
> with them!  What nerve!

> ELI's been great - big enough to do a professional job and small
> enough to be able to react to our needs.  Check 'em out!

> Richard Silverstein  wrote in message
> news:telecom20.155.8@telecom-digest.org...

>> I'm trying to identify any local phone companies which might be
>> competing with Qwest (yuck!) here in Seattle.  Does anyone out there
>> know if any of the major local phone service companies operate here?

I checked out featurefon and it looks very good on paper.

My only problem was that the website said the monthly fee was $19.95
(on 2/27) and when I called on March 1st they told me the price had
gone to $24.95.  Not a big difference but I was pissed when the
customer service rep insisted that I could not be looking at any copy
off the website that would have said $19.95.  I told her what I had
copied off their website and read her the copy.  She still did not
believe me.  In those situations I always ask for a supervisor.  I
complained about the rep and asked for them to give me the $19.95 price
(since I saw nothing on the site on 2/27 that mentioned the price
increase).  They wouldn't, but they did give me a free month.

If I had signed up sooner, I'd have saved 20%!

Thanks for the tip!


Richard

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 05 Mar 2002 21:23:03 -0500
From: Marcus Didius Falco 
Subject: Nick Petreley: Identity Theft


Copied from:
RISKS-LIST: Risks-Forum Digest  Tuesday 5 March 2002  Volume 21 : Issue 93

Date: Thu, 21 Feb 2002 13:05:11 -0000
From: Anthony W. Youngman 
Subject: Nick Petreley: Identity theft

   http://www.computerworld.com/cwi/story/0,1199,NAV47-74_STO68446,00.html

Nick Petreley's *Computerworld* column (18 Feb 2002) describes how some
unknown person hijacked his phone account and made loads of long-distance
calls "at his expense".  The saga goes from bad to worse as poor security
and company incompetence frustrates his attempts to stop the fraud.

   [After noticing the frequent calls to Germany, Nick canceled his
calling
   card and switched his long-distance carrier.  The person who had been
   piggybacking on his old card then managed to switch his new account
back
   to the old carrier and make more calls.  It turns out that person had
   created a Web account for him, so that he no longer received
   statements. The entire saga is a real horror story, and very well  
   worth reading.  Lots of lessons to be learned.  PGN]

------------------------------

From: Larry Finch 
Subject: Re: Canada Leaving Country Code 1?
Date: Wed, 06 Mar 2002 02:08:10 GMT


Ed Pugh wrote:

> Interesting discussion.

> Just out of curiosity, does anyone know the country code for
> St. Pierre/Michelon (spelling??) (or, for that matter, any other
> "European" province or land existing in North America)?  Does St.P/M
> have a NA area code, a European country/city code, or what?

It's country code is 508. It has no city codes.

Greenland is 299 (if my guide is correct, but World Zone 2 is Africa, so
it might not be).


Larry Finch
::finches@bellatlantic.net   larry@prolifics.com
::LarryFinch@aol.com         (whew!)
N 40 53' 47"
W 74 03' 56"

------------------------------

From: anonmike@hotmail.com (Mike)
Subject: Hunt Group Question
Date: 5 Mar 2002 11:48:06 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


Hello,

I have a Definity R3V6.  I'm new in telecom and I'm trying to setup
hunt groups.  I'm setting up a DDE group.  The problem I'm having is
that when it goes to the first person and the person is not there it
continues to ring; it doesn't roll over to the next extension on the
list.  Am I missing something?


Mike

------------------------------

Date: 5 Mar 2002 17:25:41 -0500
From: johnl@iecc.com (John R. Levine)
Subject: Re: Calling from "Artificial" Area Code?
Organization: I.E.C.C., Trumansburg NY USA


> I've been suggesting that a a very reasonable and effective compromise
> solution to the whole telemarketing issue would be legislation
> mandating that all telemarketing calls must be made, or must go out,
> carrying Caller ID with some unique, specific "artifical" Caller ID
> prefix that would be the same nationwide, analogous to the 800 or 900
> or similar prefixes.

It would be technically possible, but I think the national mandatory
"do not call" list proposed by the FCC would be a better idea, since
it would get telemarketers off our phones without having to pay for
extra cost equipment and service that we don't otherwise want.


John R. Levine, IECC, POB 727, Trumansburg NY 14886 +1 607 387 6869
johnl@iecc.com, Village Trustee and Sewer Commissioner
http://iecc.com/johnl 
Member, Provisional board, Coalition Against Unsolicited Commercial E-mail

------------------------------

Date: 5 Mar 2002 17:29:35 -0500
From: johnl@iecc.com (John R. Levine)
Subject: Re: USA - Non Geographic Number
Organization: I.E.C.C., Trumansburg NY USA


> Does anybody know where I can obtain information about non-geographic
> numbers for the USA??

Pat mentioned toll-free numbers which are non-geographic.  If you want
something like a "national rate" number that costs the same no matter
where you call from, I'd just get a regular number in a lightly
populated state, since these days most people pay the same price for
all inter-state calls regardless of distance.


John R. Levine, IECC, POB 727, Trumansburg NY 14886 +1 607 387 6869
johnl@iecc.com, Village Trustee and Sewer Commissioner
http://iecc.com/johnl 
Member, Provisional board, Coalition Against Unsolicited Commercial E-mail

------------------------------

From: ANTISPAM_garycnew_ANTISPAM@yahoo.com (Gary C. New)
Subject: IMUX DSL to Logical Dial-up Circuit?
Date: 5 Mar 2002 15:40:18 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


Does anyone know if it is possible to inverse multiplex a dsl circuit
to several logical dial-up circuits for use with a remote access
server?

Any particulars or theory would be greatly appreciated.


Respectfully,

Gary

------------------------------

From: reo@roscoe.airaffair.com (Ross Oliver)
Subject: Re: How to Protect From Erroneous Toll-Free Usage?
Date: 06 Mar 2002 00:53:42 GMT
Organization: Concentric Internet Services


On 2 Mar 2002 20:22:22 -0800, Bob Resnick  wrote:

> I am thinking of having a toll-free number for my business. Although,
> I know toll-free numbers are used by businesses liberally, I am a
> little concerned about someone maliciously calling my toll-free number
> to rack up my charges. Is that considered illegal and can action be
> taken should a situation like that arise? What level of protection do
> I have from the telephone companies? Thanks for any advice in advance.

I would like to throw in a customer viewpoint.  The freefall in long
distance rates has greatly diminished the importance of a toll-free
number for me as a customer.  My LD rate is $0.05/min 24x7 (and LD on
my cell phone is *free*), so I think nothing of calling
cross-continent any time of day.  The only time I will look for an 800
number is when calling large organizations like a bank where I might
be on hold for 10-20 minutes.

Rather than an 800 number, I look for businesses with an email address
*that gets answered*.  If I find something that interests me in a
magazine ad or web site at 1am, I am much more likely to fire off an
email than try and remember to call during "normal" business hours.
Businesses with email addresses that don't get answered don't get my
business.


Ross Oliver


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: But how would you know if they answered
their email or not until you laboriously set upon preparing your
letter and mailing it, then waiting for a week or two for an answer
which never arrived?   PAT]

------------------------------

From: haspohr@yahoo.com (Joe Jackson)
Subject: Phone Card Complaints
Date: 5 Mar 2002 09:46:40 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


Hi all,

Where can I file a complaint about a dodgy phone card provider in the
US, that has a non-existent customer service? What is the appropriate
authority for this?


Thanks.

------------------------------

From: John Bartley 
Date: Tue, 05 Mar 2002 10:26:26 -0800
Subject: Re: Good Source for Wireless Solutions


You might also visit the Handheld's Cellular FAQ
http://celdata.cjb.net

and the Wireless FAQ for PalmOS(r)
http://palmwireless.cjb.net

While waiting on 1 Mar 2002 07:42:06 -0800 in da vastness of space to
hitch a ride w/ Galen, tparks60@hotmail.com (Tom Parks) wrote:

> Hello,

> I am new to this list, but just found an excellent site for wireless
> technology information, specifically PDA's and Handhelds.  Here is a
> pretty good article:
> http://www.isit.com/Feature.cfm?articleid=3707&tech=WIRE

> isitWIRELESS.com also has a very resourceful newsletter that is FREE.

> You can register for it here.
> http://www.isit.com/LibCard.cfm?tech=WIRE

------------------------------

From: ANTISPAM_garycnew_ANTISPAM@yahoo.com (Gary C. New)
Subject: Remote Access Dial-in Device
Date: 5 Mar 2002 10:44:31 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


I'm looking to purchase a remote access server device, simular to what
your local ISP would maintain, and have a few questions regarding such
hardware.

1.  What exactly is the industry term for such a device?  Remote
Access Concentrator?

2.  Where can I find documentation on how one of these devices
operates (i.e., How many phone lines are required per device, etc)?

3.  Are there any new or refurbished devices on the market that are
modestly priced (i.e., Shiva, Ascend, etc)?

4.  Where is the best place to purchase a refurbished or used device?

5.  Where would be a more appropriate newsgroup to post this message?

Thank you in advance.

Respectfully,

Gary

------------------------------

End of TELECOM Digest V20 #182
******************************


    
    
From editor@telecom-digest.org  Sat Mar  9 21:13:28 2002
Received: (from ptownson@localhost)
	by massis.lcs.mit.edu (8.9.1/8.9.1) id VAA03148;
	Sat, 9 Mar 2002 21:13:28 -0500 (EST)
Date: Sat, 9 Mar 2002 21:13:28 -0500 (EST)
From: editor@telecom-digest.org
Message-Id: <200203100213.VAA03148@massis.lcs.mit.edu>
To: ptownson
Approved: patsnewlist
Subject: TELECOM Digest V20 #184

TELECOM Digest     Sat, 9 Mar 2002 21:13:00 EST    Volume 20 : Issue 184

Inside This Issue:                            Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    Postmortem: How Sunbelt [PBX] Got Hacked  (Paul Erickson)
    Resetting the Operator Logo on the Cell Phone (Shashidhar Pemmasani)
    Re: 208V vs 110V Power (Dale Farmer)
    Re: 208V vs 110V Power (Ian Grey)
    Re: 208V vs 110V Power (Jonathan Edelson)
    Re: 208V vs 110V Power (Carl Zwanzig)
    Re: 208V vs 110V Power (Henry E Schaffer)
    Wrong 800 Number (Dave Close)
    Voice Recognition Services (Charles P)
    Re: FCC Reclassifies DSL Service To Spur Competition (Paul Wallich)
    Ground-Mounted Cable Terminals - World's Worst Idea? (Jim Haynes)
    Telecom Tax Plan For Hub Hit (Monty Solomon)
    Rotary - Northern Electric Metal 500s? (Tracy)
    French Words in Telecom Digest (Jean-Bernard Condat)
    SSP Diagnostics (Jabriol)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
exclusively to telecommunications topics. It is circulated anywhere
there is email, in addition to various telecom forums on a variety of
networks such as Compuserve and America On Line, and other forums.
It is also gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated 
newsgroup 'comp.dcom.telecom'.

TELECOM Digest is a not-for-profit, mostly non-commercial educational
service offered to the Internet by Patrick Townson. All the contents
of the Digest are compilation-copyrighted. You may reprint articles in
some other media on an occasional basis, but please attribute my work
and that of the original author.

Contact information:    Patrick Townson/TELECOM Digest
                        Post Office Box 50
                        Independence, KS 67301
                        Phone: 630-841-7174
                        Email: editor@telecom-digest.org

Subscribe:  telecom-subscribe@telecom-digest.org
Unsubscribe:telecom-unsubscribe@telecom-digest.org


This Digest is the oldest continuing e-journal about telecomm-
unications on the Internet, having been founded in August, 1981 and
published continuously since then.  Our archives are available for
your review/research. We believe we are the second oldest e-zine/
mailing list on the internet in any category!

URL information:        http://telecom-digest.org

Anonymous FTP: hyperarchive.lcs.mit.edu/telecom-archives/archives
  (or use our mirror site: ftp.epix.net/pub/telecom-archives)

Email <==> FTP:  telecom-archives@telecom-digest.org 

      Send a simple, one line note to that automated address for
      a help file on how to use the automatic retrieval system
      for archives files. You can get desired files in email.

*************************************************************************
*   TELECOM Digest is partially funded by a grant from                  *
*   Judith Oppenheimer, President of ICB Inc. and purveyor of accurate  *
*   800 & Dot Com News, Intelligence, Analysis, and Consulting.         *
*   http://ICBTollFree.com, http://1800TheExpert.com                    *
*   Views expressed herein should not be construed as representing      *
*   views of Judith Oppenheimer or ICB Inc.                             *
*************************************************************************

ICB Toll Free News.  Contact information is not sold, rented or leased.
Access to Premium (P) links requires upgrade to a paid subscription.

One click a day feeds a person a meal.  Go to http://www.thehungersite.com

Only subscribers or registered users of ICB Toll Free News web site
will be able to access all or some of the full text of URLs provided.

LEGAL STUFF: TELECOM Digest (sm) is owned by Patrick Townson.
Copyright 2000 ICB, Inc. and TELECOM Digest. All rights reserved.
Our attorney is Bill Levant, of Blue Bell, PA.

   In addition, a gift from Mike Sandman, Chicago's Telecom Expert
   has enabled me to replace some obsolete computer equipment and
   enter the 21st century sort of on schedule. His mail order 
   telephone parts/supplies service based in the Chicago area has
   been widely recognized by Digest readers as a reliable and very
   inexpensive source of telecom-related equipment. Please request
   a free catalog today at http://www.sandman.com 
   ---------------------------------------------------------------
    
Finally, the Digest is funded by gifts from generous readers such as
yourself who provide funding in amounts deemed appropriate. Your help
is important and appreciated. A suggested donation of twenty dollars
per year per reader is considered appropriate. See our address above.
Please make at least a single donation to cover the cost of processing
your name to the mailing list.

All opinions expressed herein are deemed to be those of the author. Any
organizations listed are for identification purposes only and messages
should not be considered any official expression by the organization.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Paul Erickson <paule@mindspring.com>
Subject: Postmortem: How Sunbelt [PBX] Got Hacked 
Date: Thu, 7 Mar 2002 15:30:07 -0500
Organization: Posted via Supernews, http://www.supernews.com


 From www.w2knews.com :
Postmortem: How Sunbelt Got Hacked

It's just one of these things. You talk about security for years, you
warn people once a week, protect your domains with many layers, and
then some hacker walks right into your own open back door. [grin] At
the end of this cautionary tale I will tell you what to do to prevent
it in your own organization.

Here is how this whole thing went down, it's not as bad as it could
be, and our domains were never compromised. But it is egg on our face!
Someone hacked into our phone system. It's called phreaking, and has
been done for decades. Lucky for us he was just talking to people
instead of using it to (try to) break into other systems.

How it started? Last Thursday one of our Reps found she could not use
her voice mail box anymore. It was forwarded to some strange
number. The Admin in charge frowned, reset it, and things worked
again. Then last Friday, it happened again, and with not just one but
with a few mailboxes. Now we really started looking!

What the hacker did not know is that we have an advanced phone system
that really is just software. The whole system is a W2K server in a
special frame with 20 expansion slots. Each slot holds a card for 8
extensions. The software is powerful and allows you to reconfig
anything on the fly instead of having to call your PBX vendor all the
time if you move a few staff to new spots. The brand is Altigen.

We started to look in the Altigen console, and found a few mailboxes
that were forwarded to far away countries. When we started to trace
these down, it turned out they were Pakistan, Saudi-Arabia, Kuwait and
the Philippines.  Anyone that has followed the news recently can draw
their own preliminary conclusions. So did we.

Since we can see everything in real-time coming in and out of the
system, it was clear that a hacker had compromised a few mailboxes and
was using these to break into other companies' systems as well and
create a chain of compromised PBX-es. In some cases we were the end of
that chain, so we knew the final destination. The hacker was fairly
smart in trying to hide their trail by dialing in, dialing out, and
then dialing in again and use another mailbox.

However, since we could see and change things in real time, we took
him off the voice T1, and rerouted him to a copper trunk which we
could tap. And sure enough a both American and Arabic speaking male
voice was busy making calls, through several other companies systems
that he already "owned". So while he was happily tapping away, we
recorded what he was doing and called the FBI.

They actually are in a building 5 minutes from here so shortly they
were over and listening in. And since Altigen dumps all the data into
a SQL database, we were able to give them both the voice recordings
and a detailed track of all the calls, their origination and
destination points and duration. They were happy we could provide them
with all the data immediately burned on a CD so they could start their
analysis, using Excel.

The FBI agents told us that phone system hacking is happening
thousands of times every day! And we had to shamefacedly admit that
the password used for the compromised mailbox turned out to be the
same as the extension. OUCH!  The hacker simply cracked these
mailboxes using this very simple trick. DUH.  And me scoffing at the
New York Times for using the last four digits of someone's social
security number as their default passwords ... [grumble]

Luckily for us, the hacker never got into our W2K domains, and never
used it for actual computer cracking, but a simple trick like this can
cause damage in many other ways. Especially if one deals with a bit
more sophisticated criminal elements. So we compiled all the evidence
necessary and turned it over to the FBI Computer Crime Special Agents.

We then shut the hacker down, and changed all mailbox passwords to
something a bit more sophisticated. We also shut down all
international calling ability for mailboxes that did not need it,
which was about 95%, and made some other configuration changes in the
Altigen console which I'll not go into. And to the hacker, if you read
this, you were caught. Expect a tap on your shoulder any minute now.

Lesson learned: USE STRONG PASSWORDS FOR THE PHONE SYSTEMS AS
WELL. Monitor your phone system logs for unusual activity and out of
normal range events or durations, just like you would your networks
and set red flags. You could dump that stuff into a flat file and use
a tool like ELM to ping you when things are out of the ordinary.

------------------------------

From: Shashidhar Pemmasani <shashidh@nortelnetworks.com>
Subject: Resetting the Operator Logo on the Cell Phone
Date: Mon, 4 Mar 2002 15:21:58 -0600
Organization: Nortel


My service provider is "Cingular" , so "Cingular" appears on my Nokia
7160 phone. I want to remove that logo. But I think my phone is
locked, it does not allow me do that. I have tried couple of free logo
editor's on the net but they can't change the logo.  Is there any code
to unlock this?


Thanks,

shashi

------------------------------

From: Dale Farmer <Dale@cybercom.net>
Subject: Re: 208V vs 110V Power
Date: Thu, 07 Mar 2002 13:28:03 -0500
Organization: The new clue zoo


Dalvenjah FoxFire wrote:

> "wa2ise" == Robert Casey <wa2ise@ix.netcom.com> writes:

>> The neutral return (in a "Y" configuration of power) sees
>> return pulses from all three 120V hots.  That can overload
>> the neutral without any circuit breakers popping.  If you
>> connect each load from one 120V hot phase to another 120V
>> hot phase, you avoid this neutral issue.  In this case,
>> the load sees 208V, so configure it accordingly.  Some

> * disclaimer: anything you do is your own problem; high voltage power
>   can kill, etc. etc.

> Not true ... remember that since the three phases of current are 120
> degrees out of phase, if you balance the current across all three
> hots properly, the neutral wire sees an effective load of zero.

> This is also true in single-phase residential, except the two hots are
> 180 degrees out of phase, so you only need to balance power draw
> across two hots instead of three.

> Three phase Delta (found more in industrial than commercial
> environments) is another animal entirely; two of the phases are
> referenced to ground, but the third (wild leg) can do interesting
> and scary things, getting much higher than 208V with reference
> to ground/neutral; consult a qualified electrician before dealing
> with something like this.

> The returns end up cancelling each other out. You can never see
> more current on the neutral wire than a single hot can put out by
> itself; that's why the NEC doesn't say that a neutral in a 3-phase
> setup needs to be any bigger than the hot wires.

    Actually, certain kinds of loads will cause neutral currents to
exceed the load on any given leg.  In theatrical lighting, certain
types of dimmers will cause this, or if you have lots and lots of
switching power supplies, such as in a PC manufacturer's burn in room,
this can cause problems back into the power company distribution
network.  Overheating of transformers and such.  I've had the physics
explained to me, but I've forgotten the details.  It has something to
do with a thing called power factor.

    The upshot is if the majority of the load in a building is
computers, then you need to oversize the power feed to the building
and the backup generator to account for this.  This rarely comes up,
but it does happen.


Dale

------------------------------

From: Ian Grey <ian@delicolor.co.uk>
Subject: Re: 208V vs 110V Power
Date: Thu, 07 Mar 2002 19:36:56 +0000
Organization: http://extra.newsguy.com
Reply-To: ian@delicolor.co.uk




Dalvenjah FoxFire <dalvenjah._*at*_.dal._*dot*_.net@galanthis.cts.com>
wrote:

> The returns end up cancelling each other out. You can never see
> more current on the neutral wire than a single hot can put out by
> itself; that's why the NEC doesn't say that a neutral in a 3-phase
> setup needs to be any bigger than the hot wires.

That wasn't the case with Thyratrons though, the early UK nstallations
ended up with the entire current from the 3 phases returning down the
neutral. An unexpected (& expensive) side-effect of DC Rectification.

See Fred Bentham's 60 years of light work for more.


Ian Grey
www.groups.yahoo.com/group/tabslist - the UK Backstage Mailing List

------------------------------

Date: Fri, 08 Mar 2002 13:14:51 -0500
From: Jonathan Edelson <winnie_pub@borealis.com>
Subject: Re: 208V vs 110V Power


 From: Dalvenjah FoxFire <dalvenjah._*at*_.dal._*dot*_.net@galanthis.cts.com>

>"wa2ise" == Robert Casey <wa2ise@ix.netcom.com> writes:
>> The neutral return (in a "Y" configuration of power) sees
>> return pulses from all three 120V hots.  That can overload
>> the neutral without any circuit breakers popping.  If you
>> connect each load from one 120V hot phase to another 120V
>> hot phase, you avoid this neutral issue.  In this case,
>> the load sees 208V, so configure it accordingly.  Some

> * disclaimer: anything you do is your own problem; high voltage power
>   can kill, etc. etc.

> Not true ... remember that since the three phases of current are 120
> degrees out of phase, if you balance the current across all three
> hots properly, the neutral wire sees an effective load of zero.

Actually, excessive neutral currents are a serious problem in
facilities that have a large number of non linear loads.  The load
balancing that you describe is only true if the current flows are
sinusoidal; if there is harmonic content in the current flow, then
significant neutral current can flow even if the loads are perfectly
balanced.

What is a non linear load?  It is something where the voltage versus
current relationship is not a nice straight line.  For example, a
simple diode rectifier charging a capacitor is an example of a
non-linear load.  When the AC line voltage is less than the capacitor
voltage, then no current flows.  But at the peak of the AC cycle, the
line voltage rises above the capacitor voltage, and a pulse of current
will flow until the line voltage starts falling again.  The supply
voltage might be a nice sine wave, but the current flow is a chain of
pulses, with lots of harmonic content.

Any harmonic content that is a multiple of 3, eg. the third, ninth,
fifteenth, etc. harmonic in a three phase system will be a 'zero
sequence' harmonic.  This means that this current is flowing at the
same phase angle in each of the three phases.  Since zero sequence
harmonics are _not_ 120 degrees apart, they do not balance across the
three hots, and _must_ flow in the neutral.  This can cause serious
heating of the neutral, since the neutral is generally never fused and
is often sized smaller than the hots in large system.

The relevance to telecom: switching power supplies, can present
serious non-linear loads.  If designed properly, they don't produce
excessive harmonic currents, but they can do so.  If you choose to use
120V apparatus, then you should consider carefully sizing the neutral
conductors, and possibly having overcurrent protection for the neutral
(not a trivial matter; you can't simply place a fuse on the neutral,
since if the neutral opens then any imbalance on the hots will become
an overvoltage on some of the hot lines).


Regards,

Jonathan Edelson

------------------------------

From: zbang@Radix.Net (Carl Zwanzig)
Subject: Re: 208V vs 110V Power
Date: 8 Mar 2002 14:02:16 -0500
Organization: RadixNet


Dalvenjah FoxFire <dalvenjah._*at*_.dal._*dot*_.net@galanthis.cts.com>
wrote:

> "wa2ise" == Robert Casey <wa2ise@ix.netcom.com> writes:

>> The neutral return (in a "Y" configuration of power) sees
>> return pulses from all three 120V hots.  That can overload
>> the neutral without any circuit breakers popping.  If you
>> connect each load from one 120V hot phase to another 120V
>> hot phase, you avoid this neutral issue.  In this case,
>> the load sees 208V, so configure it accordingly.  Some

> Not true ... remember that since the three phases of current are 120
> degrees out of phase, if you balance the current across all three
> hots properly, the neutral wire sees an effective load of zero.

True for non-inductive loads ... see below

> This is also true in single-phase residential, except the two hots are
> 180 degrees out of phase, so you only need to balance power draw
> across two hots instead of three.

Beware, some residential electric is delivered as 2 leads of a 3 phase
system. While this happens usually only in apartment/condo blocks,
it's been known to show up in detatched houses. Not that the "end
user" wiring is different, just that there may be a neutral current.

[snip]

> The returns end up cancelling each other out. You can never see
> more current on the neutral wire than a single hot can put out by
> itself; that's why the NEC doesn't say that a neutral in a 3-phase
> setup needs to be any bigger than the hot wires.

Definitely not true. This only holds for balanced on-inductive
loads. If you have interesting current waveforms from unlabanced
loads, such as phase control UPSs, stage dimmers or anything with a
low power factor, you can definately have the N current exceed any of
the L currents.  (Why did the neutral overcurrent alarm buzz?  Hmm,
L1=35a, L2=45a, L3=40a, N=56A!!) In some places now, the NEC is
requiring that the N be one or two wire sized bigger than the Ls (I'd
have to drag out my NEC to check the exact reqs.)

Also beware, some power companies have delivered 3 phase power from
only TWO transformers. (It's happened in San Francisco.) While this
sort of works, you have one lead "flapping in the breeze", so if
either xformer fails, the phase to phase voltages can go all over the
place. Not A Good Thing.

> Another corrolary of this is that you could in theory take two 120V
> devices and hook them up in series to a 240V (*NOT* 208V) circuit; at
> that point all the neutral really does is to bring the middle of the
> circuit to the same voltage as reference ground.  Do not try this at
> home, though; there're lots of good reasons power systems are designed
> the way they are, and this is not a Good Configuration.

The Boston T system still has tunnel lights that are a board of 5
120v lamps in series connected to the ground and the trolley wire. 
This, of course, is Not At Home.

z!

------------------------------

From: hes@uni00du.unity.ncsu.edu (Henry E Schaffer)
Subject: Re: 208V vs 110V Power
Date: Sun, 10 Mar 2002 00:35:55 UTC
Organization: North Carolina State University


In article <telecom20.183.8@telecom-digest.org>,
Dalvenjah FoxFire <dalvenjah._*at*_.dal._*dot*_.net@galanthis.cts.com>
wrote:

> Another corrolary of this is that you could in theory take two 120V
> devices and hook them up in series to a 240V (*NOT* 208V) circuit; at
> that point all the neutral really does is to bring the middle of the
> circuit to the same voltage as reference ground.  

This would work quite well if the two loads were equal in their
resistance - so they could divide the voltage drop 50%-50% (or close
enough to that.)  In this case the neutral isn't doing anything much.

I don't see any reason why the same thing wouldn't also happen on a
208V line -- it just would be running each load at 104V  which is a bit
low, but most nominally 120VAC devices actually are specified as 110-120
and 104 is just a bit on the brown-out side of that.

> Do not try this at
> home, though; there're lots of good reasons power systems are designed
> the way they are, and this is not a Good Configuration.

> * disclaimer: anything you do is your own problem; high voltage power
>  can kill, etc. etc.

Right - the safety requirements for proper connection and grounding are
there for a good reason!


henry schaffer
hes@ncsu.edu

------------------------------

From: dave@compata.com (Dave Close)
Subject: Wrong 800 Number
Organization: Compata, Costa Mesa, California
Date: Sat, 09 Mar 2002 19:59:43 GMT


As I read the recent discussion of potential toll-free number abuse, I
thought about my handling of wrong numbers. To avoid the irritation of
repetitive interruptions by a erroneous caller, and to help them avoid
the possible cost of repetitive calls, I try to settle the matter
immediately, on the first call. Sometimes, that is difficult as, as
soon as I tell the caller that he has reached a wrong number, he hangs
up. But if possible, I try this technique.

Me: I think you have reached a wrong number.
    What number are you trying to call?

If the number is wrong, I can easily tell the caller that he has
mis-dialed and to try again. If the area code is wrong or missing, I
can suggest checking it. If the number is actually mine, a further
query usually determines that he was actually trying to reach someone
else and just has the wrong number for that party. In that case, I
hope I have avoided receiving many additional failed attempts.

I don't start by telling the caller my number, only asking for the
number he was calling. If the call was truly malicious, I'd rather not
help make matters worse. There's a chance that he was dialing at
random and doesn't actually know what number he reached.


Dave Close, Compata, Costa Mesa CA  "Politics is the business of getting
dave@compata.com, +1 714 434 7359    power and privilege without
dhclose@alumni.caltech.edu           possessing merit." - P. J. O'Rourke

------------------------------

From: Charles P <cp.cp@verizon.net>
Subject: Voice Recognition Services
Date: Thu, 07 Mar 2002 16:23:04 GMT


I have a customer who is looking for a company that can provide voice
recognition services.  That is to say, they are not looking to put
voice recognition on their system, but they have clients who typically
have employee incentive programs and now want to offer contests over
the phone. They want to find a company that can provide customized
solutions such as a contest using voice recognition.


Thanks,

Charles
charles@telephonesecurity.com
Global Communications
Tarrytown, NY
www.avtele.com
www.telephonesecurity.com

------------------------------

From: pw@panix.com (Paul Wallich)
Subject: Re: FCC Reclassifies DSL Service To Spur Competition
Date: Thu, 07 Mar 2002 14:19:41 -0500
Organization: PANIX Public Access Internet and UNIX, NYC


In article <telecom20.183.1@telecom-digest.org>, eric@c4ever.com wrote:

> By John Rendleman, Information Week
> Feb. 25, 2002  

> High-speed Internet access is moved to a less-regulated category.

> The FCC is changing how it regulates telephone-based broadband
> services to encourage local telephone companies and other providers to
> deploy broadband services more quickly.

> The FCC will reclassify high-speed Internet access services offered
> over telephone facilities -- until now classified as telecommunications
> services -- as information services, which it regulates with a lighter
> hand. The reclassification applies to what the FCC calls telephone-
> based broadband services, or digital subscriber line services offered
> by local phone companies or by rivals that lease elements of the local
> phone companies' networks to provide their own DSL offerings.

> http://www.informationweek.com/story/IWK20020221S0019

Because giving monopolists a further unregulated monopoly as a reward
for their obstructionism always spurs competition.

Or perhaps they're talking about the competition between the cable and
phone monopolies for total control of all the bits entering people's
houses?


paul

------------------------------

Subject: Ground-Mounted Cable Terminals - World's Worst Idea?
Organization: Alumni of University of Arkansas
From: haynes@alumni.uark.edu (Jim Haynes)
Date: Fri, 08 Mar 2002 01:28:21 GMT


I just noticed a couple of those cable terminals that stick up out of
the ground today.  They are in fact just outside the corners of the
telephone company's office property.  Both are bashed in, covers are
lying on the ground all mashed up.  And I constantly see these things
where the cover is barely fitting, or held on with tape, or missing,
and where the item has been hit by vehicles or other objects.

I guess the evidence of good design is that they apparently keep
working even when the interior is exposed to the elements; but
otherwise they seem like a really bad idea.

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 7 Mar 2002 21:51:59 -0500
From: Monty Solomon <monty@roscom.com>
Subject: Telecom Tax Plan For Hub Hit


Telecom tax plan for hub hit
Firms say $9m levy could be illegal, hike customer bills

By Peter J. Howe, Globe Staff, 3/7/2002

Major telecommunications companies said yesterday that Mayor Thomas
M. Menino's plans for a new $9 million annual tax on using city rights
of way for fiber-optic and phone lines could be illegal, raise
customers' bills, and chill ongoing investment in telecom improvements
in Boston.

In a Tuesday speech outlining steps to plug a $100 million city budget
gap, Menino floated a plan to charge phone and Net firms for access to
city rights of way, typically for cables buried under streets or
strung along city-owned poles. Menino said Boston should join other
cities, including Chicago, New York, and Austin, Texas, that charge
such fees.

http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/066/business/Telecom_tax_plan_for_hub_hit+.shtml

------------------------------

From: tracym001@hotmail.com (Tracy)
Subject: Rotary - Northern Electric Metal 500s?
Date: 7 Mar 2002 20:15:11 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


I've been reading through this group's postings ... while I haven't
found an answer to my question, I'm sure that someone here will know:

Did Northern Telecom (or perhaps Northern Electric) make an all-metal
500 series rotary that was only available in black?

 From your postings, I gather that NE/NT phones may be clones of WE
models. Nearest I've found is a Western Elecric, possibly a 302, metal
body with a bakelite receiver. (Along the way, I accidentally picked
up a Northern Electric all bakelite 302 ... not such a bad thing!)


Thanks very much,

Tracy

------------------------------

From: Jean-Bernard Condat <condat@posteasy.org>
Subject: French Words in Telecom Digest
Date: Fri, 8 Mar 2002 09:09:55 +0100


Bonjour,

Excuse for this sending that will be not understandable to an US person. I
am the secretary of the first and well-known association known under the
name of "Club de l'Arche". All great companies CTO, all consultants visit
the FREE weekly 2 hours meeting that we have in a great French bank on the
Champs-Elysees. More than 4,500 members receive this free invitation to
visit us. last Thursday, we receive a VIP speaker, Michel HERVE ... for a
discussion on telco and e-gouvernement.

All my kind excuses for all people that don't practice French. The "TELECOM
Digest" is very interesting for us and I present all US news from your
sendings. I verify why you receive this email only reserve to the 4,500
members all over the world!


Bonne journee,

   Jean-Bernard CONDAT (PhD in information science!)
   B.P. 59, 93402 Saint-Ouen, France
   Phone/fax: +33153013874, jean-bernard@condat-jb.nom.fr


[Dominic Richens from Nortel wrote on Wed, 6 Mar 2002 06:32:06 -0500:]
> Subject: Re: Club de l'Arche de demain soir!

> Looks like SPAM for a seminar on starting your own business in France
>  ... from some guy who has something against the letter! (probably
> just stripped from the original e-mail). 

>  [TELECOM Digest Editor's Note:  ?????    PAT]

> [TELECOM Digest Editor's Note:  Did he send spam protesting the spam
> which someone else had sent in France? Is that it?  Or is this
> original spam on its own merit?  Or was he merely one of the misguided
> folks who send entire copies of spam to me in an effort to complain
> about it?  PAT]

[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note:  Well, Mr. Condat, thank you for
writing *in English*  to explain your original message. I certainly 
have no right to insist that your messages come here written in
English, however it would help a lot if they were.  By the way, I
want to thank you for your efforts in distributing this Digest to our
many professional friends there in France.   Thank you!  PAT]

------------------------------

From: jabriol2000@yahoo.com (Jabriol)
Subject: SSP Diagnostics
Date: 8 Mar 2002 04:44:35 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


All,

I am looking for a good diagnostic tool to troubleshoot Sram on a SSP
board thru the pci 9080 interface chip I am reffering to the cwb1 of
the lucnet conversant 8. However since cpci is standard, I imagine
there are various generic software that can do this. the software can
be either on DOS platform or Unixware 2.3.1

Thanks in advance,


t.

------------------------------

End of TELECOM Digest V20 #184
******************************
    
    
From editor@telecom-digest.org  Sat Mar  9 22:12:53 2002
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Date: Sat, 9 Mar 2002 22:12:53 -0500 (EST)
From: editor@telecom-digest.org
Message-Id: <200203100312.WAA04268@massis.lcs.mit.edu>
To: ptownson
Approved: patsnewlist
Subject: TELECOM Digest V20 #185

TELECOM Digest     Sat, 9 Mar 2002 22:07:00 EST    Volume 20 : Issue 185

Inside This Issue:                            Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    Re: Canada Leaving Country Code +1 ?? (Mark J Cuccia)
    Deep Cycle Battery FAQ (Bill Darden)
    Re: Another 800 Spammer (Denis Mcmahon)
    Re: Those French Messages - was Re: Club de l'Arche (John David Galt)
    Re: The Real Reason 3G is Vaporware (Denis Mcmahon)
    The Corner Internet Network vs. the Cellular Giants (Monty Solomon)
    Re: How Caller ID Works (Denis Mcmahon)
    Last Laugh! Christmas in Canada (Burkitt-Gray Alan)

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----------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Fri, 8 Mar 2002 17:21:03 CST
From: Mark J Cuccia <mcuccia@mailhost.tcs.tulane.edu>
Subject: Re: Canada Leaving Country Code +1 ??


On Wed 6 Mar 2002, Al Gillis <alg@aracnet.com> wrote:

> This excellent discussion just cries out for the wisdom and knowledge
> of Mark Cuccia of New Orleans.

[snip]

> [TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: It *is* a good discussion thread.
> I do not know where Mark is these days. I've not heard from him in a
> couple years at least. Some of his essays here were very good. PAT]


I've just been way too busy with work and such ... I still read TELECOM
Digest, but right now, I just don't have much time to post to it.

Others who replied in this thread gave most of the information that I
would have given anyway.

Both Linc Madison's website, http://www.LincMad.com/ and Dave Leibold's
World Telephone Numbering Guide, http://www.wtng.info/ have good
up-to-date lists of ITU-assigned worldwide telephone country codes.
And Dave's "WTNG" also has the "History of Country Codes" file as well.

Greenland is +299
St.Pierre and Miquelon is +508

The possibility of Canada leaving the NANP (+1) has been discussed in
the past, both here in the TELECOM Digest, as well as by the Canadian
telco industry itself. The Canadian telcos have discussed the matter,
mainly because they think that direct control over numbering and code
resources for them BY them MIGHT mean better use of codes, rather than
the larger and more populated (and influential) US using up most of
the available resources leaving less for Canada's immediate and growth
use.  But it has only been discussed by Canada, and never really
approved.

The most recent official discussion by Canada regarding either leaving
the NANP (+1) altogather, or maybe becoming "semi-NANP" (i.e., having
a three-digit Country Code of their own but still beginning with '1'),
happened about two or three years ago. The discussion was about how
Canada could maintain their own numbering resources and still retain a
ten-digit national number indefinately, instead of expanding to
something longer-than-ten-digits (NANP "expansion").

There MIGHT still be documentation of these discussions located somewhere
within http://www.cnac.ca or http://www.crtc.gc.ca

In the unadopted proposals, Canada could still be part of WZ-1, but
with Country Code +100. It would be "semi-NANP".

OR another possibility would be for Canada to completely withdraw from
the NANP +1, and instead get request its own ITU-assigned country code
in no ways based on WZ-1, possibly a +29X code.

In the "semi-NANP" proposal, Canada would work out an arrangement with
the rest-of-the-NANP where it would become Country Code +100. Calls to
Canada from the "rest-of-the-world" would be dialed as:

the international exit code used from the calling country (usually 00),
followed by cc +100, and then the (ten-digit) full Canadian national
number.

But calls between the US and Canada would NOT be dialed (under this
proposal) as 011+ (or 01+) type calls. Instead, there would be some form
of "crossover" dialing between the US (and the rest of the NANP), and
Canada:

- US to Canada would be dialed as 100+the number in Canada (which would
probably remain at ten-digits) ...

- ALL calls within Canada (regardless of local vs. toll) would be
dialed as "straight" ten-digits with-OUT any 1+ prefix (I wonder how
the general public in Canada would feel about the loss of indication
of local/free vs. toll!)...

- Calls to the US would be dialed as 1+ the number in the US (which
might by then be expanded to longer-than-ten-digits) ...

Nothing was mentioned in the document about "0+ type" calling between
the US and Canada. (With the continued promotion of 800- dialups for
telco/LD carrier Card/Operator services, is 0+/01+ type dialing really
needed anymore?)

If Canada were to completely withdraw from the NANP (+1) / WZ-1
altogather where it would be assigned a unique 3-digit country code
from some "other" World Zone digit, then it would most likely mean
full IDDD type dialing procedures between the two countries ...

from the US to Canada,
011+ for "station-sent-paid", 01+ for "special billing"

but it would have to be something OTHER than 011+/01+ for calls from
Canada to the US, since the US would still be using
+1. Special-billing calls to +1 could *NOT* be dialed as 01+ cc-1+,
since that would be the same thing as 011+ for station-sent-paid
dialing to other continents!

*IF* Canada were to get a unique non-WZ-1 type code (i.e., some 2XX
code) they "could" change their IDDD exit prefix for special billing
calls to 010+, and keep 011+ for station-sent-paid. This would
eliminate the conflict I described above ... 011+1+ for
station-sent-paid to the US, and 010+1+ for special-billing to the
US. They could also change to 01+ and 00+ -- but then there is the
question as to which maps to "station" and which maps to "special" ...

They could have codes that look like current intra-NANP 1+ station and
0+ special, as 01+ for non-Canadian station and 00+ for non-Canadian
special ...

But they could also use 00+ for non-Canadian *STATION* since it would
"look" like most-of-the-rest-of-the-world uses ...

BUT ANYHOW, I doubt that Canada will ever leave the NANP in any which
way, shape or form. There is just too much similarity between the two
countries, economically, socially, politically, etc. which has existed
for DECADES, which has always meant that the telephone networks of
both countries has developed "togather". Canada's telephone service
providers are either partially held by US-based telcos, or they have
historically been held in large form by US-based telcos. Even though
Bell Canada was completely separated from AT&T by 1975, SBC-Ameritech
now holds about 20% of Bell Canada. And Telus is about 20% held by
VeriZon (which comes out of the GTE-ownership of BCTel and QuebecTel
through GTE's Anglo-Canadian subsidiary). AT&T and Sprint have a
strong presence in Canada as well, thru various joint-ventures. While
US-based companies do own subsidiaries or have joint ventures all over
the globe (both presently and even going back into history), there is
still this "something special" and "close" and "similar" about the US
and Canada that doesn't seem to apply between the US and Mexico, nor
between many other adjacent countries ...

And it would be more trouble than any perceived "benefits" to tamper
with the numbering/dialing methods between Canada and the US, on a
VERY LARGE scale. Whenever the NANP does need to expand to something
longer-than-ten- digits, it would be better for BOTH Canada and the US
(as well as any participating NANP-Caribbean/etc. countries/islands)
to all expand over to expand over to the longer format as a single
"unit".


Mark J. Cuccia
mcuccia@tulane.edu


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note:  I must have said something that
brought Mark out of hibernation. ;)  I think a fair way to resolve
the question of country codes/US area codes would be to divide up '1'
into a few others, expanding our supply greatly. I discussed this one
time prior in the Digest. What would be wrong with having '11' for the
east coast of the USA, '12' for the western states. '13' for Canada,
'14' wherever needed. Our supply of area codes would double on the
spot, and I can't see where Canada would ever run out of them.
Anyway, as always Mark, thanks for a thoughtful, well presented essay
on the topic.   PAT]

------------------------------

From: william.darden@uumail.de (Bill Darden)
Subject: Deep Cycle Battery FAQ
Date: Fri, 08 Mar 2002 18:53:37 GMT
Reply-To: bjb_darden@yahoo.com


Latest versions of free, consumer oriented Car (including Motorcycle,
Truck, Tractor & Aircraft) and Deep Cycle (including Marine, RV,
Sealed Lead-Acid, Wheelchair & Golf Cart) Battery Frequently Asked
Questions (FAQs) maybe found at http://www.uuhome.de/william.darden/
Also, you will find a Battery Manufacturers and Brand Names List,
Battery References and Information Links, and printable version of the
above.

If you have any questions or comments, please email me at
bjb_darden@yahoo.com


Kindest regards,

Bill ...

------------------------------

From: Denis Mcmahon <denisf@pickaxe.demon.co.uk>
Subject: Re: Another 800 Spammer
Date: Sat, 09 Mar 2002 00:14:38 +0000
Organization: E-Menu Ltd
Reply-To: denisrt@pickaxe.demon.co.uk


stevenl11@aol.com (Steven Lichter) wrote:

> ...to teach this individual about the cost of owning an 800 number ...

I just wonder how much verification is done of these numbers before
they're published as "hammer a spammer" numbers.

I don't see that running an 800 number matches the spammer mentality.

On the other hand, I can believe that a customer who was dissatisfied
with a company, or even an unscrupulous competitor, might want to
encourage others to make spurious calls to an 800 number as a means of
(a) blocking a phone system from genuine callers and (b) costing its
owner money.

Pat, do you do any checks? The first 100 hits on google for "brenda"
and "lawrence" show two possibles, neither of which relates to spam in
the sense of Usenet posts with a BI > 20 over a 45 day period, rather
both appear to be sighting reports for UCE / UBE advertising life
insurance.

If the posting is information gleaned from a sighting report in an
admin/abuse group, and there is no verification of the original
report, how do we ensure that we are applying a spammer hammer and not
being conned into trashing someone's business by a competitor?


Rgds,

Denis McMahon / +44 7802 468949 / denis@pickaxe.demon.co.uk
Top-posters, posters of adverts & binaries are scum. Killfile!
Block [a.b.*.*] of any UC/BE relay. Posts > 100 lines ignored.
sulfnbk is not a virus, see the symantec virus encyclopaedia!


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note:  Very good point. Very good. I used
to verify each one before posting it here, but I have not done that
like I used to.  I probably should start doing it again. Anyway,
Denis, how do you do it from UK?  I assume you call some sort of
gateway number in the USA, and proceed from there. Generally if
the message says something like, 'call and listen to a three minute
discussion of this business opportunity' or similar, I assume it
is spam.  Messages like that should not be on Usenet anyway. At 
the very least, any message which contains an 800 number should be
in email, not a public posting. And if it is in email and the
recipient did not request the mail then I would say they are fair
game. I would like to ask however, that when someone sends in a
new listing for the Business Directory that they verify it with
a single phone call whenever possible.   Thanks.   PAT] 

------------------------------

From: John David Galt <jdg@diogenes.sacramento.ca.us>
Subject: Re: Those French Messages - was Re: Club de l'Arche de demain soir!
Date: Fri, 08 Mar 2002 16:42:21 -0800
Organization: Diogenes the Cynic Hot-Tubbing Society


Gail M. Hall wrote:

> My opinion -- and I know YOU are the boss of this group -- is that
> this guy should be told to send messages in English because that is
> the language of this group.  If he wants to include the French, fine.
> But he should include English in the message for this group.

> Since he is putting you to extra work to figure out what he is talking
> about, he is being inconsiderate toward you and the rest of us who
> don't know French.

This is a worldwide newsgroup, so I don't see that an English-only
rule is called for.  However, since all of Condat's messages are
announcements of meetings in Paris, usually the next day ("demain
soir" = tomorrow evening), it seems to me that either you or he ought
to be inserting a "Distribution: fr" header line in each of his
messages, so that only people in France will see them.

(Is it possible that Condat is putting in this header and the Digest's
moderation software is stripping it out?)


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: It is quite possible that is happening
(that the software I use is removing it).  But see my previous message
in the last issue to Mr. Condat.  I suggested he write in English, 
and his name is not that hard to miss in my mail queue, so I will
start watching him/it more frequently.  PAT]

------------------------------

From: Denis Mcmahon <denisf@pickaxe.demon.co.uk>
Subject: Re: The Real Reason 3G is Vaporware
Date: Sat, 09 Mar 2002 04:00:36 +0000
Organization: E-Menu Ltd
Reply-To: denisrt@pickaxe.demon.co.uk


Monty Solomon <monty@roscom.com> wrote:

> Elisa Batista
> 2:00 a.m. March 6, 2002 PST

> The four-year litigation that has tied up some licenses to operate on
> the nation's airwaves has had "minimal" impact on mobile phone
> operators' ability to offer next-generation (3G) wireless services,
> telecommunications experts say.

> One reason U.S. carriers can't offer high-speed data 3G services, 
> such as video teleconferencing over mobile phones like NTT DoCoMo 
> does in Japan, is that the mobile operators here need more spectrum.

> http://www.wired.com/news/wireless/0,1382,50855,00.html

Don't believe a word of it, there are several reasons that 3G will not
be the cash cow that the networks expect:

2.5g (GPRS) costs as much per megabyte as a GSM data call. Is 3g data
going to be cheaper than GPRS? Is 3g voice going to be cheaper than
GSM?

With GSM data calls you can access your home ISP, but with GPRS you
access your mobile network as ISP unless your home ISP has a data
gateway to your mobile network. How many people want to reconfigure
their ISP settings every time they leave the house or office with
their laptop?

The mobile phone screen is too small for information presentation of a
volume and at a rate that would make 3g worthwhile for information
transfer.

The license costs are much too high per subscriber to support the
pre-pay subscriber model at connection and call costs that pre pay
subscribers are willing to pay, they're going to be high for contract
users.

There's no killer application for mobile high speed data. Email
doesn't need it, web doesn't work on the available screen size, sms
text and voice calls don't need 3g, or 2.5g. GSM still has several
years of life in Europe.

Multimedia content is available through portable storage and broadcast
devices, and although high bandwidth although data may offer "play on
demand" access to on line multimedia content, people are as likely to
use locally stored or pre-delivered content using either a dedicated
or integrated player, and the integrated player concept is not
necessarily a data bandwidth user.

Mobile video conferencing is all very well, but it feels gimmicky and
tacky - does it really add enough value to the conversation to justify
the extra cost of transferring the data?

So I see no killer application, I see costs related to excessively
high bids in license auctions, and I don't expect there to be room for
the networks to offer financially acceptable packages to personal
subscribers or to be able to attract pre-pay subscriber volumes. I
think that 3g is going to be almost as exclusive as Iridium!

Note the continuing announcement of delays in network build out for 3g
in Europe, CeBit is just over a month away, how many 3g calls will be
handled during this European Showcase event? Because if 3g isn't
available at CeBit this year, then several people have missed targets.
Note that GPRS roaming is still in it's infancy, will anyone be making
3g calls in Hannover next month?

Sorry, but I don't see a market demand for the 3g services that are
suggested, or a group of customers ready to pay the costs that are
implied by the license fees. None of the techno freaks that I know are
showing any interest at all in 3g, although they are all bluetooth
headset wearers etc.


Rgds,

Denis McMahon / +44 7802 468949 / denis@pickaxe.demon.co.uk
Top-posters, posters of adverts & binaries are scum. Killfile!
Block [a.b.*.*] of any UC/BE relay. Posts > 100 lines ignored.
sulfnbk is not a virus, see the symantec virus encyclopaedia!

------------------------------

Date: Fri, 8 Mar 2002 23:18:09 -0500
From: Monty Solomon <monty@roscom.com>
Subject: The Corner Internet Network vs. the Cellular Giants


March 4, 2002

The Corner Internet Network vs. the Cellular Giants

By JOHN MARKOFF

SAN FRANCISCO, March 3 - The informal Wi-Fi networks that
inexpensively provide wireless Internet access are fine, as far as
they go -- which is generally a few hundred feet. But what happens when
there are enough of them to weave together in a blanket of Internet
coverage?

What begins to appear is a high-speed wireless data network built 
from the bottom up, rather than the top-down wireless cellular data 
networks now being established by giant telecommunications companies.

http://www.nytimes.com/2002/03/04/technology/04MESH.html

------------------------------

From: Denis Mcmahon <denisf@pickaxe.demon.co.uk>
Subject: Re: How Caller ID Works
Date: Sat, 09 Mar 2002 04:07:30 +0000
Organization: E-Menu Ltd
Reply-To: denisrt@pickaxe.demon.co.uk


David Pflug <pflug@alum.mit.edu> wrote:

> I am helping put together a talk on Telcom Services (caller ID, call
> waiting) and would like to include a slide on how Caller ID works.  I
> would like it to have some technical detail ... at this level:

> 1. User dials destination phone number.

2. Local telephone switch analyses call, checks to see if caller is
releasing number for display, whether caller has a presentation number
(ISDN / pabxs) and if so whether any validation is needed.

Call set up messages between control computers in exchanges carry
callers number, dialled number, control flags and other information.

Called party's exchange feeds callers number to presentation equipment
connected to terminating subscribers line during ringing phase.

> n. Destination phone rings and between 1st and 2nd ring xxxxxxx
> signal is passed to the phone and the number is displayed.


Rgds,

Denis McMahon / +44 7802 468949 / denis@pickaxe.demon.co.uk
Top-posters, posters of adverts & binaries are scum. Killfile!
Block [a.b.*.*] of any UC/BE relay. Posts > 100 lines ignored.
sulfnbk is not a virus, see the symantec virus encyclopaedia!

------------------------------

From: Burkitt-Gray Alan <ABurkitt@EUROMONEYPLC.COM>
Subject: Last Laugh! Christmas in Canada
Date: Tue, 5 Mar 2002 17:18:28 -0000 


Welcome to Canada. Turn back your calendar by 27 months. I've just
received the following press release from BCE. I've made *no* changes.


Alan Burkitt-Gray
Editor, Global Telecoms Business
Euromoney Institutional Investor plc, Nestor House, Playhouse Yard, 
London  EC4V 5EX, UK
tel +44 20 7779 8518 fax +44 20 7779 8492
e-mail aburkitt@euromoneyplc.com


BCE Our news - your way

With 16 days left until Christmas, thousands may be rushing the malls
this weekend. Solution: one-stop shop equals Bell World. Cell phones
and other high tech items including satellite TV systems, internet
service, cordless phones and pagers are said to top Christmas lists
this year.* The new Bell World stores have all the high tech
communications gadget needs from wireless to wireline and internet to
satellite.

For the full story go to
<http://www.bce.ca/en/news/releases/bc/1999/12/08/6856.html>

BCE's "Our news - your way" is a service of the BCE web site. To modify
your
preferences or cancel your subscription, go to
<http://www.bce.ca/en/news/ournews/>

------------------------------

End of TELECOM Digest V20 #185
******************************
    
    
From editor@telecom-digest.org  Sun Mar 10 19:08:12 2002
Received: (from ptownson@localhost)
	by massis.lcs.mit.edu (8.9.1/8.9.1) id TAA19423;
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Date: Sun, 10 Mar 2002 19:08:12 -0500 (EST)
From: editor@telecom-digest.org
Message-Id: <200203110008.TAA19423@massis.lcs.mit.edu>
To: ptownson
Approved: patsnewlist
Subject: TELECOM Digest V20 #186

TELECOM Digest     Sun, 10 Mar 2002 19:08:47 EST    Volume 20 : Issue 186

Inside This Issue:                             Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    Re: Postmortem: How Sunbelt [PBX] Got Hacked (David Clayton)
    Re: 208V vs 110V Power (Andrew)
    Re: 208V vs 110V Power (David Clayton)
    Re: Resetting the Operator Logo on the Cell Phone (Joseph Singer)
    Re: Wrong 800 Number (Henry)
    Re: Invalid Caller-ID (Marian Stepka)
    Re: Another 800 Spammer (Richard D. G. Cox)
    Re: Buying Old Yellow Pages? (Tom Brown)
    Two-line Answering Machine Recommendations (Steve Williams)
    More Companies to do Business With! (David B. Horvath)
    News Headlines of Interest (Monty Solomon)    

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----------------------------------------------------------------------

From: David Clayton <dcstar@acslink.net.au>
Subject: Re: Postmortem: How Sunbelt [PBX] Got Hacked
Date: Mon, 11 Mar 2002 09:31:50 +1100
Organization: Customer of Connect.com.au Pty. Ltd.
Reply-To: dcstar@acslink.net.au


Paul Erickson <paule@mindspring.com> contributed the following:

> From www.w2knews.com :
> Postmortem: How Sunbelt Got Hacked

> It's just one of these things. You talk about security for years, you
> warn people once a week, protect your domains with many layers, and
> then some hacker walks right into your own open back door. [grin] At
> the end of this cautionary tale I will tell you what to do to prevent
> it in your own organization.

> Here is how this whole thing went down, it's not as bad as it could
> be, and our domains were never compromised. But it is egg on our face!
> Someone hacked into our phone system. It's called phreaking, and has
> been done for decades. Lucky for us he was just talking to people
> instead of using it to (try to) break into other systems.

"Hacking" into voice systems for the purposes of "just talking to
people" can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars before it is
detected and stopped, and was a significant problem before most people
on this planet ever heard of the word "Internet" and worried about
data loss or corruption from other type of hacking.

> Lesson learned: USE STRONG PASSWORDS FOR THE PHONE SYSTEMS AS
> WELL. Monitor your phone system logs for unusual activity and out of
> normal range events or durations, just like you would your networks
> and set red flags. You could dump that stuff into a flat file and use
> a tool like ELM to ping you when things are out of the ordinary.

Correct, and ANYONE who doesn't get their PBX maintenance password,
along with things like VM system control, changed regularly, and has
holes like forwarding to external numbers, has "rocks in their head".

These lessons have been learnt decades ago by those in the voice
industry, (well at least they should have been!), perhaps with the
prevalence of data people now administering voice systems ("it runs on
a PC, therefore it is data...."), there is going to be a lot of pain
as these lessons are re-learnt.


Regards, 

David Clayton, e-mail: dcstar@acslink.net.au
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

Dilbert's words of wisdom #18: Never argue with an idiot. They drag you down to their level then beat you with experience.

------------------------------

From: Andrew <andrew@nospam.kill-9.com>
Subject: Re: 208V vs 110V Power
Date: Sun, 10 Mar 2002 13:25:47 UTC
Organization: Kill-9 Industries


Carl Zwanzig <zbang@radix.net> wrote:

> Dalvenjah FoxFire <dalvenjah._*at*_.dal._*dot*_.net@galanthis.cts.com>
> wrote:

>> "wa2ise" == Robert Casey <wa2ise@ix.netcom.com> writes:

>>> The neutral return (in a "Y" configuration of power) sees
>>> return pulses from all three 120V hots.  That can overload
>>> the neutral without any circuit breakers popping.  If you
>>> connect each load from one 120V hot phase to another 120V
>>> hot phase, you avoid this neutral issue.  In this case,
>>> the load sees 208V, so configure it accordingly.  Some

>> Not true ... remember that since the three phases of current are 120
>> degrees out of phase, if you balance the current across all three
>> hots properly, the neutral wire sees an effective load of zero.

> True for non-inductive loads ... see below

I can see why non-linear or non-sinusoid loads could cause excessive
neutral current, but I don't see why this is necessarily true in the
case of reactive loads. How can three loads with the same power factor
create a neutral current that is geater than any individual leg?

>> This is also true in single-phase residential, except the two hots are
>> 180 degrees out of phase, so you only need to balance power draw
>> across two hots instead of three.

> Beware, some residential electric is delivered as 2 leads of a 3 phase
> system. While this happens usually only in apartment/condo blocks,
> it's been known to show up in detatched houses. Not that the "end
> user" wiring is different, just that there may be a neutral current.

I thought that this was the standard way to deliver power to residential
neighborhoods -- any particular neigborhood is supplied with 2 of the 3
phases, the transformer on the pole outside the home uses these 2 as
inputs and outputs three wires to the house, one wire taps the middle
of the customer-side winding of the transformer (the neutral). The 
voltage between the other two is 240v and the voltage between either
of these two and the neutral is 120v. I'm not sure if the neutral is
supposed to be grounded at the transformer or as it enters the house.


Andrew

------------------------------

From: David Clayton <dcstar@acslink.net.au>
Subject: Re: 208V vs 110V Power
Date: Mon, 11 Mar 2002 09:31:43 +1100
Organization: Customer of Connect.com.au Pty. Ltd.
Reply-To: dcstar@acslink.net.au


Dale Farmer <Dale@cybercom.net> contributed the following:

> Actually, certain kinds of loads will cause neutral currents to
> exceed the load on any given leg.  In theatrical lighting, certain
> types of dimmers will cause this, or if you have lots and lots of
> switching power supplies, such as in a PC manufacturer's burn in room,
> this can cause problems back into the power company distribution
> network.  Overheating of transformers and such.  I've had the physics
> explained to me, but I've forgotten the details.  It has something to
> do with a thing called power factor.

The power factor is the relationship between a resistive versus reactive
(capacitive or inductive) load. The problem with switched mode supplies
is the tendency to draw lots of current only at the voltage peaks and
not throughout the whole cycle.

> The upshot is if the majority of the load in a building is
> computers, then you need to oversize the power feed to the building
> and the backup generator to account for this.  This rarely comes up,
> but it does happen.

Yep, in a "normal" power load environment the current tracks the
voltage (in line with the overall power factor) through the whole
cycle, have too much switched mode stuff and you have to supply the
current peaks on each cycle which are much more than the average
current load - therefore an "upsized" supply is necessary.


Regards, 

David Clayton, e-mail: dcstar@acslink.net.au
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

Dilbert's words of wisdom #18: Never argue with an idiot. They drag you down to their level then beat you with experience.

------------------------------

From: Joseph Singer <joeofseattle@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: Resetting the Operator Logo on the Cell Phone
Date: Sat, 09 Mar 2002 19:58:40 -0800
Organization: Drizzle
Reply-To: joeofseattle@yahoo.com


On Mon, 4 Mar 2002 15:21:58 -0600, Shashidhar Pemmasani
<shashidh@nortelnetworks.com> wrote:

> My service provider is "Cingular" , so "Cingular" appears on my Nokia
> 7160 phone. I want to remove that logo. But I think my phone is
> locked, it does not allow me do that. I have tried couple of free logo
> editor's on the net but they can't change the logo.  Is there any code
> to unlock this?

The Nokia 7160 is a TDMA technology handset.  Only Nokia GSM
technology handsets have the capability to change the logo to an
alternative graphic.  That said on the TDMA handsets you can change
the "alpha tag" which is the word Cingular or Home to other text.
Other than changing the alpha tag you cannot change the "logo" on your
Nokia 7160 TDMA handset.  And whether your phone is "locked" or not
has no bearing on whether you can change the text.  For more
information on changing the alpha tag go to http://howardforums.com
and do a search there.

Personal replies are likely not read.  Please reply in the newsgroup

------------------------------

From: henry99@mac.com (Henry)
Subject: Re: Wrong 800 Number
Date: Sun, 10 Mar 2002 12:42:38 +0200
Organization: Soon Communications


Dave Close <dave@compata.com> wrote:

> I don't start by telling the caller my number, only asking for the

Not exactly _a propos_, but a tidbit some readers may find surprising
(I know I did, the first time I heard it). In the UK, it is a common
practice to answer the phone not with 'hello' or your name, but by
reciting your phone number.


cheers,

Henry

------------------------------

From: stepka@tris.sk (Marian Stepka)
Subject: Re: Invalid Caller-ID
Date: 10 Mar 2002 02:59:41 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


dave@compata.com (Dave Close) wrote in message
news:<telecom20.183.2@telecom-digest.org> ...

> I received an incoming call on which the connection was very poor.
> Basically, the other party was unintelligible. Since his number was
> displayed by caller-id, I said that I would call him back, and hung
> up. But when I called the number, I got a recording that the number
> was no longer in service.

> Is this common? If it's an error, whose at fault?

Sometimes call back doesn't working. Depends of originating call. If
for example that person been calling using free access numbers and
then prepaid card or been calling from inside some organization which
does not allow direct dial to extensions from outside or just part of
number is displayed like just int. access code and area code and first
lets say 3 digits and then rest 3 digits of extension are missing.
Situation could vary. I don't know much about numbering in US.

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 10 Mar 2002 15:55:43 GMT
From: Richard D G Cox <mandarin@spamcop.net>
Subject: Re: Another 800 Spammer


On Sat, 9 Mar 2002 00:14 UT, Denis Mcmahon
<denisf@pickaxe.demon.co.uk> wrote:

> I don't see that running an 800 number matches the spammer mentality.

Two points to remember here -- firstly that spammers lie ... and the
spammer that sold a "bulk e-mail solution" to a business may well have
mislead them as to how that "bulk e-mail solution" actually worked.
That 800 number may in fact belong to a genuine responsible business,
who had simply been duped.  The difficulty is that many businesses
that rely on spam to advertise, use third-party mailers: and so can
equally claim to be "victims" if (or when) questions start to be
asked.

Secondly, spammers have always thrived on theft of services -- usually
ours.  The most likely explanation for a spammer having an 800 number,
is that they have no intention of being anywhere around when the bill
arrives.

> [TELECOM Digest Editor's Note:  ... how do you do it from UK?

We call in the normal way: +1 800 (or whatever).  We first hear a recording
that reminds us the call is chargeable at "international direct-dial rates"
(which, at typically 10c/minute, is not as bad as it used to be!).


Richard D G Cox
Penarth, Wales: +4429 2031 1111

[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note:  Did I tell you about the old lady here
in town who got scammed like that?  Her knowledge of computers and the
internet was equal to my knowledge of sports. Zilch, zero. In fact,
the elderly lady runs a flower shop here in town. She had never used a
computer prior to the experience, but was scammed into starting a web
page by an 'nice man who led me to believe he was an expert'. She
bought a computer from him and allowed him to set up her web site and
(naturally) do a thorough and comprehensive spam all over the
world. Oh of course she paid him in advance a few thousand dollars for
the whole job.   For about a month afterward -- about the longevity of
a spam a few years ago, her phone rang off the hook day and night with
complaints about the spam and the method she chose to do business.

She said getting scammed like that left a horrible taste in her own
mouth, and she felt that the man had attacked her business on the sly
with that kind of thing. She still knows very little about computers
and the net but said to me 'I sure was sorry for those nice men and 
women who use computer networks. I really did not mean to cause any
trouble and had I known anything about it I never would have done it.'

That probably leaves more of a bad taste in my own mouth than all the
'free teens'  and other junk on the net.  It is painful to see a new
person get a bad lesson like that as a way of learning computers.  Now
this old lady wants nothing to do with any of us. Can you blame her?  PAT]

------------------------------

From: kibri@eudoramail.com (Tom Brown)
Subject: Re: Buying Old Yellow Pages?
Date: 10 Mar 2002 09:29:56 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


I was talking with a colleague about these posts and was amazed to
learn that he has old San Francisco white and some yellow pages on
file going back maybe ten years (he would have to check exact dates).
If anyone needs these, drop me an e-mail and I will pass it along to
him (Please no Spam).  Keep in mind that these are heavy to ship.
Most likely someone in the Bay Area might need them.  


Thanks, 

Tom

------------------------------

From: steven.r.williams@us.pwcglobal.com (Steve Williams)
Subject: Two-Line Answering Machine Recommendations
Date: 10 Mar 2002 10:19:21 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


I'm looking for an integrated two-line answering machine that is
*wall-mountable*, with a speakerphone.  Could be cordless or corded,
doesn't matter.

Also, I want an answering machine on both lines, with access to
multiple mailboxes (father, mother, two sons).

Does such an item exist?  right now, we have a two-line phone, with one
line split running out to a separate four-mailbox answering machine.

And, (to complicate things!), I'd like to run the second phone line to
a fax machine (in another room, but I think I can run the cable).  How
does the second tel line distinguish between a voice message (for the
answering machine) and an incoming fax?

Thanks!


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note:  I think Radio Shack has the device you
are looking for, and the way to tell the difference between fax and
voice is to get a distinctive ringing number for the second line. Give
out the regular number for voice calls and the distinctive ringing
number for fax.  Then, adjust the incoming ringing sounds the fax
understands.    PAT]

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 10 Mar 2002 15:51:56 -0500
From: dhorvath@cobs.com (David B. Horvath, CCP)
Subject: More Companies to do Business With!


World Reach Corporation, toll free at: 1-800-877-1978 An Authorized reseller
and distributor of Empire Towers Technology solutions. Technology by
StealthLaunch. Call LaunchHosting at 1-800-877-1978 if your company needs
high speed temporary hosting for a Campaign Launch! [odd that they have two
different names at the same toll free number]

Search engine registration: call Brian Waters at 888-892-7537 or To be
removed call: 888-800-6339 X1377


David B. Horvath, CCP
Consultant, Author, International Lecturer, Adjunct Professor
Board Member: ICCP Educational Foundation, ICCP Test Council, and
Philadelphia Association of Systems Administrators

------------------------------

Date: Sat, 9 Mar 2002 21:45:08 -0500
From: Monty Solomon <monty@roscom.com>
Subject: News Headlines 


Friday, 8 March, 2002, 17:40 GMT
EU rebuffs US over satellite project

By Chris Morris
BBC Europe correspondent

The European Union has rejected renewed criticism from the United 
States over European plans to establish a network of navigational 
satellites.

Washington says the proposed EU network, known as Galileo, is 
unnecessary, because the Americans' own network, the Global Position 
System or GPS, is already widely available.


http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/world/europe/newsid_1862000/1862779.stm


Friday, 8 March, 2002, 09:23 GMT
Hacking with a Pringles tube

By Mark Ward
BBC News Online technology correspondent

Empty cans of Pringles crisps could be helping malicious hackers spot 
wireless networks that are open to attack.

Security company i-sec has demonstrated that a directional antenna 
made with a Pringles can significantly improves the chances of 
finding the wireless computer networks being used in London's 
financial district.

An informal survey carried out by i-sec using the homemade antenna 
has found that over two-thirds of networks were doing nothing to 
protect themselves.


http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/sci/tech/newsid_1860000/1860241.stm

also think about this:

Antenna on the Cheap (er, Chip)
http://www.oreillynet.com/cs/weblog/view/wlg/448

802.11b Homebrew Antenna Shootout - 2/14/2
http://www.turnpoint.net/wireless/has.html


Shrinking and Rethinking the Old Vertical Antenna

By DAVID F. GALLAGHER

As cellphones start to approach the size of matchboxes, their 
antennas are shrinking, too. In the tiniest new phones the antenna is 
often hidden inside, where it may take the form of a piece of foil or 
a coiled wire. But a new material may allow antennas for phones and 
other devices to become both obvious and invisible at the same time.

The material was invented by Tom A. Aisenbrey, general manager at
Integral Technologies, a tiny company with offices in Bellingham,
Wash., and Vancouver, British Columbia. While working on a more
traditional antenna, he stumbled across a way to mix a metallic
compound with plastic or rubber to make a conductive material that can
be molded into any shape. That makes it possible to create phones in
which the plastic case serves as the antenna.


http://www.nytimes.com/2002/03/07/technology/circuits/07NEXT.html

------------------------------

End of TELECOM Digest V20 #186
******************************
    
    
From editor@telecom-digest.org  Mon Mar 11 16:13:39 2002
Received: (from ptownson@localhost)
	by massis.lcs.mit.edu (8.9.1/8.9.1) id QAA07909;
	Mon, 11 Mar 2002 16:13:39 -0500 (EST)
Date: Mon, 11 Mar 2002 16:13:39 -0500 (EST)
From: editor@telecom-digest.org
Message-Id: <200203112113.QAA07909@massis.lcs.mit.edu>
To: ptownson
Approved: patsnewlist
Subject: TELECOM Digest V20 #187

TELECOM Digest     Mon, 11 Mar 2002 16:12:00 EST    Volume 20 : Issue 187

Inside This Issue:                             Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    Re: 208V vs 110V Power (Garrett Wollman)
    Re: 208V vs 110V Power (Neal McLain)
    Re: 208V vs 110V Power (Scott Dorsey)
    Re: Two-Line Answering Machine Recommendations (JDS)
    Re: Two-Line Answering Machine Recommendations (James Gifford)
    Radio Shack Anti-Phone Solicitation Device (Jim Van Nuland)
    For Vandals, Smart Phones New and Inviting Targets (The Old Bear)
    Re: More Companies to do Business With! (Scott Dorsey)
    News Headlines of Interest (Monty Solomon)

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----------------------------------------------------------------------

From: wollman@lcs.mit.edu (Garrett Wollman)
Subject: Re: 208V vs 110V Power
Date: 11 Mar 2002 02:44:42 GMT
Organization: MIT Laboratory for Computer Science


In article <telecom20.176.1.est.org>, Jim Pizzirusso
<jim@pizzirusso.net> wrote:

> I was wondering I there is an advantage to powering
> Data/Telecommunications equipment (routers, switches, etc.) via 208V
> power vs 110V power.

One significant difference is that, in commercial buildings, it's
probably easier to find a correctly-provisioned 15-A 208-V circuit
than it is to find a 30-A 120-V circuit.

I ran into this when I was doing a network upgrade in our building
about three years ago.  A fully-configured rack of switches for each
of our floors is rated for 15 A at 120 V, so I specified a 2250-VA UPS
(allowing some margin for error and expansion).  This UPS runs on 120
V, and so it has an L5-30P.  When we looked under the floor, we found
that there were a bunch of L6-20Rs left over from a previous Sun E5000
cluster, so we had to have the electrician run completely new wiring
back to the panel.  If the UPS had been designed for 208-V power, it
probably would have come with an L6-20P and we could have used the
circuits we already had installed.

As a part of the same project, we ran into the opposite problem in a
different machine room.  That room used to have several pods of
Symbolics 3650s, so there were many 120-V, 30-A circuits in the room.
But the switch we installed required 200-240 V, so we both had to
install a special new circuit for the switch (two of them, actually),
but we also had to purchase a mondo UPS (APC Matrix 5000) to support
both it and the normal rack of floor switches.  As a result, one of
the switch's power supplies gets 240 V from the UPS, and the other one
gets 208 V direct.


Garrett A. Wollman   | O Siem /We are all family /O Siem /We're all the same
wollman@lcs.mit.edu  | O Siem / The fires of freedom 
Opinions not those of| Dance in the burning flame
MIT, LCS, CRS, or NSA|                     - Susan Aglukark and Chad Irschick

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 10 Mar 2002 21:42:45 -0700
From: Neal McLain <nmclain@annsgarden.com>
Reply-To: nmclain@annsgarden.com
Organization: Ann's Garden
Subject: Re: 208V vs 110V Power


Carl Zwanzig <zbang@radix.net> wrote:

> Beware, some residential electric is delivered as 2 leads of a 3 phase
> system. While this happens usually only in apartment/condo blocks,
> it's been known to show up in detached houses. Not that the "end
> user" wiring is different, just that there may be a neutral current.

Whereupon Andrew <andrew@nospam.kill-9.com> wrote:

> I thought that this was the standard way to deliver power to residential
> neighborhoods -- any particular neighborhood is supplied with 2 of the 3
> phases, the transformer on the pole outside the home uses these 2 as
> inputs and outputs three wires to the house, one wire taps the middle
> of the customer-side winding of the transformer (the neutral). The
> voltage between the other two is 240v and the voltage between either
> of these two and the neutral is 120v. 

Power delivered to residences and small businesses is typically SINGLE
phase, provided over THREE wires.  The phase-to-phase voltage is 240v;
the phase-to-neutral voltage is 120 v.  The voltages on the two phase
wires are 180 degrees out of phase.  They MUST be 180 degrees out of
phase in order for the relationship 2*120=240 to be true.

Take a close look at how the transformer on the pole is wired.  Even
though the primary circuit may be three-phase (typically three phase
wires plus ground), ONLY ONE of the three phase wires feeds the primary
winding of the transformer (usually through a circuit breaker).  The
secondary winding of the transformer is center-tapped.  The center tap
wire is the neutral.

I suppose that one could argue that this is a two-phase circuit, since
there are two phase wires 180 degrees out of phase.  But, according to
the common usage in the electrical industry, it's still single phase. 
The terms "two-phase" and "three-phase" are reserved for situations
where the phase angle between any two phases is something other than
zero or 180.

If the scenario Andrew describes were true ("any particular
neighborhood is supplied with 2 of the 3 phases, the transformer on
the pole outside the home uses these 2 as inputs and outputs three
wires to the house") the pole transformer would have to have two
primary and two secondary windings, one set for each phase.  Moreover,
the two phase wires would be 120 degrees out of phase, not 180
degrees.  The phase-to-neutral voltage would still be 120v, but the
phase-to-phase voltage would be 120*SQRT(3)=208 volts, not 240v.

This is exactly what happens in large buildings supplied with
three-phase power: phase-to-neutral is 120v, but phase-to-phase is
208v.  This can be a real problem if a user actually needs
single-phase 240v.  A case in point from personal experience: a
University Home Economics laboratory was fitted with several
consumer-grade electric ranges.  The instructors complained that the
ovens never reached proper temperature.  The campus electricians
finally had to install a special 208:240 single-phase transformer to
supply the proper voltage for the ovens.

Andrew also wrote:

> I'm not sure if the neutral is
> supposed to be grounded at the transformer or as it enters the house.

It's supposed to grounded at BOTH ends.  

The National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) governs wiring at the pole. 
It specifies that all neutrals must be bonded together and connected to
a Multi-Grounded Neutral (MGN) wire.  The MGN wire must be physically
grounded (to a ground rod) at intervals.  The rule-of-thumb is "first
pole, last pole, corner pole, and every tenth line pole," but many pole
lines have a lot more grounds than that.

NESC also requires that communication circuits (telco and cable TV
shields) must be grounded to the same MGN.

The National Electrical Code (NEC) governs wiring inside buildings.  It
specifies that the neutral must be grounded to a "grounding electrode"
inside the building.  There's a complicated hierarchy of permissible
grounding electrodes (water pipe, driven ground rod, foundation rebar),
but one way or another, it MUST be grounded.

NEC also requires that communication drops (telco and cable TV shields)
must be grounded to the same electrode.  The current code even requires
that the meter box have a terminal available for this connection.

Note that this set of requirements means that the cable TV shield and
the electric power neutral conductor are wired in parallel between the
pole and the house.  Which means that part of the neutral current is
going to flow through the cable TV shield.  Normally, that's not a
problem because the DC resistance of the neutral is much lower than the
resistance of the shield.  

There's a famous legend in the cable TV industry about an open neutral
conductor, which forced the cable TV shield to carry the entire neutral
current.  This is one of those stories that's been retold a thousand
times, so there's no definitive version, but according to one version,
the husband couldn't figure out why some of the lights in the house were
too bright and some were too dim.  The wife already know the solution:
everything was fine if she turned on the oven.  

All versions of this story do agree on one point, however: the cable TV
service went out, and the insulation on the cable drop was melted.  


Neal McLain
nmclain@annsgarden.com

------------------------------

From: kludge@panix.com (Scott Dorsey)
Subject: Re: 208V vs 110V Power
Date: 11 Mar 2002 11:30:07 -0500
Organization: Former users of Netcom shell (1989-2000)


Dale Farmer  <Dale@cybercom.net> wrote:

> Actually, certain kinds of loads will cause neutral currents to
> exceed the load on any given leg.  In theatrical lighting, certain
> types of dimmers will cause this, or if you have lots and lots of
> switching power supplies, such as in a PC manufacturer's burn in room,
> this can cause problems back into the power company distribution
> network.  Overheating of transformers and such.  I've had the physics
> explained to me, but I've forgotten the details.  It has something to
> do with a thing called power factor.

Power factor is a simplified sort of way of thinking about reactive loads.
A device with a non-one power factor has a current curve which leads or
lags the voltage curve.  That is, the peak on the current curve is before
or after the peak on the voltage curve in time.

On a three-phase system, this is fine as long as the _reactive_ load
on all three legs is the same, as well as the resistive load.  The
currents still cancel out; they are shifted in time from the voltages
but they are shifted equally on all three phases and cancel out
properly.  But, not accounting properly for reactive loads can cause
serious neutral currents to flow.

I recall a skyscraper in the early seventies burning down due to
ignition in many different places simultaneously, a result of heavy
neutral currents caused by reactive fluorescent light ballasts that
were not well-balanced.

>    The upshot is if the majority of the load in a building is
> computers, then you need to oversize the power feed to the building
> and the backup generator to account for this.  This rarely comes up,
> but it does happen.

The more serious problem with computers is that they are nonlinear
loads in most cases, so not only is there a power factor issue, but
they will draw more current at one part of the voltage waveform than
another.  So the current waveform isn't just shifted in time a little
bit, it turns into something weird that doesn't even resemble a sine
wave.  This makes it impossible to balanced loads properly.

A lot of modern computer power supplies now have stuff in them to
linearize the current draw and make them nicer loads for the power
system to see, but this is certainly far from universal.  And it'll
probably never happen on lowest bid PC crap either.  


scott -- "C'est un Nagra.  C'est suisse, et tres, tres precis."

------------------------------

Subject: Re: Two-Line Answering Machine Recommendations
From: JDS <t111@syntelsoft.com>
Organization: Prodigy Internet http://www.prodigy.com
Date: Mon, 11 Mar 2002 00:21:16 GMT


> I'm looking for an integrated two-line answering machine that is
> *wall-mountable*, with a speakerphone...
> Also, I want an answering machine on both lines, with access to
> multiple mailboxes (father, mother, two sons).

> And, (to complicate things!), I'd like to run the second phone line to
> a fax machine...

Check your fax machine manual.  With most current faxes, you plug the 
telephone answering device (TAD) into the fax -- the fax listens as the TAD 
answers each call.  If the fax hears a CNG tone, it disconnects the TAD and 
takes over the call.

A good solution to your problem is a two-line switch, which causes an
incoming call on either line to be routed to your device(s).  You can
surely find a one-line answering machine that meets your requirements.


See, for example, Mike Sandman's SWI8A 
(http://www.sandman.com/pdf/Page27.pdf)

------------------------------

From: James Gifford <jgifford@surewest.not>
Subject: Re: Two-Line Answering Machine Recommendations
Date: Sun, 10 Mar 2002 17:05:51 -0800
Organization: Nitrosyncretic Press
Reply-To: jgifford@surewest.not


Steve Williams wrote:

> I'm looking for an integrated two-line answering machine that is
> *wall-mountable*, with a speakerphone.  Could be cordless or corded,
> doesn't matter.

> Also, I want an answering machine on both lines, with access to
> multiple mailboxes (father, mother, two sons).

> Does such an item exist?  right now, we have a two-line phone, with one
> line split running out to a separate four-mailbox answering machine.

> And, (to complicate things!), I'd like to run the second phone line to
> a fax machine (in another room, but I think I can run the cable).  How
> does the second tel line distinguish between a voice message (for the
> answering machine) and an incoming fax?

Instead of trying to do all this with consumer-grade single-line gear, 
why not put in a small KSU or PBX instead? Even two lines is enough to 
warrant one. You can pick up Panasonic analog units on eBay quite 
cheaply, and they are as bulletproof and long-lived as Ma Bell stuff.

That way, you could have the single-line answering machine you have
answer on both voice lines, and use a distinctive-ring line splitter
to provide a phantom third CO line for the fax.

I had an 8x16 analog KSU here in our house (3 physical CO lines, 2 
phantom distinctive-ring lines, six extensions and a whole lotta backup 
hardware) and recently upgraded it to a digital KSU and voicemail.

I, uh, have a Panasonic KX-T30810 KSU and some phones available if 
you're interested. But I'll be glad to answer further questions along 
this line (email or here in the NG) even if you're not.


|           James Gifford - Nitrosyncretic Press            |
| http://www.nitrosyncretic.com for the Heinlein FAQ & more |
|  Tired of auto-spam... change "not" to "net" for replies  |



------------------------------

From: Jim Van Nuland <jvn@svpal.org>
Subject: Radio Shack Anti-Phone Solicitation Device
Date: 11 Mar 2002 08:57:14 GMT
Organization: Silicon Valley Public Access Link


Radio Shack is advertising a device that takes your phone number off
the caller's list by sending a magic signal.  If this thing works it's
worth the $50.  Does anyone have experience with it?


Jim Van Nuland, San Jose (California) Astronomical Association

[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note:  What happens is this:  Many/most
telemarketers use autodialing equipment which listens for the
three intercept tones which occur before a recorded anouncement
saying a phone number is out of service. Upon hearing those three
tones (bee-boo-beep) the telemarketer's equipment marks the phone
number as no longer in service, and disconnect the telemarketer
 from the supposedly not-in-service number, so the precious telemark-
eter's precious time is not wasted. Those folks are expected to
process calls at a very frantic pace. Time wasted on a not in
service number is time wasted on a no-sale call. Supposedly the three
tones inserted on the line when the line is first answered makes
the equipment think about it that way. Mike Sandman is selling the
same device in his catalog for much less money. He says the Radio
Shack device is a waste of money. I would say look at www.sandman.com
for the very same device from a friend of the Digest.    PAT]

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 11 Mar 2002 11:13:44 -0500
From: The Old Bear <oldbear@arctos.com>
Subject: For Vandals, Smart Phones New and Inviting Targets


As summarized by NewsScan on 3/10/02:

  FOR VANDALS, SMART PHONES NEW AND INVITING TARGETS
  --------------------------------------------------
  Stephen Trilling, research at Symantec, which makes antivirus software, 
  warns: "We should think of smart phones as just another set of computers 
  on the Internet.  If they're connected to the Internet they can be used 
  to transmit threats and attack targets, just as any computer can.  It's 
  technically possible right now.'' 

  Recently, several software companies have begun selling antivirus and 
  encryption software for smartphone operating systems made by Palm, 
  Microsoft and the Symbian platform common in Europe. 

  Ari Hypponen enumerates some of the dangers: "If a malicious piece of 
  code gets control of your phone, it can do everything you can do.  It 
  can call toll numbers.  It can get your messages and send them 
  elsewhere.  It can record your passwords."  And he adds that it's not 
  that hard to do: "It's possible for anyone to make custom software 
  for this platform.  Teens can download development tools and write 
  their own software.'' 

  source: San Jose Mercury News (10 Mar 2002)
          http://www.siliconvalley.com/mld/siliconvalley/2833740.htm

------------------------------

From: kludge@panix.com (Scott Dorsey)
Subject: Re: More Companies to do Business With!
Date: 11 Mar 2002 11:34:26 -0500
Organization: Former users of Netcom shell (1989-2000)


In article <telecom20.186.10@telecom-digest.org>,
David B. Horvath, CCP <dhorvath@cobs.com> wrote:

> World Reach Corporation, toll free at: 1-800-877-1978 Authorized reseller
> and distributor of Empire Towers Technology solutions. Technology by
> StealthLaunch. Call LaunchHosting at 1-800-877-1978 if your company needs
> high speed temporary hosting for a Campaign Launch! [odd that they have two
> different names at the same toll free number]

> Search engine registration: call Brian Waters at 888-892-7537 or To be
> removed call: 888-800-6339 X1377

I thought the owner of Empire Towers had been arrested and was
currently in state custody and therefore no longer spamming?


scott C'est un Nagra.  C'est suisse, et tres, tres precis."

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 10 Mar 2002 22:41:26 -0500
From: Monty Solomon <monty@roscom.com>
Subject: News Headlines of Interest


Internet to Go: Innovation
By Erika Jonietz
March 2002

High-speed mobile Net access is on the way.

It's a mobile webhead's dream. Instead of hooking a laptop up to a 
cellular modem, paying extra fees and draining cell phone minutes to 
download data at a snail's pace, soon it may be possible to turn that 
laptop on anywhere and connect to the Internet at speeds comparable 
to those of digital subscriber line or cable modem services, thanks 
to a new wireless broadband system from San Bruno, CA-based 
IPWireless.

http://www.techreview.com/articles/innovation60302.asp

When Hounded, Hound Back

By MATT RICHTEL

They started calling us at home. We countered by getting answering 
machines and screening their pitches.

Unbowed, they even called during dinner. We got caller ID.

Telephone solicitors are increasingly leaving messages on our 
answering machines. Their overtures sound heartfelt and personal but 
are actually mass-produced recorded calls disseminated by automated 
dialing programs.

The technology arms race between pitcher and pitchee continues. But it
is no longer enough to rely on technology to fend off our pursuers. 

It's time for us to get human. It's time for us to call them back.
(Corporate names have been changed to protect the innocent - me.)

http://www.nytimes.com/2002/03/10/technology/10SLAS.html


Lawsuit revisits rejection of a cellphone-cancer link

By Gail Gibson, Baltimore Sun, 3/10/2002

BALTIMORE - At first, he had trouble walking. Then, while working out
one morning in 1997, Christopher J. Newman lost sight in one eye. A
year later, he was told he had a malignant brain tumor. He began
questioning whether the cellular phone he had depended on for much of
the 1990s was to blame.

Newman, a physician from Jarrettsville, Md., about 25 miles north of
Baltimore, was not the first to raise the issue. But after years of
conflicting research and lawsuits that went nowhere, it is his $800
million case against the wireless industry that is providing the
first detailed public inquiry into the persistent question of whether
cellphones cause cancer.


http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/069/nation/Lawsuit_revisits_rejection_of_a_cellphone_cancer_link+.shtml

------------------------------

End of TELECOM Digest V20 #187
******************************
    
    
From editor@telecom-digest.org  Tue Mar 12 00:24:20 2002
Received: (from ptownson@localhost)
	by massis.lcs.mit.edu (8.9.1/8.9.1) id AAA17089;
	Tue, 12 Mar 2002 00:24:20 -0500 (EST)
Date: Tue, 12 Mar 2002 00:24:20 -0500 (EST)
From: editor@telecom-digest.org
Message-Id: <200203120524.AAA17089@massis.lcs.mit.edu>
To: ptownson
Approved: patsnewlist
Subject: TELECOM Digest V20 #188

TELECOM Digest     Tue, 12 Mar 2002 00:24:00 EST    Volume 20 : Issue 188

Inside This Issue:                             Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    Telecom Update (Canada) #323, March 11, 2002 (Angus TeleManagement)
    DMT-300 Problems? (Dan McKenzie)
    International Number Parsing Algorithm (Bob Resnick)
    Re: News Headlines (Hendrik Rood)
    Wireless Sales Decline; Hacking Smart Phones (Marcus Didius Falco)
    Re: Radio Shack Anti-Phone Solicitation Device (Clarence Dold)
    Re: 208V vs 110V Power (Andrew)
    Re: 208V vs 110V Power (Jay Hennigan)
    Teleconferencing - Participant Pays (David Lewis)
    Ovens and Toasters and Coffee, was Re: 208V vs 110V Power (D. Burstein)
    Network Security Paper (S. Falke)
    Fone123 is Open For Your Business! (Al Niven)
    Revolutionary New Service for Telecommunications Sector (Al Younker)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
exclusively to telecommunications topics. It is circulated anywhere
there is email, in addition to various telecom forums on a variety of
networks such as Compuserve and America On Line, and other forums.
It is also gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated 
newsgroup 'comp.dcom.telecom'.

TELECOM Digest is a not-for-profit, mostly non-commercial educational
service offered to the Internet by Patrick Townson. All the contents
of the Digest are compilation-copyrighted. You may reprint articles in
some other media on an occasional basis, but please attribute my work
and that of the original author.

Contact information:    Patrick Townson/TELECOM Digest
                        Post Office Box 50
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                        Email: editor@telecom-digest.org

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*************************************************************************
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*   Views expressed herein should not be construed as representing      *
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ICB Toll Free News.  Contact information is not sold, rented or leased.
Access to Premium (P) links requires upgrade to a paid subscription.

One click a day feeds a person a meal.  Go to http://www.thehungersite.com

Only subscribers or registered users of ICB Toll Free News web site
will be able to access all or some of the full text of URLs provided.

LEGAL STUFF: TELECOM Digest (sm) is owned by Patrick Townson.
Copyright 2000 ICB, Inc. and TELECOM Digest. All rights reserved.
Our attorney is Bill Levant, of Blue Bell, PA.

   In addition, a gift from Mike Sandman, Chicago's Telecom Expert
   has enabled me to replace some obsolete computer equipment and
   enter the 21st century sort of on schedule. His mail order 
   telephone parts/supplies service based in the Chicago area has
   been widely recognized by Digest readers as a reliable and very
   inexpensive source of telecom-related equipment. Please request
   a free catalog today at http://www.sandman.com 
   ---------------------------------------------------------------
    
Finally, the Digest is funded by gifts from generous readers such as
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All opinions expressed herein are deemed to be those of the author. Any
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----------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Mon, 11 Mar 2002 13:01:30 -0500
From: Angus TeleManagement <jriddell@angustel.ca>
Subject: Telecom Update (Canada) #323, March 11, 2002


TELECOM UPDATE
published weekly by Angus TeleManagement Group
http://www.angustel.ca

Number 323: March 11, 2002

Publication of Telecom Update is made possible by generous
financial support from:
** AT&T CANADA http://www.attcanada.com
** BELL CANADA http://www.bell.ca
** GROUP TELECOM http://www.gt.ca
** LUCENT TECHNOLOGIES CANADA http://www.lucent.ca
** PRIMUS CANADA: http://www.primustel.ca
** Q9 NETWORKS: http://www.Q9.com
** TELUS: http://www.telus.com
** UNISPHERE NETWORKS: http://www.unispherenetworks.com


IN THIS ISSUE:

** Nortel Shuts Down Optical Switch Maker
** Entourage Buys Videotron Home-Service Unit
** E-Mail Problems Hit Shaw
** Ted Rogers Postpones Retirement
** New Distributor for Avaya Small Business Systems
** Bell Creates Telecom Income Fund
** Gateway Employees Seek Support
** Deregulate Late Payment Charges?
** Resellers Have to Meet Needs of Blind
** Telcos Must Provide Loops Faster
** Vectoria Announces "Extended Local Network"
** Survey Shows Rise in Virus Infections
** Accord Offers 0+ Billing System
** Amtelecom Sale Cancelled
** TIW Reports US$250 Million Loss
** Meet Us at Call Centre Canada
** Call Centres in Budget Squeeze


NORTEL SHUTS DOWN OPTICAL SWITCH MAKER: Nortel Networks has closed its
Xros Communications operation, which it bought in 2000 for US$3.25
billion. Production of the optical switch the California unit was
developing has been shelved indefinitely.

** Nortel has won a US$500 million contract to supply
    wireless equipment to Cingular Wireless of Atlanta.

ENTOURAGE BUYS VIDEOTRON HOME-SERVICE UNIT: Entourage Technology
Solutions, a home telecom equipment installer, has agreed to buy
Videotron's cable and Internet installation and repair business. 664
Videotron employees will join Entourage in May.

E-MAIL PROBLEMS HIT SHAW: Many of Shaw's high speed Internet customers
had problems logging on to e-mail for most of last week. On Friday, a
Shaw representative told Telecom Update that "intermittent problems"
affected all of its e-mail servers and that technicians were working
24/7 to solve them.

** It may be coincidence, but these problems began shortly
    after Excite@Home, which previously served Shaw's
    customers, finally stopped operations completely.
    (see Telecom Update #310)

TED ROGERS POSTPONES RETIREMENT: Rogers Communications has extended
CEO Ted Rogers' contract to 2006. Rogers had previously said he would
retire next year.

NEW DISTRIBUTOR FOR AVAYA SMALL BUSINESS SYSTEMS: Burlington-based
White Radio, an equipment supplier to the cable industry, has agreed
to become sole distributor in Canada of Avaya's Partner and Merlin
Magix telecom switches, which support up to 40 and 200 stations
respectively.

BELL CREATES TELECOM INCOME FUND: Bell Canada has filed a preliminary
prospectus to sell units in the "Bell Nordiq Income Fund," which will
acquire from Bell a 40% interest in Telebec and Northern Telephone. 
Bell will retain management control of the two northern telcos, and
will use the proceeds of the sale to reduce debt.

GATEWAY EMPLOYEES SEEK SUPPORT: Former employees of North Bay CLEC
Gateway Telecom have asked Ontario Premier Mike Harris and others to
help them get severance payments that the company has failed to pay
since they were laid off without notice in November. They state their
case on the Web at http://www.onlink.net/~gateway0/

DEREGULATE LATE PAYMENT CHARGES? Aliant Telecom has asked the CRTC to
rule that late payment charges are not telecommunications services and
are thus outside the CRTC's jurisdiction -- or, failing that, that the
credit marketplace is sufficiently competitive that regulation of
these charges is unnecessary.

** Aliant has separately filed a tariff which would set the
    minimum late payment charge for customers across its
    territory at $1.25, and tie the charges to the Royal Bank
    prime rate.

http://www.crtc.gc.ca/8740/eng/2002/a53.htm#10

RESELLERS HAVE TO MEET NEEDS OF BLIND: CRTC Telecom Decision 2002-13
requires carriers to include in their tariffs or contracts with
resellers the condition that the reseller provide, on request from
subscribers who are blind, billing statements, bill inserts, and other
information in alternative formats.

http://www.crtc.gc.ca/archive/ENG/Decisions/2002/dt2002-14.htm

TELCOS MUST PROVIDE LOOPS FASTER: Telecom Decision 2002-14 restates
and underlines an earlier order that ILECs must provide unbundled
loops to competitors as quickly as they provide loops to
themselves. As of April 1, loops are to be provided within two days
(migrated loops) or five days (new loops), in both rural and urban
areas.

http://www.crtc.gc.ca/archive/ENG/Decisions/2002/dt2002-14.htm

VECTORIA ANNOUNCES "EXTENDED LOCAL NETWORK": Montreal-based Vectoria
Inc. says that its network now provides flat-rate calling within and
between Quebec City, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Calgary, and
Vancouver. The company says it will expand to cover most Canadian and
U.S. cities by the end of the year.

http://www.vectoria.ca/

SURVEY SHOWS RISE IN VIRUS INFECTIONS: A survey by ICSA Labs finds
that 10.3% of computers at 300 large companies in North America
experienced virus infections in 2001, up 13% from the previous
year. 28% of respondents said that 25 or more computers had been
affected at the same time.

ACCORD OFFERS 0+ BILLING SYSTEM: Accord Communications, a unit of
Cygnal Technologies, has launched Zeroplus Payback Plan, a billing
system that enables hotels and other organizations to charge for
calling card, credit card, or other 0+ calls made over their phone
lines.

AMTELECOM SALE CANCELLED: Amtelecom Group and Persona Communications
have terminated plans for Persona to buy Amtelecom's telecom and cable
business. (See Telecom Update #314)

TIW REPORTS US$250 MILLION LOSS: Telesystem International Wireless,
which has 2.9 million subscribers in South America and Europe, says it
lost US$254 million in 2001 on revenue of $526 million. TIW's EBITDA
was $121.6 million, compared with $5.4 million the previous year.

MEET US AT CALL CENTRE CANADA: Angus TeleManagement and Angus Dortmans
Associates will have a booth at the Call Centre & CRM Solutions Canada
conference in Toronto March 25-27.  Please drop by and say hello. For
conference information, go to http://www.callvoice.com.

CALL CENTRES IN BUDGET SQUEEZE: In the March issue of Telemanagement,
call centre professionals speak out on their challenges in 2002. The
number one problem: budgets are frozen or cut, but demands for service
have increased.  Also in Telemanagement:

** New Avaya PBX Bridges Packet and Circuit Worlds
** Intria-HP Deploys Gigabit Links for High-Speed Banking
** McGill Tries Do-It-Yourself Mobile Data

Single copies of Telemanagement #190 are $75 each -- call
905-686-5050 ext 500 and charge to Visa, American Express, or
Mastercard. Save 49% with a 10-issue subscription -- go to
http://www.angustel.ca/teleman/tm.html.

============================================================

HOW TO SUBMIT ITEMS FOR TELECOM UPDATE

E-MAIL: editors@angustel.ca

FAX:    905-686-2655

MAIL:   TELECOM UPDATE
         Angus TeleManagement Group
         8 Old Kingston Road
         Ajax, Ontario Canada L1T 2Z7

===========================================================

HOW TO SUBSCRIBE (OR UNSUBSCRIBE)

TELECOM UPDATE is provided in electronic form only. There
are two formats available:

1. The fully-formatted edition is posted on the World
    Wide Web on the first business day of the week at
    http://www.angustel.ca

2. The e-mail edition is distributed free of charge.
    To subscribe, send an e-mail message to:
       TelecomUpdate@add.postmastergeneral.com
    To stop receiving the e-mail edition, send
    an e-mail message to:
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    Sending e-mail to these addresses will automatically add
    or remove the sender's e-mail address from the list. Leave
    subject line and message area blank.

===========================================================

COPYRIGHT AND CONDITIONS OF USE: All contents copyright 2002
Angus TeleManagement Group Inc. All rights reserved. For
further information, including permission to reprint or
reproduce, please e-mail rosita@angustel.ca or phone
905-686-5050 ext 500.

The information and data included has been obtained from
sources which we believe to be reliable, but Angus
TeleManagement makes no warranties or representations
whatsoever regarding accuracy, completeness, or adequacy.
Opinions expressed are based on interpretation of available
information, and are subject to change. If expert advice on
the subject matter is required, the services of a competent
professional should be obtained.

------------------------------

From: Dan McKenzie <dan.mckenzie@centurytel.com>
Organization: CenturyTel
Subject: DMT-300 Problems?
Date: Mon, 11 Mar 2002 14:20:31 -0600


Has anyone had strange intermittant problems with Northern DMT-300
muxes? We have quite a few that are showing equipment failures and
line failures. We reset the front panel and all is well for a while,
then the alsrm comes back. We're tried replacing the T2 or DS3 cards
it claimes are bad, but the alarms come back. Sometimes replacing the
front panel itself fixes it, sometimes not. We have over 40 of them in
the same office and half of them seem pretty flakey. Any ideas or
experiences? Could the backplanes be going bad? Many of them are 20
years old.


Dan

------------------------------

From: bresnick2000@yahoo.com (Bob Resnick)
Subject: International Number Parsing Algorithm
Date: 11 Mar 2002 12:21:26 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


I wanted to find out if someone could point me to an accurate
algorithm for parsing international number dialing, i.e. when an
international number is dialed, how should the country code (how many
digits etc.), city code and the number be broken down since the number
of these digits varies. An accurate algorithm is important because the
application I need it for is for billing purposes. Thanks much in
advance.


Regards,

Bob

------------------------------

From: hendrik@europe.com (Hendrik Rood)
Subject: Re: News Headlines
Date: Mon, 11 Mar 2002 20:31:16 GMT
Organization: XS4ALL Internet BV


On Sat, 9 Mar 2002 21:45:08 -0500, Monty Solomon <monty@roscom.com>
wrote:

> Friday, 8 March, 2002, 17:40 GMT
> EU rebuffs US over satellite project

> By Chris Morris
> BBC Europe correspondent

> The European Union has rejected renewed criticism from the United 
> States over European plans to establish a network of navigational 
> satellites.

> Washington says the proposed EU network, known as Galileo, is 
> unnecessary, because the Americans' own network, the Global Position 
> System or GPS, is already widely available.

> http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/world/europe/newsid_1862000/1862779.stm

Funny,

During the Kosovo war and flight-attacks the GPS was turned off by the
USA for strategic reasons. As a result a substantive number of base
stations in Italy (under the same GPS-spot as Yugoslavia) lost
synchronisation as they used GPS-information as their time
synchronisation base.

Some Europeans have their reasons to create an independent
navigational satellite system not prone to US decisions outside their
influence circles.

This story circulates already for a year in Europe. Public
confirmation lacks, but I am aware of a number of telecom-operators
that use GPS-signals as their synchronisation source in other parts of
Europe.

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 11 Mar 2002 15:19:49 -0500
From: Marcus Didius Falco <marcus_d_falco@yahoo.com>
Subject: Wireless Sales Decline; Hacking Smart Phones


NewsScan Daily, 11 March 2002 ("Above The Fold")

WIRELESS FIRMS LOOK TO SEX TO BOOST REVENUES

Virgin Mobile, the UK's fifth-largest mobile operator, is in
discussions with Playboy to offer Virgin customers access to soft-core
pornography via their wireless handset screens. The move is the latest
indication that mobile phone operators see sex as the possible
catalyst that could jumpstart demand for 3G handsets and
services. Last year, Hutchison 3G appointed a "head of adult services"
to explore a range of possible offerings, including gambling and
soft-core porn. Even Vodafone, loathe to be left out, is considering
offering soft-core porn to its users. Mobile operators in the UK,
which spent more than $30 billion on 3G licenses, are desperately
hoping that such alternative services will stimulate demand and
reverse the current decline in average revenues per user. (Financial
Times 11 Mar 2002) http://news.ft.com/news/industries/media

GLOBAL MOBILE PHONE SALES SLIP

Global sales of cell phones dipped below 400 million units last year,
the first such decline in the industry's history, according to Gartner
Dataquest. Sales were squeezed by saturated markets in Europe, the
elimination of subsidies by telecom operators, a booming second-hand
market in developing countries, and the proliferation of a "gray"
market by overstocked distributors moving to dump excess inventory
from 2000. In addition, mobile handset manufacturers failed to
introduce compelling new features that might sway consumers toward
investing in replacement phones.  Despite the current downturn, Nokia
managed to garner 35% of the market, followed by Motorola with
14.8%. The third, fourth and fifth rankings went to Siemens, Samsung
and Ericsson, which has since joined forces with Sony to boost
sales. (Reuters 10 Mar 2002)

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=581&u=/nm/20020310/tc_nm/tech_mobilephones_dc_1


FOR VANDALS, SMART PHONES NEW AND INVITING TARGETS

Stephen Trilling, research at Symantec, which makes antivirus
software, warns: "We should think of smart phones as just another set
of computers on the Internet. If they're connected to the Internet
they can be used to transmit threats and attack targets, just as any
computer can. It's technically possible right now.'' Recently, several
software companies have begun selling antivirus and encryption
software for smartphone operating systems made by Palm, Microsoft and
the Symbian platform common in Europe.  Ari Hypponen enumerates some
of the dangers: "If a malicious piece of code gets control of your
phone, it can do everything you can do. It can call toll numbers. It
can get your messages and send them elsewhere. It can record your
passwords." And he adds that it's not that hard to do: "It's possible
for anyone to make custom software for this platform. Teens can
download development tools and write their own software.'' (San Jose
Mercury News 10 Mar 2002)

http://www.siliconvalley.com/mld/siliconvalley/2833740.htm

------------------------------

From: dold@60.usenet.us.com
Subject: Re: Radio Shack Anti-Phone Solicitation Device
Date: 11 Mar 2002 22:00:36 GMT
Organization: Wintercreek Data


Jim Van Nuland <jvn@svpal.org> wrote:

> [TELECOM Digest Editor's Note:  What happens is this:  Many/most
 ...
> the equipment think about it that way. Mike Sandman is selling the
> same device in his catalog for much less money. He says the Radio
> Shack device is a waste of money. I would say look at www.sandman.com
> for the very same device from a friend of the Digest.    PAT]

But that page currently says:
"IMPORTANT NEWS... Sorry, this version of the Telemarketer Stopper! has
 been discontinued due to a Patent dispute. "

Oddly enough, it has said that since about the time telezapper appeared.

Waste of money in what sense?  The $10 increase from his comparable
product, or is his product better and a Telezapper would waste $49?

Radio Shack sells Telezapper, but it has recently become available
from other sources as well.  Walmart is $44.99.  It only emits one
tone, not three, so it isn't terribly intrusive.  I wouldn't want to
play the full three SIT melody to everyone who called me.  Not only do
I think it sounds weird, but I believe most people would hang up,
thinking they had dialed wrong.

I have one.  I get the "dead line" that might indicate that an
autodialer has hung up, but it's impossible to tell whether the device
caused it or if I'm just one of the called parties who didn't answer
fast enough.  I still get calls from certain auto-dialers, but my wife
is convinced that the random telemarketing has dropped off
substantially.


Clarence A Dold - dold@email.rahul.net
                - Pope Valley (Napa County) CA.


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Mike got a letter from some lawyer for
either Radio Shack or Walmart (not sure which, maybe Mike will write
and explain) demanding that he 'cease and desist' in the sale of the
zapper without paying royalties to whomever the lawyer claimed was the
'real owner' of the device.  I imagine doing his math, Mike decided
it was cheaper to quit selling it rather than fight a lawyer on some
sort of corporate retainer or pay outragous royalties, etc.  Mike and
I researched the Telecom Digest over several years and found a
reference to the 'intellectual concept' of such a device back in a
1991 issue of the Digest, which was a *long time* before Radio Shack/
Walmart started selling it. (Was Walmart even around in 1991?)  Mike 
has taken that evidence back to the lawyer with his contention that
the author of the article which appeared here years ago is the
rightful owner of any patent, if such a patent does or should exist.
Mike, front and center please. Bring us up to date on this. We all
prefer to get our telephone gimmicks from your catalog whenever it
is possible due to pricing considerations, etc. (Your stuff is
*always* cheaper, and of course you are a fellow netizen who can be
trusted.)  So please explain all this.    PAT]

------------------------------

From: Andrew <andrew@kill-9.com>
Subject: Re: 208V vs 110V Power
Date: Mon, 11 Mar 2002 22:30:42 +0000 (UTC)
Organization: Kill-9 Industries


Neal McLain <nmclain@annsgarden.com> wrote:

> Carl Zwanzig <zbang@radix.net> wrote:

>> Beware, some residential electric is delivered as 2 leads of a 3 phase
>> system. While this happens usually only in apartment/condo blocks,
>> it's been known to show up in detached houses. Not that the "end
>> user" wiring is different, just that there may be a neutral current.

> Whereupon Andrew <andrew@nospam.kill-9.com> wrote:

>> I thought that this was the standard way to deliver power to residential
>> neighborhoods -- any particular neighborhood is supplied with 2 of the 3
>> phases, the transformer on the pole outside the home uses these 2 as
>> inputs and outputs three wires to the house, one wire taps the middle
>> of the customer-side winding of the transformer (the neutral). The
>> voltage between the other two is 240v and the voltage between either
>> of these two and the neutral is 120v. 

> Power delivered to residences and small businesses is typically SINGLE
> phase, provided over THREE wires.  The phase-to-phase voltage is 240v;
> the phase-to-neutral voltage is 120 v.  The voltages on the two phase
> wires are 180 degrees out of phase.  They MUST be 180 degrees out of
> phase in order for the relationship 2*120=240 to be true.

That's what I thought I said.

> Take a close look at how the transformer on the pole is wired.  Even
> though the primary circuit may be three-phase (typically three phase
> wires plus ground), ONLY ONE of the three phase wires feeds the primary
> winding of the transformer (usually through a circuit breaker).  The
> secondary winding of the transformer is center-tapped.  The center tap
> wire is the neutral.

We are basically saying the same thing, except you are describing a
scenario with wye-connected loads and I am describing delta-connected
loads. My unscientific observations of two-conductor distribution
lines used in conjunction with three conductor service lines leads
me to guess that most residential loads are delta-connected.

> I suppose that one could argue that this is a two-phase circuit, since
> there are two phase wires 180 degrees out of phase.  But, according to
> the common usage in the electrical industry, it's still single phase. 
> The terms "two-phase" and "three-phase" are reserved for situations
> where the phase angle between any two phases is something other than
> zero or 180.

No arguments here.

> If the scenario Andrew describes were true ("any particular
> neighborhood is supplied with 2 of the 3 phases, the transformer on
> the pole outside the home uses these 2 as inputs and outputs three
> wires to the house") the pole transformer would have to have two
> primary and two secondary windings, one set for each phase.

Not true. 

> Moreover,
> the two phase wires would be 120 degrees out of phase, not 180
> degrees.  The phase-to-neutral voltage would still be 120v, but the
> phase-to-phase voltage would be 120*SQRT(3)=208 volts, not 240v.

If the house had three-phase service, then yes the phase-to-phase
voltage delivered to the house would be 208, phase-to-neutral 120.  In
my delta-loaded scenario, it does not matter that the the two inputs
for the primary winding are 120 degrees apart, all that matters is
what the sum of their phasors are.

<snippage>


Andrew

------------------------------

From: jay@west.net (Jay Hennigan)
Subject: Re: 208V vs 110V Power
Organization: Disgruntled Postal Workers Against Gun Control
Date: Tue, 12 Mar 2002 01:19:00 GMT


On Sun, 10 Mar 2002 00:35:55 UTC, Henry E Schaffer
<hes@uni00du.unity.ncsu.edu> wrote:

> In article <telecom20.183.8@telecom-digest.org>,
> Dalvenjah FoxFire <dalvenjah._*at*_.dal._*dot*_.net@galanthis.cts.com>
> wrote:

>> Another corrolary of this is that you could in theory take two 120V
>> devices and hook them up in series to a 240V (*NOT* 208V) circuit; at
>> that point all the neutral really does is to bring the middle of the
>> circuit to the same voltage as reference ground.  

> This would work quite well if the two loads were equal in their
> resistance - so they could divide the voltage drop 50%-50% (or close
> enough to that.)  In this case the neutral isn't doing anything much.

The loads had better be exactly identical.  A floating neutral will
usually rapidly result in some damaged gear.  Say that each side has
three, 100 watt loads in parallel.  All is fine until one of those
loads gets removed or someone plugs in a fourth load on one side.
Then you've got an imbalance.  Whichever side has less of a load will
have higher voltage.  This higher voltage results in one of the loads
burning out or blowing its fuse.  This causes even more of an
imbalance, rapidly frying even more gear on that side until everything
goes open.  Factor in that today's loads are not purely resistive, and
things get much worse much faster.

> I don't see any reason why the same thing wouldn't also happen on a
> 208V line -- it just would be running each load at 104V  which is a
> bit low, but most nominally 120VAC devices actually are specified as
> 110-120 and 104 is just a bit on the brown-out side of that.

No!  For a 208-volt circuit, you have two of the three "hot" phases of
a three-phase line.  From either of them to the building neutral will
be 120 volts, yet between them will be a nominal 208.  It isn't a
simple addition of 120 + 120 = 240 because of the fact that the phase
angle between the two hot leads is 120 degrees and not 180.

Splitting the load to power two 120-volt devices at 104 volts each
without going back to the building neutral is dangerous.  Unless the
loads are absolutely identical, the voltage won't evenly divide.  You
*WILL* break something if you try this, same as with the floating
neutral issue above.


Jay Hennigan - CCIE #7880 - Network Administration - jay@west.net
NetLojix Communications, Inc.  -  http://www.netlojix.com/
WestNet:  Connecting you to the planet.  805 884-6323

------------------------------

From: David Lewis <djlewis@triadic-nospams.com>
Subject: Teleconferencing -- Participant Pays
Date: Tue, 12 Mar 2002 01:37:49 GMT
Organization: ATT Broadband


I'm looking for a reasonably priced teleconferencing service where the
participant pays, rathr than billing centrally.  For example, there
might be a small, local central charge, with the the participants
calling a central number and paying the long-distance charges
themselves.


Thanks,  

David (remove "-nospams")

------------------------------

From: dannyb@panix.com (danny burstein)
Subject: Ovens and Toasters and Coffee, was Re: 208V vs 110V Power
Date: 11 Mar 2002 18:13:29 -0500
Organization: mostly unorganized


In <telecom20.187.2@telecom-digest.org> Neal McLain
<nmclain@annsgarden.com> writes:

[lots snipped throughout]

> Power delivered to residences and small businesses is typically SINGLE
> phase, provided over THREE wires.  The phase-to-phase voltage is 240v;
> the phase-to-neutral voltage is 120 v.  The voltages on the two phase
> wires are 180 degrees out of phase.  

> Take a close look at how the transformer on the pole is wired.  Even
> though the primary circuit may be three-phase (typically three phase
> wires plus ground), ONLY ONE of the three phase wires feeds the primary
> winding of the transformer (usually through a circuit breaker).  

> [In a three phase arrangement the hot leads are phased at 120degrees.]
> The phase-to-neutral voltage would still be 120v, but the
> phase-to-phase voltage would be 120*SQRT(3)=208 volts, not 240v.

> This is exactly what happens in large buildings supplied with
> three-phase power: phase-to-neutral is 120v, but phase-to-phase is
> 208v.  This can be a real problem if a user actually needs
> single-phase 240v.  A case in point from personal experience: a
> University Home Economics laboratory was fitted with several
> consumer-grade electric ranges.  The instructors complained that the
> ovens never reached proper temperature.  The campus electricians
> finally had to install a special 208:240 single-phase transformer to
> supply the proper voltage for the ovens.

As one of the earlier posters mentioned (and as is actually the case
in my own apartment building), in many recently constructed
multi-tenant, including residential, facilities the electrical supply
is, indeed, three phase. Each apartment gets two "hot" leads, in a
skip-over arrangment (first apartment gets a/b, second gets a/c, third
gets b/c) giving a nominal 120 volts when connecting hot to the
neutral, and "208" when running hot-to-hot.

While not very common, you can also see this arrangement in commercial
structures, including so-called server farms, with skipovers between
colocation cages.

Among many other advantages to this arrangement it means that all
three phases are available for heavy building equipment such as the
elevators or large HVAC stuff.

However, as you noted, 208V provides significantly less power (for
ovens and similar stuff) than 240V. And it's even worse than the 14
percent voltage drop would have you thinking.

Keep in mind that wattage (power) for this type of circuit is voltage
times amperage. When you drop the voltage 14 percent, you *also* drop
the ampere flow a similar amount. So instead of getting 86%, you're
only getting about 74%.

Meaning that items that depend on resistance heating, such as stove
tops, water heaters, coffee makers, and ovens, will take a *lot*
longer to do their thing.

(In most cases electric ovens will be ok, *provided* you preheat
them. But that may not be an option in a timed setting, such as a
classroom. And if your local deli has a toaster designed for 240V that
could explain why they never get the bread properly crispy.)


Knowledge may be power, but communications is the key
		     dannyb@panix.com 
[to foil spammers, my address has been double rot-13 encoded]

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 11 Mar 2002 15:19:16 -0800
From: S Falke <busbar@pacbell.net>
Subject: Network Security Paper


Although indirectly dealing with telecomm security, this paper may
be worth a readthrough or a link in TELECOM Digest.  Concerns About
Intrusions into Remotely Accessible Substation Controllers and SCADA
Systems by Paul Oman and Dr. Edmund O. Schweitzer, III (SEL)


Hope you are doing OK.


scott

http://www.selinc.com/techpprs/6111.pdf
Paul Oman and Dr. Edmund O. Schweitzer, III (SEL)

------------------------------

From: alniven@earthlink.net (Al Niven)
Subject: Fone123 is Open For Your Business!
Date: Mon, 11 Mar 2002 23:53:42 GMT
Organization: PANIX Public Access Internet and UNIX, NYC


Fone123 is open for your business!

Originate traffic with PC-to-Fone!

We are better than other PC to fone services because your commissions
are paid up front and we do not accept customers thru our web site,
only thru you, the agent.

Email us for a PC-to-Fone demo account, value 5 USD.

Originate traffic with Devices and Appliances !

PC-to-Fone works with devices or stand-alone appliances.

These are great in those countries, (eg India and Pakistan) where one
needs an appliance in order to get around the legal issues of
PC-to-Fone.

These are great also where you want the customer to have the
convenience of a fone device and not use the speakers and microphone
of the PC.

Don't be duped by companies that label their own devices and try to
lock you in to their service....with us you can private label.

Originate traffic for companies and hotels with large international
traffic !

Place a device, appliance, or full gateway behind the office or hotel
pbx, charge them a fraction of what they are currently paying for
international rates and you can make HUGE profit margins.

We can install behind any pbx anywhere.

Originate traffic with fone to fone standalone calling card or call
shop !

We provide complete software for CPM or Cisco including automatic
shutoff of an account when it reaches zero, and IVR prompts in any
language.  You can buy a local standalone CPM system for as little as
2000 usd.

Termination: Let us terminate with you !

If you are in an expensive country (Arbinet rate higher than 0.15) we
can terminate safely by putting in sip devices distributed throughout
different central offices or cell towers in your city, so you won't be
detected by call volumes or caller id (caller id blockage is dependent
on various factors) ...

Termination: Sell your minutes with us !

If you have an existing termination route let us try to sell it for
you, because our buy-sell department sells to fone companies and PTT's
world-wide, often getting a better price than companies that just sell
to USA based carriers.


Al Niven
Founder and VP of Business Development
Fone123
350 Fifth Avenue, #3304
Empire State Building
New York, NY 10118
+1-212-268-8302 office
+1-646-286-7087 cell
+1-212-244-9404 fax
http://www.Fone123.com

------------------------------

From: ayounker1@netscape.net (Al Younker)
Subject: Revolutionary New Service for Telecommunications Sector
Date: 11 Mar 2002 15:09:36 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


01 March 2002 (Toronto) ? A new technical support alternative,
TelcoSupport.net has opened its virtual doors for business.  Aimed at
the global telecommunications market, TelcoSupport.net has built a
network of seasoned professionals from all disciplines of the industry
to offer both contract and on-demand resolutions of equipment and
network problems.  The service is aimed at both full time technical
support staff and independent consultants that may require occasional
or ongoing technical assistance.

Basing its network of engineers in strategic locations around the
globe, the firm claims to be able to respond to calls fielded from any
location in the world without delays resulting from time differences
or national holidays.  In addition, the use of streamlined reporting
processes and semi-autonomous support staff avoids the impediments
typically found in large, often understaffed, corporate support
groups.  An autoresponder logs the client?s call and acknowledge
receipt of the service request.  Founder Al Younker says that his team
of engineers typically has 20 or more years in the industry and have
previously served in senior vendor-level support or engineering
positions.

Payments for services can be based on a standard service contract or a
per-hour basis by which the client is only billed for the time spent
responding to a specific customer request.  Charges can be as low as
$10/hour depending on the complexity of the response.  The use of
PayPal accounts allow for payments via credit card or bank transfer
making the service available to users in all areas of the technical
support world.

Mr. Younker says, "The time has arrived for the telecommunications
industry to open its eyes to the fact that high quality technical
support has become a commodity and need not be a high dollar luxury
item affordable only to the select few.  With the downsizing of the
major equipment vendors?, many valuable technical support engineers
have become available to firms such as ours.  Utilizing their talents,
training and experience allows us to provide a service that is second
to none at a price that can accommodate any network operator, support
organization or individual."

Details of TelcoSupport.net can be found at
http://www.telcosupport.net or questions@telcosupport.net .

------------------------------

End of TELECOM Digest V20 #188
******************************
    
    
From editor@telecom-digest.org  Wed Mar 13 12:00:56 2002
Received: (from ptownson@localhost)
	by massis.lcs.mit.edu (8.9.1/8.9.1) id MAA17649;
	Wed, 13 Mar 2002 12:00:56 -0500 (EST)
Date: Wed, 13 Mar 2002 12:00:56 -0500 (EST)
From: editor@telecom-digest.org
Message-Id: <200203131700.MAA17649@massis.lcs.mit.edu>
To: ptownson
Approved: patsnewlist
Subject: TELECOM Digest V20 #189

TELECOM Digest     Wed, 13 Mar 2002 12:01:00 EST    Volume 20 : Issue 189

Inside This Issue:                             Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    Re: Radio Shack Anti-Phone Solicitation Device (John Hines)
    Re: Radio Shack Anti-Phone Solicitation Device (Scott Dorsey)
    Re: Radio Shack Anti-Phone Solicitation Device (Richie Kennedy)
    Re: Radio Shack Anti-Phone Solicitation Device (James Gifford)
    Seeking a Research Engineering Position Towards Ph.D (Tang Jinsheng)
    Seeking ITU Docs (samrat)
    News Headlines of Interest (Monty Solomon)
    Re: Telemarketer to Blame for Traverse City Phone Mystery (E Carrizales)
    Robust Cordless Phones Needed (ed)
    A Couple of Technical Questions (TELECOM Digest Editor)
    NPA-NXX and LATA (Murali)
    Spam and Cram Combined? (Thomas A. Horsley)
    Single-Phase/Three Phase (Neal McLain)
    Re: AT&T Partner Voice Mail Question (Vidya Ramachandran)
    Definity: Delay in Digit Collection in a Vector Announcement (Mike)
    For Sale: Telephone Call Loggers (Jim Rojas)
    How do I Find Info on Local CellPhone Service Providers (Alvin Delgado)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
exclusively to telecommunications topics. It is circulated anywhere
there is email, in addition to various telecom forums on a variety of
networks such as Compuserve and America On Line, and other forums.
It is also gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated 
newsgroup 'comp.dcom.telecom'.

TELECOM Digest is a not-for-profit, mostly non-commercial educational
service offered to the Internet by Patrick Townson. All the contents
of the Digest are compilation-copyrighted. You may reprint articles in
some other media on an occasional basis, but please attribute my work
and that of the original author.

Contact information:    Patrick Townson/TELECOM Digest
                        Post Office Box 50
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----------------------------------------------------------------------

From: John Hines <jbhines@newsguy.com>
Subject: Re: Radio Shack Anti-Phone Solicitation Device
Date: Tue, 12 Mar 2002 07:14:48 -0600
Organization: http://extra.newsguy.com
Reply-To: john@jhines.org


Jim Van Nuland <jvn@svpal.org> wrote:

> Radio Shack is advertising a device that takes your phone number off
> the caller's list by sending a magic signal.  If this thing works it's
> worth the $50.  Does anyone have experience with it?

Being a lazy sod, I got one from RS.  This was mostly due to being in
a telemarketers queue and getting a call every couple of hours, with
nobody at the other end, a badly misprogrammed auto-dialer.

The result is mixed.  I get telemarketing calls still, but unlike
before, for some strange reason, there is a person at the other end
immediately upon picking up.

Those calls where there isn't anyone there, it seems to work.  The
call is ended on the other end, and there is nobody there. And I've
not had them repeat as before.

So all in all, I'm happy with it. I've not had any problems with
repeated auto-dials with no person available.

------------------------------

From: kludge@panix.com (Scott Dorsey)
Subject: Re: Radio Shack Anti-Phone Solicitation Device
Date: 12 Mar 2002 09:49:58 -0500
Organization: Former users of Netcom shell (1989-2000)


Jim Van Nuland  <jvn@svpal.org> wrote:

> Radio Shack is advertising a device that takes your phone number off
> the caller's list by sending a magic signal.  If this thing works it's
> worth the $50.  Does anyone have experience with it?

I don't, but I know many folks who have put the SIT tones on their
answering machine and claim to have received fewer calls from
telemarketers but also fewer calls from friends as well (who hear the
tones and don't wait for the message).


scott  "C'est un Nagra.  C'est suisse, et tres, tres precis."

------------------------------

From: Richie Kennedy <route56@route56.com>
Subject: Re: Radio Shack Anti-Phone Solicitation Device
Date: Tue, 12 Mar 2002 14:50:44 -0000
Organization: route56.com


Jim Van Nuland <jvn@svpal.org> wrote in news:telecom20.187.6@telecom-
digest.org:

> [TELECOM Digest Editor's Note:  What happens is this:  Many/most
> telemarketers use autodialing equipment which listens for the
> three intercept tones which occur before a recorded anouncement
> saying a phone number is out of service. Upon hearing those three
> tones (bee-boo-beep) the telemarketer's equipment marks the phone
> number as no longer in service, and disconnect the telemarketer
> from the supposedly not-in-service number, so the precious telemark-
> eter's precious time is not wasted. Those folks are expected to
> process calls at a very frantic pace. Time wasted on a not in
> service number is time wasted on a no-sale call. Supposedly the three
> tones inserted on the line when the line is first answered makes
> the equipment think about it that way. Mike Sandman is selling the
> same device in his catalog for much less money. He says the Radio
> Shack device is a waste of money. I would say look at www.sandman.com
> for the very same device from a friend of the Digest.    PAT]

According to Sandman, he cannot sell his version due to the patent
dispute, and he is planning on reconfiguring it to dodge the Patent.
The RS version, in that case, may be the way to go.


Richie Kennedy
route56@route56.com  www.route56.com
"Hello, my friend, we meet again"

------------------------------

From: James Gifford <jgifford@surewest.not>
Subject: Re: Radio Shack Anti-Phone Solicitation Device
Date: Mon, 11 Mar 2002 20:40:43 -0800
Organization: Nitrosyncretic Press
Reply-To: jgifford@surewest.not


Jim Van Nuland wrote:

> [... Mike Sandman is selling the same device in his catalog for
> much less money. He says the Radio Shack device is a waste of money.
> I would say look at www.sandman.com for the very same device from a
> friend of the Digest.    PAT]

Except that Sandman has had to take the device off the market due to a
patent dispute, and will be coming out with a similar but
non-infringing version (which is more expensive) shortly.



|           James Gifford - Nitrosyncretic Press            |
| http://www.nitrosyncretic.com for the Heinlein FAQ & more |
|  Tired of auto-spam... change "not" to "net" for replies  |


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: However, Mike has been in contact again
with the lawyers to show them how we here, in this Digest, discussed
the idea back in the early 1990's, therefore Radio Shack could NOT
have been the first ones with the idea. I do not know where Mike has
taken this at the present time, but I hope he is not backing down to
some bogus lawyer or patent-holder who does not have any rights.   PAT]

------------------------------

From: jinsheng_tang@yahoo.com (Tang Jinsheng)
Subject: Seeking a Research Engineering Position Towards Ph.D
Date: 11 Mar 2002 23:24:56 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


Hi,

I hold B.Eng on Electronical Engineering and M.Sc on Computing
Communication. Now I have worked for 5 years on 6 projects related to
Telecommunication (Digital Switch Engineering), Distributed Computing,
Java/CORBA, cdma2000, real-time embedded (digital set-top box) in
China, Singapore and Japan. I am the technical leader/project
leader/architect for 4 projects among 6 (4 in Motorola), have 2
publications. Also used to do business on Telecom market in China for
1.5 year.

I am interested to pursue a Ph.D degree either on Technical or
Technical Management in Europe or USA through research engineering
position or under some sponsor. Can some one tell me where can get I
get this kind of info? There are some consolidates on the web, but I
did not find the one dedicated to communication/Telecommunication/OO
programming/real-time.


Thank you in advance.

------------------------------

From: snarza@ematic.com (samrat)
Subject: Seeking ITU Docs
Date: 12 Mar 2002 03:40:43 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


Hi All,

   I am an individual enthusiast of telecom technology and and am
interested in downloading some itu specifications.  Is there any way
that I can get free download facility of the documents or is there
anyone willing to share their copies with me?


Regds,

Sam

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 12 Mar 2002 08:56:17 -0500
From: Monty Solomon <monty@roscom.com>
Subject: News Headlines of Interest


AT&T Broadband braces for last-minute e-mail switch

By Peter J. Howe, Globe Staff, 3/11/2002

With four days to go before more than 150,000 New England e-mail
subscribers have to switch their mediaone.net e-mail addresses, AT&T
Broadband said Friday only 60 percent of its ''active users'' have
completed the move to attbi.com, and it is bracing for a busy week
handling customer switch-overs.

As part of a settlement of a lawsuit against AT&T predecessor 
MediaOne Group by a South Dakota advertising firm called Media One, 
AT&T agreed to shut down the old mediaone.net domain name by Friday.

http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/070/business/AT_T_Broadband_braces_for_last_minute_e_mail_switch+.shtml


AT&T says "Unlimited" sparks big initial interest
Mar 11, 2002 12:19 PM

NEW YORK, March 11 (Reuters) - AT&T Corp. (NYSE:T) said on Monday its
new consumer long-distance telephone calling plan, AT&T Unlimited, has
sparked stronger interest from customers than other product offerings,
and helped reduce its subscriber turnover as it braces for competition
from the Baby Bells.

http://finance.lycos.com/home/news/story.asp?story=26468305


Cable Internet subscribers up, FCC to label service
Mar 11, 2002 05:24 PM

WASHINGTON, March 11 (Reuters) - The number of subscribers to
high-speed Internet service via cable rose almost 13 percent to 7.2
million in the fourth quarter of 2001, a trade group said on Monday,
days before federal regulators begin shaping the framework for what
rules apply to the service.

More than 800,000 new customers signed up for cable-modem service
during the last three months of 2001, up from 6.4 million subscribers
at the end of the third quarter, according to the National Cable and
Telecommunications Association (NCTA).

http://finance.lycos.com/home/news/story.asp?story=26473164


Fiber optic cost $70b more than necessary
Author of new estimate says much will just rot

By Peter J. Howe, Globe Staff, 3/11/2002

Three years ago, while telecommunications mania abounded, Boston
consultant Mark Bruneau sounded a wildly unpopular - but, in
hindsight, prescient - warning that telecom and Internet companies
blanketing the world with high-speed fiber-optic lines were creating a
financially disastrous ''fiber glut.''

Now, with Global Crossing bankrupt and several other long-haul 
optical network operators reeling, Bruneau, the chief executive of 
Adventis Corp., has followed up with a new study that places one of 
the first hard numbers on how much money has been wasted on needless 
telecom network expansions: $70 billion.

http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/070/business/Fiber_optic_cost_70b_more_than_necessary+.shtml

------------------------------

From: Eri Carrizales <BEBITAVEN@prodigy.net>
Subject: Re: Telemarketer to Blame for Traverse City, MI Phone Mystery 
Organization: Prodigy Internet http://www.prodigy.com
Date: Tue, 12 Mar 2002 15:04:13 GMT


The last comment from Ms. Sivek really is sick. Why should the phone
company apologize for something they have no control over???

Steven Lichter <stevenl11@aol.com> wrote in message
news:telecom20.175.13@telecom-digest.org...

>> Ameritech spokeswoman Carolyn Wilson said Wednesday that their
>> investigation showed that a Traverse City telemarketer had
>> accidentally programmed Sivek's phone number as the outgoing
>> identification number on an automatic dialing machine.  [.....]  Full
>> story at: http://www.record-eagle.com/2002/feb/21fone.htm >>

> [TELECOM Digest Editor's Note:  I wonder if the telemarketer has been
> sued yet because of his clumsy programming?  Certainly Sivek has
> grounds for legal action; so does telco; so do the residents who were
> repeatedly affected.    PAT]

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 12 Mar 2002 10:38:50 -0500
From: ed <bernies@netaxs.com>
Subject: Robust Cordless Phones Needed


I'm looking for a robust cordless phone model that will work well in a
single-floor office environment interspersed with floor-ceiling steel
vaults and elevator shafts.  these obstructions are not everywhere
(you can shout from one end of the office to another) but we're having
trouble finding a cordless phone model that works well throughout the
80' x 80' floor.

Currently we're using consumer-grade VTech 1421 (900MHz, digital)
phones connected to analog ports on our InterTel IMX-256, which work
well until they get more than about 50' from the base (then they cut
out.)  does anyone on the list have any suggestions as to which 900
MHz, 2.4GHz, or 5.8GHz phone model might offer better penetration in
this call-center environment?  compact size is also a criteria, since
women will be wearing them (with headsets) as they pick orders.
thanks much!


ed

------------------------------

Date: Wed, 13 Mar 2002 00:18:58 EST
From: TELECOM Digest Editor <ptownson@massis.lcs.mit.edu>
Subject: A Couple of Technical Questions


I want to ask a couple technical questions about RF power and radios.

Relate ohms to watts and impedence.  One cable of sixty feet is 
rated at 50 ohms.  Two other cables spliced together with a 
connector in the middle holding the two pieces together for a total
of 75 feet is rated at 52 ohms.  All things being equal, which
of the two (single sixty feet at fifty omns) or (25 + 25 spliced 
with a connector in the middle rated at fifty-two ohms) will do a
better job and why? The objective is to push forty watts from 
a transmitter to an antenna.  Both cables (sixty feet or fifty feet)
are quite long enough.  How much should the antenna expect to
recieve from the transmitter in watts?  How about in decibels?
Both are Radio Shack cables. The two shorter ones of 25 feet each
have a Radio Shack coax connector in the middle sufficiently taped
up with lots of plastic electrical tape around it. I should point out
the two shorter cables are a mix:  25 feet of RG-8 and 25 feet of
RG-58.  

Both cables are stretched out with no kinks or curls in them. Both
lay flat across a roof top to the place where they go into the
antenna. The antenna is a 5/8 wave ground plane, with a notation
saying it provides a 3.4 increase in DB. It is about 7.5 feet long,
with three horizontal sticks at its base. The top stick can be
extended or shortened by small amounts with a 'set screw' which is
then tightened in place after raising/lowering the top stick. The
antenna manufacturers in a chart say the top piece should be raised/
lowered like this:  From 1100 millimeters (43.3 inches) for 88 mhz.
to 540 millimeters (about 22 inches) at 108 mhz. So this antenna
stick can be increased or decreased in length by two or three feet
depending on where the radio is tuned to transmit. 

A digital 'VSWR meter' in the line states that with the sixty foot
100 ohm cable connected at both ends, the 'VSWR' (on a scale of 1)
is 1.35 up through 1.61 now and then.   The (two 25's at 50 feet) at
52 ohms present VSWR of 1.05 through 1.15 now and then.  Higher VSWR
are returned whenever the radio is tuned to extreme ends such as
87.5 at one end or 107.9 at the other end.  At the extreme ends, the
VSWR may reach 2.3 or 2.5 or even 3 in one case. Anytime the VSWR is
less than 1.5 does it matter anyway?

A digital power meter in the line shows that the radio can be set
to transmit at 39.5 watts.  However in actual practice the power
seen in the line ranges from 15-18 watts up through in a couple cases
almost 40 watts. It seems to max out at about 35-38 watts when
the radio is tuned to around 93 mhz.  Any suggestions on this?  I
am making the assumption the radio simply won't oscillate or 'lock'
very well at extreme ends. A digital gauge called 'VCO' ranges from 
3.0 Volts at 87.5 through 10.3 Volts (more or less) at 108.

What (as best you can predict) is the watt power getting to the
antenna 40-45 feet away (and up in the air)?  What about the DB gain
(loss)?  What does the 3.4 db increase the antenna boasts about do for
the whole thing?   What's the bottom line as you know it?


PAT

------------------------------

From: murali@email.com (Murali)
Subject: NPA-NXX and LATA
Date: 12 Mar 2002 16:42:25 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


One general question, can a NPA-NXX span multiple LATAs?

Thanks.

------------------------------

Subject: Spam and Cram Combined?
From: Tom.Horsley@worldnet.att.net (Thomas A. Horsley)
Organization: AT&T Worldnet
Date: Wed, 13 Mar 2002 01:37:28 GMT


I just got this from a company I never heard of about a service I never
signed up for:

   Thank you for choosing Voicenet as your remote e-mail service provider.
   You will now be able to send and receive e-mails from your phone. 
   Your password and user ID will be sent within 48 hours
   Visit our website http://www.voicenetinfo.com/ for further details.

   Thanks,

   Voicenet Team

   Note: - There will be charge of $3.95 for voicenetinfo.com service
   subscribers appearing on your telephone bill.

   Note: - 

   If you received this message in error, please send us an email at
   info@connect12.voicenetinfo.cc (you will not be charged) .You can also
   call customer service at (888) 772-1820. Monday -- Friday 8 AM to 9
   PM. EST

Are these folks really able to charge me for something I never signed
up for, or is this just a new twist on getting people to reply so they
can reap valid email addresses? (I have emailed just about everyone I
could think of to make sure they don't charge me anything, but there
is no way I'd reply to their mail or any other spam).

P.S. I know there was just a moratorium issued on copying entire spam
messages to the digest, but I couldn't think of any way to ask about this
without including the whole thing :-).


>>==>> The *Best* political site <URL:http://www.vote-smart.org/> >>==+
      email: Tom.Horsley@worldnet.att.net icbm: Delray Beach, FL      |
<URL:http://home.att.net/~Tom.Horsley> Free Software and Politics <<==+

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 12 Mar 2002 21:05:13 -0700
From: Neal McLain <nmclain@annsgarden.com>
Reply-To: nmclain@annsgarden.com
Organization: Ann's Garden
Subject: Single-Phase/Three Phase


Continuing the single-phase/three phase discussion:

I wrote:

>> Power delivered to residences and small businesses is typically SINGLE
>> phase, provided over THREE wires. [...]

Whereupon Andrew <andrew@nospam.kill-9.com>  wrote:

> That's what I thought I said.

Then I misunderstood you.  I apologize.

I also wrote:
 
>> Take a close look at how the transformer on the pole is wired.  Even
>> though the primary circuit may be three-phase (typically three phase
>> wires plus ground), ONLY ONE of the three phase wires feeds the primary
>> winding of the transformer (usually through a circuit breaker).  The
>> secondary winding of the transformer is center-tapped.  The center tap
>> wire is the neutral.
 
And Andrew responded:

> We are basically saying the same thing, except you are describing a
> scenario with wye-connected loads and I am describing delta-connected
> loads. 

Ok.

> My unscientific observations of two-conductor distribution
> lines used in conjunction with three conductor service lines leads
> me to guess that most residential loads are delta-connected.

I don't agree here.  In my experience, residential-distribution
primary circuits are three-phase wye-connected.  The three phase-wires
may be on a crossarm at the top of the pole, with the neutral (MGN)
four or five feet below it, or (less frequently) all four wires may be
on the crossarm.

If there are only two primary conductors, the circuit is one third of
a three-phase wye-connected circuit: one phase-wire plus MGN.  Both
wires may be on a crossarm, or both wires may be attached directly to
the pole, with the phase-wire at the top and the MGN four or five feet
below it.

Take a look at how transformers are connected at the pole.  If the
primary is wye-connected, one of the two transformer primary terminals
will be connected to one of the three phase-wires through a circuit
breaker, and the other primary terminal will be connected directly to
the MGN without a breaker.  If the primary were delta-connected, both
transformer primary terminals would be connected to phase-wires, and
both would be protected by circuit breakers (I would hope!).

All of this assumes that the pole line in question supports only
distribution conductors.  If transmission conductors are also present
on the same pole line, they would be located above distribution,
either on crossarms or attached directly to the pole.  Transmission
circuits may be either wye- or delta-connected, but in either case,
they are never tapped to supply pole-mounted transformers.  See "Joint
Pole" in Newton's Telecom Dictionary, 16th or 17th edition, for an
illustration.

>> If the scenario Andrew describes were true ("any particular
>> neighborhood is supplied with 2 of the 3 phases, the transformer on
>> the pole outside the home uses these 2 as inputs and outputs three
>> wires to the house") the pole transformer would have to have two
>> primary and two secondary windings, one set for each phase.
 
> Not true.

You are correct: my statement, as posted above, is not true, and I
apologize for making it.  It is undeniably true that the voltage
between any two phase-wires in any three-phase circuit, wye or delta,
is a single-phase voltage.

The fact remains, however, that the primary distribution is
wye-connected, not delta-connected.  Consequently, your original
statement would be more correctly worded as follows: "any particular
neighborhood is supplied with 1 of the 3 phases, the transformer on
the pole outside the home uses this 1, plus the MGN, as inputs and
outputs three wires to the house"

Moreover, some neighborhoods are supplied with all three phases.
Typically, a main distribution line down a through street will carry
all three phases (four wires), but side branches serving individual
neighborhoods will carry only one phase (two wires).

> If the house had three-phase service, then yes the phase-to-phase
> voltage delivered to the house would be 208, phase-to-neutral 120.  In
> my delta-loaded scenario, it does not matter that the the two inputs
> for the primary winding are 120 degrees apart, all that matters is
> what the sum of their phasors are.

I agree.  This statement is also true for the wye-connected case.


Neal McLain
nmclain@annsgarden.com

------------------------------

From: mrvidya2001@yahoo.com (Vidya Ramachandran)
Subject: Re: AT&T Partner Voice Mail Question
Date: 12 Mar 2002 21:15:37 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


Also, does anyone know of any messaging system that can route an
inbound call to a voicebox that requires a passcode?  Tough wording,
I'll be impressed if someone can reply.

Marty Tennant <marty@lowtechdesigns.com> wrote in message
news:<telecom20.183.7@telecom-digest.org>:

> Chris <donchaspamme@spamhole.com> wrote in message
> news:telecom20.173.7@telecom-digest.org:
 
>> Our church recently moved into a new building that came with an AT&T
>> Partner Communications System Release 4.1.  This system was probably
>> installed around 1996.  It has 4 extensions, two incoming lines and
>> works very well for us.  However, we would like to add voice mail and
>> an automated attendant to it.
 
> I recently upgraded a Partner ACS with voicemail and an automated attendant
> very inexpensively for my church.
 
> Call me at 843 527-4485 for details.

------------------------------

From: anonmike@hotmail.com (Mike)
Subject: Definity: Delay in Digit Collection in a Vector Announcement
Date: 12 Mar 2002 09:38:41 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


Hi,

We have a Definity G3R6.  I put into place recently a new menu which
requires the caller to dial "1" before they can put in the extension.
Before this change they could dial it in right away.  The problem is,
they start dialing the extension right away and they go to the wrong
place.  Is there any way to delay the digit collection for a few
seconds so they have to listen to the first couple choices?  Thank
you.


Mike


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note:  Why not begin your first greeting with
the sentence, "Please listen to our new menu, since it has recently
been changed".   Many companies do that to avoid punch-throughs.  PAT]

------------------------------

From: Jim Rojas <jrojas@tech-man.com>
Subject: For Sale: Telephone Call Loggers
Date: Tue, 12 Mar 2002 21:20:41 GMT


I have the following items for sale:

10 Dictaphone 24 Channel Digital Telephone Loggers - $2475 each (INCLUDES
FREE SHIPPING).

3 MIL4000 Digital Telephone Logger - $5000 each (INCLUDES FREE SHIPPING).

If you are interested in any of these items, please contact me ASAP.

First come, first served basis only.

I accept paypal & billpoint. Any other form of payment must be made in
certified funds.


Thank you,

Jim Rojas
(813) 886-7850
Technical Manuals Online!

http://www.tech-man.com

------------------------------

From: alvin.delgado@bigfoot.com (AlvinDelgado)
Subject: How Do I Find Info on Local CellPhone Service Providers
Date: 12 Mar 2002 13:32:51 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


What I mean is this.

I would like to see, for example, how Sprint, AT&T, Verison,
Voicestream etc. compare with one another in my area.

I live in Brooklyn, New York.

I've tried AT&T 4 years ago. I've tried Verizon 2 years ago.  And I am
with Voicestream this year.

Now that I'm off Verizon, some people say it's great.

Does anyone have a site that rates these Providers for Fast busy
signal (system is busy (cannot handle load)).  Noisy connections.
Dropped calls and such.


Thanks,

al

------------------------------

End of TELECOM Digest V20 #189
******************************
    
    
From editor@telecom-digest.org  Thu Mar 14 15:19:22 2002
Received: (from ptownson@localhost)
	by massis.lcs.mit.edu (8.9.1/8.9.1) id PAA12014;
	Thu, 14 Mar 2002 15:19:22 -0500 (EST)
Date: Thu, 14 Mar 2002 15:19:22 -0500 (EST)
From: editor@telecom-digest.org
Message-Id: <200203142019.PAA12014@massis.lcs.mit.edu>
To: ptownson
Approved: patsnewlist
Subject: TELECOM Digest V20 #190

TELECOM Digest     Thu, 14 Mar 2002 15:19:00 EST    Volume 20 : Issue 190

Inside This Issue:                             Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    Siemens HiCom vs. Inter-Tel Eclipse2 (Walker Magnetics)
    Average Number of Calls per Household per Month (Bill McMullin)
    Modulation Recognition and Frequency Spectrum (John)
    Re: Robust Cordless Phones Needed (James Gifford)
    Re: Single-Phase/Three Phase (Scott Dorsey)
    Re: Single-Phase/Three Phase (R. T. Wurth)
    Digital Destruction Was Worst Imaginable (Robert A. Pierce)
    Re: Spam and Cram Combined? (Gordon S. Hlavenka)
    Re: Invalid Caller-ID (Al Younker)
    Re: Seeking ITU Docs (Al Younker)
    Re: Problem Configuring SS7 Stack on Live Network (Al Younker)
    Re: BER for Different Kind of Link (Al Younker)
    Re: Telemarketer to Blame for Traverse City, MI Phone (Danny Burstein)
    Re: NPA-NXX and LATA (Clarence Dold)
    Re: NPA-NXX and LATA (Murali)
    Re: NPA-NXX and LATA (Linc Madison)
    Re: NPA-NXX and LATA (Marcus Didius Falco)
    Re: Radio Shack Anti-Phone Solicitation Device (Clarence Dold)
    US Gov't Encouraging "Credit Info" Sharing by Utilities (Danny Burstein)
    Re: Telemarketer to Blame for Traverse City, MI Phone (Mark Crispin)
    Re: Robust Cordless Phones Needed (John Bartley)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
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----------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Walker Magnetics <postmaster@walkermagnet.com>
Subject: Siemens HiCom vs. Inter-Tel Eclipse2
Date: Tue, 12 Mar 2002 14:23:42 -0500
Organization: Posted via Supernews, http://www.supernews.com


I am rapidly approaching the end of a 3-4 month search for a new phone
system. I do not plan to do any VoIP initially, nor any IM, or any of
the other 'neat' new technologies, but I am looking for a modern PBX
that I can do this stuff with later if we want. My present PBX is a
Merlin Legend.  Avaya is not supporting or marketing this directly
anymore (nor its repackaged version, the Merlin Magix), and I suspect
it might be spun off or EOL'd. I have no interest in the Magix, and
Avaya does not seem to have any more modern platforms in my size range
that are ready for prime time.

I have about 85 phones, 2 T-1's, 8 analog lines, 6-port voice mail. I
have looked at in addition to Avaya, the Toshiba Strata, the Nortel
Norstar, the ESI IP200, NEC Neax 2000, the Siemens HiCom 150, and the
Inter-Tel Eclipse2.  The Siemens and Inter-Tel platforms seem to offer
the best value and technology.

I would appreciate any feedback from users of the HiCom 150 or
Eclipse2 PBX's. An informed impartial opinion of the two systems
comparatively would be most helpful.

Thanks in advance for your input.

------------------------------

From: Bill McMullin <bill@infointeractive.com>
Subject: Average Number of Calls per Household per Month
Date: Wed, 13 Mar 2002 09:59:59 -0400


I am searching for information on how many calls the average household
makes and receives on a monthly basis.  In addition to calls it would
also be useful to know the average length of inbound and outbound
calls.  I have some erlangs information but that only indicates busy
hour traffic.


Thanks,

Bill McMullin
InfoInterActive Inc.

------------------------------

From: john_james@email.com (John)
Subject: Modulation Recognition and Frequency Spectrum
Date: 13 Mar 2002 06:40:45 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


Hi,

I am looking for a practical approach of modulation recognition of a
signal using its frequency spectrum. I need a practical approach but
any help in theoretical areas will be welcomed too.

Bests,

John

------------------------------

From: James Gifford <jgifford@surewest.not>
Subject: Re: Robust Cordless Phones Needed
Date: Wed, 13 Mar 2002 09:15:02 -0800
Organization: Nitrosyncretic Press
Reply-To: jgifford@surewest.not


ed wrote:

> I'm looking for a robust cordless phone model that will work well in a
> single-floor office environment interspersed with floor-ceiling steel
> vaults and elevator shafts.  these obstructions are not everywhere
> (you can shout from one end of the office to another) but we're having
> trouble finding a cordless phone model that works well throughout the
> 80' x 80' floor.

> Currently we're using consumer-grade VTech 1421 (900MHz, digital)
> phones connected to analog ports on our InterTel IMX-256, which work
> well until they get more than about 50' from the base (then they cut
> out.)  does anyone on the list have any suggestions as to which 900
> MHz, 2.4GHz, or 5.8GHz phone model might offer better penetration in
> this call-center environment?  compact size is also a criteria, since
> women will be wearing them (with headsets) as they pick orders.

Aren't there some 2.4s that roam from base unit to base unit, sort of
a micro-cellular arrangement? It's been a while since I was on top of
these things (left CT Magazine last January), but I seem to recall
these becoming available about then.


|           James Gifford - Nitrosyncretic Press            |
| http://www.nitrosyncretic.com for the Heinlein FAQ & more |
|  Tired of auto-spam... change "not" to "net" for replies  |

------------------------------

From: kludge@panix.com (Scott Dorsey)
Subject: Re: Single-Phase/Three Phase
Date: 13 Mar 2002 12:18:42 -0500
Organization: Former users of Netcom shell (1989-2000)


Neal McLain  <nmclain@annsgarden.com> wrote:

> Continuing the single-phase/three phase discussion:

> I wrote:

>>> Power delivered to residences and small businesses is typically SINGLE
>>> phase, provided over THREE wires. [...]

> Whereupon Andrew <andrew@nospam.kill-9.com>  wrote:

>> That's what I thought I said.

> Then I misunderstood you.  I apologize.

Right.  And then Z! said that sometimes you see two phases out of a
three phase line delivering two 120V lines with 120-degree shift
between them in some residential applications, like large apartment
buildings.  I have seen this and found 208V where I expected to find
220V.

As Z! says, this is not very common, but it's out there.  Never in a 
single-family dwelling, though.


scott  "C'est un Nagra.  C'est suisse, et tres, tres precis."

------------------------------

From: rwurth@att.net (R. T. Wurth)
Subject: Re: Single-Phase/Three Phase
Date: Thu, 14 Mar 2002 00:44:32 GMT
Organization: AT&T Worldnet


In article <telecom20.189.13@telecom-digest.org>,
nmclain@annsgarden.com wrote:

> Continuing the single-phase/three phase discussion:

> The fact remains, however, that the primary distribution is
> wye-connected, not delta-connected.  Consequently, your original
> statement would be more correctly worded as follows: "any particular
> neighborhood is supplied with 1 of the 3 phases, the transformer on
> the pole outside the home uses this 1, plus the MGN, as inputs and
> outputs three wires to the house"

> Moreover, some neighborhoods are supplied with all three phases.
> Typically, a main distribution line down a through street will carry
> all three phases (four wires), but side branches serving individual
> neighborhoods will carry only one phase (two wires).

I used to think that until I bought my home and moved here (Rumson,
NJ, power company GPU, formerly Jersey Central P&L).  I am convinced
that they run two phases down my street and hook the transformer up
delta.  I've traced the wires back to where all three phases are
present, and it sure looks to me like the 2 wires to my street are
hooked up to 2 of the 3 phases.  Furthermore, it looks like both are
fused at that point.  All along the way, none of the 2 feeds is
grounded.  What looks to me like the MGN is distributed with the
110/220 services, and is continuous, even where there is a break in
the other 2 wires delimiting the service areas of different
transformers up and down the block.

This would be consistent with a phenomenon I observed for a few days
after the nor'easter of December '92.  I had about 1/2 the normal
voltage, fluctuating.  Naturally, I didn't try to use anything but
incandescent lighting (it had a soft glow that complemented the
candles and fireplace nicely).  That would be consistent with one
phase being open upstream.  Consider: without loss of generality, let
us label the suspected open wire "phase B", the other wire to my
transformer "phase A", and the other wire (that doesn't run down my
street, but does run down others) "phase C."  One might be tempted to
think that losing phase B would leave my transformer with one open
leg, the B phase, but in fact, that leg serves as a bus, linking the
A-B transformer group in series with the B-C transformer group.  Those
folks with transformers hooked up across A-C would still see full
voltage, while the other 2 groups would see partial voltage (around
1/2 normal, but varying as the loads changed).

I haven't seen much of this, and I suspect it's an old, long-deprecated
practice, but since it isn't broken, they won't fix it.  (To fix it,
they'd probably need to put in bigger conductors as well as get
transformers with a different turns ratio to handle the lower
phase-neutral voltage on the input side.)  I don't know how old the
design of the wiring in the neighborhood is.  The town is a bedroom
community with lots of old estates formerly owned by titans of Wall
Street.  My neighborhood is an area of small summer shore cottages
that got converted to year-round use.  It is rumored that one of the
homes was a speak-easy during Prohibition.  My own home dates back to
the post-War '40s.

It's kind of scary knowing that my house (and all the unattended motors 
therein) might be subject to 1/2 voltage at any time.  


R. W. Wurth / rwurth@att.net / Rumson, NJ  USA

------------------------------

Date: Wed, 13 Mar 2002 14:43:32 EST
From: Robert A Pierce <rapierce@cyberspace.org>
Subject: Digital Destruction Was Worst Imaginable


For several tense, heart-wrenching hours on Sept. 11, the nation was
deaf, dumb and blind due to what one senior government official called
the "absolutely massive" loss of communications infrastructure.

http://computerworld.com/nlt/1%2C3590%2CNAV47_STO68762_NLTDIS%2C00.html

------------------------------

Date: Wed, 13 Mar 2002 14:30:25 -0600
From: Gordon S. Hlavenka <nospam@crashelex.com>
Organization: Crash Electronics, Inc.
Subject: Re: Spam and Cram Combined?


Thomas A. Horsley wrote:

> I just got this from a company I never heard of about a service I never
> signed up for:

>    Thank you for choosing Voicenet as your remote e-mail service provider.
> ...
>    Note: - There will be charge of $3.95 for voicenetinfo.com service
>    subscribers appearing on your telephone bill.
> ...
> Are these folks really able to charge me for something I never signed
> up for ...?

They billed me for their service, and I never signed up either.  I
called and told them to shut it off, and the rep said, "But sir, we show
the mailbox is active and being used!"  I said, "Great -- turn it off
anyway."  They [c | w]ouldn't tell me what email address the mailbox was
connected to but whoever it was they weren't authorized.  I did want to
know if it was an employee or a phreak; probably the latter.

They billed me a setup fee and three months of service (two of them
AFTER I requested termination).  We're still dealing with it.


This is one of PAT's mantras, and obviously Mr. Horsley believes it too
 -- Read Your Phone Bills!  I caught this junk the first bill it showed
up on.  If you don't catch it for a few months it's harder to kill it. 
It's hard enough as it is.


Gordon S. Hlavenka               O-             nospam@crashelex.com
               I have no use for any dog I can punt.

[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: This is an example of why I will not
allow all my bills to go to the bank and be paid automatically. No
automatic credit card charges month after month, etc. Too many
companies are too hard to reach on the phone (other than wading
through lengthy menus, etc) and far too many make 'minor' errors on
your bill that in my case at least could wipe me out financially if
the error went undetected for awhile. Those are the honest and
generally respected firms. Imagine giving your credit/debit card out
over the net to a lot of the fly-by-nights on the net, and authorizing
them to charge it as they wanted. I *do* allow it a little on the 
net as along as the merchant sends me email first, then requires me
to answer by email and allow a few days to expire before the charges
are put through. And I have to sign a form at the bank giving that
particular merchant to do it.   PAT]

------------------------------

From: ayounker1@netscape.net (Al Younker)
Subject: Re: Invalid Caller-ID
Date: 13 Mar 2002 15:07:57 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


As previously stated the network operators may change the CLI
as the call routes. Also most PBX's have the ability to send any
cli they want and if not screened by the operator  could have any
number displayed such as 555-5555 or 1-111-1111 which are both
invalid numbers but will be displayed none the less.

I hope this answers your question.


questions@telcosupport.net
http://www.telcosupport.net


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note:  Alltel has a bad practice at their 
cellular tower in Liberty, KS where they send out ten zeros for
caller ID.  Normally it works okay but not from that tower. Since
the town of Liberty is just down the road from here a little, and
all of Alltel's prepaid customers have numbers (620-924-8xxx) from
Liberty, its sort of a nuisance, but when I get a call with all
zeros in the ID  I know its the neighborhood teenager who lives 
across the alley from me calling me on his cell phone. I gave him
one of my old cell phones as a gift, but since I won't pay the bill
for him as well (!) he has it on 'Smart Pay' (ie in advance) service
 from Alltel. I gave my mother another of my old phones and she also
has 'Smart Pay' service, because she so rarely uses it. From both
of them around town here, I always get ten zeros.    PAT]

------------------------------

From: ayounker1@netscape.net (Al Younker)
Subject: Re: Seeking ITU Docs
Date: 13 Mar 2002 15:17:18 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


  You will have to be more specific on the documents you are
looking for. The ITU specs are massive because they cover all
protocols etc. for the industry.


questions@telcosupport.net
http://www.telcosupport.net

------------------------------

From: ayounker1@netscape.net (Al Younker)
Subject: Re: Problem Configuring SS7 Stack on Live Network
Date: 13 Mar 2002 15:40:26 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


Your messages indicate that you aren't connected (layer -1 physical
layer).  Are you using a T1 device on an E1? If so that would explain
your problem otherwise check your cabeling and also see if you're
reversed tx and rx.

  Hope this helps.


questions@telcosupport.net
http://www.telcosupport.net

------------------------------

From: ayounker1@netscape.net (Al Younker)
Subject: Re: BER for Different Kind of Link
Date: 13 Mar 2002 15:47:30 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


BER stands for Bit Error Rate. I would expect you wouldn't 
want to get any on your link. If you do then you will have 
problems like clicking on calls, droped calls etc. depending
on the severity of your errors.

   Hope this helps.


questions@telcosupport.net
http://www.telcosupport.net

------------------------------

From: dannyb@panix.com (Danny Burstein)
Subject: Re: Telemarketer to Blame for Traverse City, MI Phone 
Date: 13 Mar 2002 12:26:08 -0500
Organization: "mostly unorganized"


In <telecom20.189.8@telecom-digest.org> Eri Carrizales
<BEBITAVEN@prodigy.net> writes:

[background: a telemarketer was inserting the *wrong* caller id when 
making phone calls. People receiving these messages saw the erroneous 
number and called back, thus harrassing the innocent victim].

> The last comment from Ms. Sivek really is sick. Why should the phone
> company apologize for something they have no control over???

While standard caller id (i.e. from regular residential phone lines and 
small busineses) have the id string inserted by the telco, people with 
(for want of a better term) hi capacity connectivity and with their own 
equipment set it up themselves.

The *good* example of this would be a hospital which would program their 
lines to always send the CNID string of their main switchboard number, 
rather than the third floor nursing station, etc.

The telco *should* do a validation check before passing it along. So, for 
example, the hospital with lines (555) KLondike-5-1000 through KL5-2500 
should be able to send any string *inside* that valid range. So if their 
main switchboard number was KL5-2000 that number would go through. But 
trying to send 202-456-1414 should get an error msg.

In this case (and many others) it's pretty clear the telcos don't bother.


Knowledge may be power, but communications is the key
		     dannyb@panix.com 
[to foil spammers, my address has been double rot-13 encoded]

------------------------------

From: dold@32.usenet.us.com
Subject: Re: NPA-NXX and LATA
Date: 13 Mar 2002 18:05:21 GMT
Organization: Wintercreek Data


Murali <murali@email.com> wrote:

> One general question, can a NPA-NXX span multiple LATAs?

Certainly.  The exact one escapes me, but in Maryland, there are several.
There is also at least one in the 722 LATA spanning into ... I forget.


Clarence A Dold - dold@email.rahul.net
                - Pope Valley (Napa County) CA.

------------------------------

From: Murali <wizard@netscape.com>
Subject: Re: NPA-NXX and LATA
Date: Wed, 13 Mar 2002 15:04:54 -0500
Organization: Netscape Communications Corporation


What I said in my post, which you may or may not see, is:

A few do:

NPA NXX LATA LATA NAME
410 741 236 WASHINGTON DC
410 741 238 BALTIMORE MARYLAND
434 460 248 RICHMOND VIRGINIA
434 460 250 LYNCHBURG VIRGINIA
541 303 670 EUGENE OREGON
541 303 672 PORTLAND OREGON
703 478 236 WASHINGTON DC
703 478 246 CULPEPER VIRGINIA


Clarence A Dold

Murali <murali@email.com> wrote in message
news:telecom20.189.11@telecom-digest.org:

> One general question, can a NPA-NXX span multiple LATAs?

------------------------------

From: Linc Madison <lincmad001@telecom-digest.zzn.com>
Subject: Re: NPA-NXX and LATA
Date: Wed, 13 Mar 2002 15:43:39 -0800
Organization: MindSpring Enterprises


In article <telecom20.189.11@telecom-digest.org>, Murali
<murali@email.com> wrote:

> One general question, can a NPA-NXX span multiple LATAs?

No. Each NXX must be entirely within a single LATA.

A single switch can serve NXXs from different LATAs, and the local
calling area from a particular NXX may encompass parts of adjacent
LATAs, but a single NXX itself cannot.

Basically, each NXX is assigned to a single rate center, and each rate
center is assigned to a single LATA.


LincMad dot Com  *  North American Telephone Area Codes & Splits
Preferred Reply Address: Telecom # LincMad * Com
Unsolicited bulk e-mail will be reported to your admin or upstream.

------------------------------

Date: Wed, 13 Mar 2002 17:38:12 -0500
From: Marcus Didius Falco <marcus_d_falco@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re:  NPA-NXX and LATA


> From: murali@email.com (Murali)
> Subject: NPA-NXX and LATA
> Date: 12 Mar 2002 16:42:25 -0800
> Organization: http://groups.google.com/

> One general question, can a NPA-NXX span multiple LATAs?

Generally not.

That said, there are a very few exceptions to preserve local calling
parterns that existed in 1982. For example there is one exchange in
Laurel, Maryland, that is local to both Baltimore and Washington
DC. Thus, it had to be in both LATAs. Actually, I think it is (or was)
a split switch, so some of the other numbers served on the same switch
were local only to Washington or Baltimore and in only one LATA
(Chesapeake and Potomac of Maryland, as it was then known, used a lot
of "virtual FX lines", where part of a switch [one NNX] was in one
rate center and part in another.  Still do, I think.)

------------------------------

From: dold@60.usenet.us.com
Subject: Re: Radio Shack Anti-Phone Solicitation Device
Date: 13 Mar 2002 18:03:21 GMT
Organization: Wintercreek Data


Scott Dorsey <kludge@panix.com> wrote:

> I don't, but I know many folks who have put the SIT tones on their
> answering machine and claim to have received fewer calls from
> telemarketers but also fewer calls from friends as well (who hear the
> tones and don't wait for the message).

As I see it, there are three of these devices available.  The
Telezapper (RadioShack), which emits a short burst of the first SIT,
and is fairly unobtrusive.  I've had a couple of people ask me what it
is, but most don't notice.

The Sandman unit, which plays all three tones, recognizable by humans
as a problem ... possibly causing undesired hangups.

The other unit, which claims to answer faster, to catch more autodialers,
but forces everyone to "press one to continue", else they are disconnected.

The telezapper seems to be effective for me, and doesn't cause
troubles by injecting an oddity into the phone call.


Clarence A Dold - dold@email.rahul.net
                - Pope Valley (Napa County) CA.

------------------------------

From: Danny Burstein <dannyb@panix.com>
Subject: US Gov't Encouraging "Credit Info" Sharing by Utilities
Date: Wed, 13 Mar 2002 19:43:15 -0500
Organization: PANIX Public Access Internet and UNIX, NYC


It's for our own good. really.

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Department of Justice approved the National
Consumer Telecommunications Data Exchange's (NCTDE) proposal to expand
its credit data exchange service to include other utility
industries. The approval allows NCTDE, currently providing credit
histories to telecommunications carriers, to open its membership to
the electric power, gas and water industries.

[snippety snip. rest at:

	http://www.usdoj.gov/opa/pr/2002/March/02_at_139.htm  ]

Knowledge may be power, but communications is the key
		     dannyb@panix.com
[to foil spammers, my address has been double rot-13 encoded]

------------------------------

From: Mark Crispin <mrc@CAC.Washington.EDU>
Subject: Re: Telemarketer to Blame for Traverse City, MI Phone Mystery
Date: Wed, 13 Mar 2002 10:32:17 -0800
Organization: Networks and Distributed Computing


On Tue, 12 Mar 2002, Eri Carrizales wrote:

> The last comment from Ms. Sivek really is sick. Why should the phone
> company apologize for something they have no control over???

Why should the phone company have such lousy security that any old
number can be programmed as caller ID?  I look forward to the day that
the telcos get the crap sued out of them and they are forced to
improve their lousy security.  It is possible to validate that caller
ID is within an authorized range; the telcos just don't want to spend
the money to do it.

The telcos make good money in selling caller ID service to people who
don't know how untrustworthy it actually is.  They should be forced to
deliver the service that is promised.


 -- Mark --

http://staff.washington.edu/mrc
Science does not emerge from voting, party politics, or public debate.

------------------------------

Date: Wed, 13 Mar 2002 16:15:28 PST
From: John Bartley <johnbartley3@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: Robust Cordless Phones Needed


While waiting on Tue, 12 Mar 2002 10:38:50 -0500 in da
vastness of space to hitch a ride w/ Galen, ed
<bernies@netaxs.com> wrote:

> I'm looking for a robust cordless phone model that 
> will work well in a single-floor office environment 
> interspersed with floor-ceiling steel vaults and 
> elevator shafts.  these obstructions are not 
> everywhere (you can shout from one end of the office
> to another) but we're having trouble finding a 
> cordless phone model that works well throughout the
> 80' x 80' floor.

> Currently we're using consumer-grade VTech 1421 
> (900MHz, digital) phones connected to analog ports on 
> our InterTel IMX-256, which work well until they get
> more than about 50' from the base (then they cut
> out.) Does anyone on the list have any suggestions
> as to which 900 MHz, 2.4GHz, or 5.8GHz phone model 
> might offer better penetration in this call-center 
> environment?  compact size is also a criteria, since
> women will be wearing them (with headsets) as they 
> pick orders.

Stay away from the Siemens - same problem.


John E. Bartley, III - telcom admin, Portland OR, USA - Views are mine. 
http://www.viewreviews.com/vp.php?id=6 Review of SPH-i300
http://palmwireless.cjb.net Wireless FAQ for PalmOS(R)

You are granted to store this information in your brain for private,
not commercial use. Commercial use of this information whether in your
brain or other bodily parts requires the express written consent of
its license holders and property owners. 

This post is ROT52 encrypted. Reading it is a violation of the DMCA.

------------------------------

End of TELECOM Digest V20 #190
******************************
    
    
From editor@telecom-digest.org  Fri Mar 15 12:41:51 2002
Received: (from ptownson@localhost)
	by massis.lcs.mit.edu (8.9.1/8.9.1) id MAA29170;
	Fri, 15 Mar 2002 12:41:51 -0500 (EST)
Date: Fri, 15 Mar 2002 12:41:51 -0500 (EST)
From: editor@telecom-digest.org
Message-Id: <200203151741.MAA29170@massis.lcs.mit.edu>
To: ptownson
Approved: patsnewlist
Subject: TELECOM Digest V20 #191

TELECOM Digest     Fri, 15 Mar 2002 12:41:00 EST    Volume 20 : Issue 191

Inside This Issue:                             Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    3/14/2002 ICB Toll Free News  (Judith Oppenheimer)
    Merlin 820 to Merlin Plus (820D2) Question (j-reply)
    Re: Robust Cordless Phones Needed (Denis Mcmahon)
    Re: Robust Cordless Phones Needed (payodie)
    Re: Definity: Delay in Digit Collection in Vector Announce (J Wineburgh)
    Re: Robust Cordless Phones Needed (payodie)
    Re: AT&T Partner Voice Mail Question (Vidya Ramachandran)
    T1 Question Assistance Required (Vidya Ramachandran)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
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It is also gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated 
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TELECOM Digest is a not-for-profit, mostly non-commercial educational
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and that of the original author.

Contact information:    Patrick Townson/TELECOM Digest
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From: Judith Oppenheimer <joppenheimer@icbtollfree.com>
Subject: 3/14/2002 ICB Toll Free News 
Date: Thu, 14 Mar 2002 23:21:36 -0500


http://ICBTollFreeNews.Com HEADS UP HEADLINES

 from ICB Toll Free News - Covering the Political, Legal
and Marketing Arenas of 800, ENUM and Dot Com.

CONTENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDING MARCH 14, 2002

- LEADING HOUSE MEMBERS DEMAND ACTION

- ICANN KILLS PUBLIC REPRESENTATION

- ICANN BOARD TELLS INDIVIDUAL INTERNET USERS TO 'GO FORTH AND MULTIPLY!'

- KING LYNN, TRENDSETTER

- WORLDCOM ANSWERS TO SEC

- SENATOR BURNS REQUESTS CONGRESSIONAL OVERSIGHT OF ICANN

- JAPANESE GROUPS CONDEMN ICANN 'REFORM' PLAN

- CROSS SECTION OF ICANN PLAYERS WANTS AT LARGE

- ** UPDATED** PUBLIC VIEW OF INTERNET GOVERNANCE NARROWS

/=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= advertisement =-=-=-\

-- Lost and Stolen Number Retrieval  --  ENUM Survival Strategies
-- Crisis Resolution  --  Vanity Number Issues, Guidance & Navigation
-- Tollfree Number Traces  --  Representation at SNAC, ENUM & ICANN Forums
-- Strategic Leadership + Competitive Intelligence  --  Custom Research
   Reports
-- Custom Problem Solving: disputes, litigation support, RespOrg issues,
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\=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=.=/

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with no monthly minimums or hidden service charges!
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\=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=/

- FCC ECONOMIST PROPOSES OPENING 800 MARKET

- MISSION, OR MISSION CREEP?

- FCC COMMON CARRIER BUREAU REORGANIZED AS WIRELINE COMPETITION BUREAU

- RECOMMENDATION TO REFORM 'ICANN REFORM'

- NEW DATA CONFIRMS DOMAIN DISPUTE FLAWS

- LIKE ENRON, ICANN LED A CHARMED LIFE

- DOT KIDS IMPLEMENTATION AND EFFICIENCY ACT OF 2002

- NEW AT LARGE MEMBERSHIP DRIVE UNDERWAY

- BARCELONA.COM RULING BREAKS NEW LEGAL GROUND

ARTICLE ACCESS CODE LEGEND

ICB Toll Free News offers two valuable service options:
F = Free - News and Features articles
P = Premium - Unlimited Site Access including all Articles and Documents.

Registration information is not sold, leased or rented.

***  For additional information about topics and stories,
keyword search here:  http://www.icbtollfree.com/Search.cfm.

F - LEADING HOUSE MEMBERS DEMAND ACTION
 ... call on the Department of Commerce to create a representative
ICANN board, increase the organization's accountability, adhere to
ICANN's original mandate, and instill due process protections.
CONTINUED HERE:  http://www.icbtollfree.com/article.cfm?articleId=5632

F - ICANN KILLS PUBLIC REPRESENTATION

The resolution disposing At Large Membership and direct elections is
simply an early implementation of Stuart Lynn's reorganization plan.
According to Hitler, 'A shrewd conqueror will always enforce his
exactions only by stages.  The more numerous the extortions thus
passively accepted, so much the less will resistance appear justified
in the eyes of the people, if the vanquished nation should end by
revolting against the last act of oppression in a long series.  And
that is especially so if the nation has already patiently and silently
accepted impositions which were much more exacting.'
CONTINUED HERE:  http://www.icbtollfree.com/article.cfm?articleId=5630

F - ICANN BOARD TELLS INDIVIDUAL INTERNET USERS TO 'GO FORTH AND MULTIPLY!'

 ... which is a common British phrase for 'go f*ck yourself,' apparently a
parting gift from Brit Stuart Lynn.
CONTINUED HERE:  http://www.icbtollfree.com/article.cfm?articleId=5631

F - KING LYNN, TRENDSETTER

The Names Council had already established a Structure Task Force to
address a number of proposals for restructuring, when in late
February, Stuart Lynn preemptively issued his report, "A Case for
Reform."  Last May, 2001, the General Assembly of the DNSO was
discussing alt root issues, and the DNSO's Names Council had scheduled
a discussion on alternative roots with a presentation in Stockholm,
when Lynn preemptively issued his 'Discussion Draft' on a Unique
Root. (It was shortly thereafter declared existing policy.)  What's
wrong with this picture?
CONTINUED HERE:  http://www.icbtollfree.com/article.cfm?articleId=5629

F - WORLDCOM ANSWERS TO SEC

Areas of concern include accounting procedures and loans to officers.
CONTINUED HERE:  http://www.icbtollfree.com/article.cfm?articleId=5628

F - SENATOR BURNS REQUESTS CONGRESSIONAL OVERSIGHT OF ICANN

'... fundamental questions ... need to be addressed, such as whether
ICANN is even the most appropriate organization to be tasked with such
a critical mission, which is central to our national security.'
CONTINUED HERE: http://www.icbtollfree.com/article.cfm?articleId=5626

F - JAPANESE GROUPS CONDEMN ICANN 'REFORM' PLAN

'ICANN will become the same as other multinational organizations such
as the WTO/IMF/WB. As a result, a few large countries and big business
will have priority and Internet governance will become directed
towards serving their political and military purposes. '
CONTINUED HERE: http://www.icbtollfree.com/article.cfm?articleId=5624

F - CROSS SECTION OF ICANN PLAYERS WANTS AT LARGE

 .. produces 'Draft Consensus Statement in Support of At Large
Membership.'
CONTINUED HERE:  http://www.icbtollfree.com/article.cfm?articleId=5623

F - ** UPDATED** PUBLIC VIEW OF INTERNET GOVERNANCE NARROWS

Coincidental with ICANN president Stuart Lynn's plan to convert the
Board of Directors to a Board of Trustees which will 'have the ability
to deliberate in private' and 'be able to make policy decisions, not
simply ratify or reject those proposed by subordinate bodies,' ICANN's
remote 'participation' has been reduced to a live but non-archived
webcast, with no mechanism for submitting remote questions or
comments. (See update.)  
CONTINUED HERE: http://www.icbtollfree.com/article.cfm?articleId=5622

EVERY 3.6 SECONDS SOMEONE DIES FROM HUNGER
http://www.hungersite.com/

P - FCC ECONOMIST PROPOSES OPENING 800 MARKET

'Brokering in [the] secondary market could enhance value of numbers to
RespOrgs and subs[cribers]... Defining subs[cribers'] property rights
would protect against unauthorized disconnects and transfers [and]
enhance the value of numbers.'  
CONTINUED HERE: http://www.icbtollfree.com/article.cfm?articleId=5614

F - MISSION, OR MISSION CREEP?

Lynn writes that his 'Policy Councils should clearly be identified as
advisory bodies, and their advice to the Board of Trustees should be
given strong weight based on its persuasive merits, but not
presumptive validity.' This does not mean, he assures us, that 'the
ICANN Board of Trustees will be able simply to ignore advice from its
Policy Councils.'  Actually, that's precisely what it means.
CONTINUED HERE:  http://www.icbtollfree.com/article.cfm?articleId=5625

P - FCC COMMON CARRIER BUREAU REORGANIZED AS WIRELINE COMPETITION BUREAU

The bureau will be organized into the following four Divisions (from
the previous six Divisions): Competition Policy Division, Pricing
Policy Division, Industry Analysis and Technology Division, and
Telecommunications Access Policy Division.
CONTINUED HERE:  http://www.icbtollfree.com/article.cfm?articleId=5627

P - RECOMMENDATION TO REFORM 'ICANN REFORM'

Limit ICANN role to consensus-based trade association.
CONTINUED HERE:  http://www.icbtollfree.com/article.cfm?articleId=5621

F - NEW DATA CONFIRMS DOMAIN DISPUTE FLAWS

Professor Michael Geist of the University of Ottawa has extended a
previous study last year into how ownership of domain names is decided
and concluded that, if anything, the situation had deteriorated.
CONTINUED HERE: http://www.icbtollfree.com/article.cfm?articleId=5620

F - LIKE ENRON, ICANN LED A CHARMED LIFE

Given that ICANN made only laughable and token efforts in major areas
(such as its seven new top-level domains), and given that it has renounced
the 'appropriate membership mechanisms' required by the memorandum
in which the U.S. Commerce Department gave ICANN legal backing, why
should we prolong its expensive tenure or grant its leaders any more power?
by Andy Oram
CONTINUED HERE:  http://www.icbtollfree.com/article.cfm?articleId=5619

F - DOT KIDS IMPLEMENTATION AND EFFICIENCY ACT OF 2002

The Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet will meet in
an open markup session on Wednesday, March 6, 2002.  
CONTINUED HERE: http://www.icbtollfree.com/article.cfm?articleId=5617

F - NEW AT LARGE MEMBERSHIP DRIVE UNDERWAY

I want so much to believe. But it becomes more and more difficult to
separate the ALSC from this effort, as one remembers it was only the
last week or two that former ICANN President Mike Roberts lobbied for
this "independent" group to form.  
CONTINUED HERE: http://www.icbtollfree.com/article.cfm?articleId=5616

F - BARCELONA.COM RULING BREAKS NEW LEGAL GROUND

A federal court in Virginia has ruled that the US Anticybersquatting
Consumer Protection Act can be used by foreign trademark holders: the
ACPA makes no distinction between US and foreign trademarks.
CONTINUED HERE: http://www.icbtollfree.com/article.cfm?articleId=5615

ABOUT ICB

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Copyright c 2002 ICB, Inc. All rights reserved.

------------------------------

From: Jim <j-reply@ameritech.net>
Subject: Merlin 820 to Merlin Plus (820D2) Question
Organization: Prodigy Internet http://www.prodigy.com
Date: Fri, 15 Mar 2002 01:37:57 GMT


Anyone with first hand experience with the subject systems?

I've just upgraded my 820 to a Merlin Plus and all is well except for
one feature.

The older 410/820 systems had an ALERT module that you could connect a
loud bell/external ringer -- any calls coming in on any line would
cause the external ringer to ring.  Good for shop areas, high noise
environment.

My problem is the Merlin Plus 820D2 does not have that as a built in
feature.  I've got 4 CO lines, so I need some type of line bridging
adapter and along with a Supplemental Alert Adapter (SAA).

Any alternatives you could suggest?  (other than a different phone
system) : )

Thanks.

------------------------------

From: Denis Mcmahon <denisf@pickaxe.demon.co.uk>
Subject: Re: Robust Cordless Phones Needed
Date: Fri, 15 Mar 2002 00:16:14 +0000
Organization: E-Menu Ltd
Reply-To: denisrt@pickaxe.demon.co.uk


ed <bernies@netaxs.com> wrote:

> I'm looking for a robust cordless phone model that will work well in a
> single-floor office environment interspersed with floor-ceiling steel
> vaults and elevator shafts.

Depending how many handsets you want, you could look at eg an Ericsson
DECT system that uses multiple base stations and acts like a mini
cellular network.


Rgds,

Denis McMahon / +44 7802 468949 / denis@pickaxe.demon.co.uk
Top-posters, posters of adverts & binaries are scum. Killfile!
Block [a.b.*.*] of any UC/BE relay. Posts > 100 lines ignored.
sulfnbk is not a virus, see the symantec virus encyclopaedia!

------------------------------

Date: Fri, 15 Mar 2002 01:56:55 GMT
From: payodie <ve7gjh@shaw.ca>
Subject: Re: Robust Cordless Phones Needed
Organization: Shaw Residential Internet


Take a look a Spectralink's webpage. They make cordless phones that
are based on cellular technology, meaning you place base stations
through-out your business and calls are handed off to the closest
station.

Northern also sold the same product under its own brand name
(Companion) that would connect only to Nortel switches. The
Spectralink product is more diverse in the PBX's it can connect to.

I've also had good success with a product called "Enginious" it is a
more standard type cordless system (one phone = one base station), but
it might work for you.

John Bartley <johnbartley3@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:telecom20.190.21@telecom-digest.org...

> While waiting on Tue, 12 Mar 2002 10:38:50 -0500 in da
> vastness of space to hitch a ride w/ Galen, ed
> <bernies@netaxs.com> wrote:

>> Currently we're using consumer-grade VTech 1421
>> (900MHz, digital) phones connected to analog ports on
>> our InterTel IMX-256, which work well until they get
>> more than about 50' from the base (then they cut
>> out.) Does anyone on the list have any suggestions
>> as to which 900 MHz, 2.4GHz, or 5.8GHz phone model
>> might offer better penetration in this call-center
>> environment?  compact size is also a criteria, since
>> women will be wearing them (with headsets) as they
>> pick orders.

> Stay away from the Siemens - same problem.

------------------------------

From: Joe Wineburgh <jwineburgh@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: Definity: Delay in Digit Collection in a Vector Announcement
Date: Thu, 14 Mar 2002 14:21:27 -0500


Instead of doing;

Collect 1 digit after announcement xxxxx

I think what you want to do is play the entire announcement (re-recorded
as per PAT's instructions), then collect the digits;

Announcement xxxxx
Collect 1 digit after announcement none

I am on an r9, so mileage may vary...


JOE

> [TELECOM Digest Editor's Note:  Why not begin your first greeting with
> the sentence, "Please listen to our new menu, since it has recently
> been changed".   Many companies do that to avoid punch-throughs.  PAT]

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 14 Mar 2002 04:16:07 GMT
From: payodie <ve7gjh@shaw.ca>
Subject: Re: Robust Cordless Phones Needed
Organization: Shaw Residential Internet


Take a look at Spectralink's webpage (www.spectralink.com I think).
These phones may or may not work with your system, but are theonly 
way to go.  (now that Northern has discontinued Companion) They
are based on cellular technology and use transmitters you place
through-out your building. This will allow you to find the places
where reception is bad and fix the problem.

"ed" <bernies@netaxs.com> wrote in message
news:telecom20.189.9@telecom-digest.org...

> I'm looking for a robust cordless phone model that will work well in a
> single-floor office environment interspersed with floor-ceiling steel
> vaults and elevator shafts.  these obstructions are not everywhere
> (you can shout from one end of the office to another) but we're having
> trouble finding a cordless phone model that works well throughout the
> 80' x 80' floor.

> Currently we're using consumer-grade VTech 1421 (900MHz, digital)
> phones connected to analog ports on our InterTel IMX-256, which work
> well until they get more than about 50' from the base (then they cut
> out.)  does anyone on the list have any suggestions as to which 900
> MHz, 2.4GHz, or 5.8GHz phone model might offer better penetration in
> this call-center environment?  compact size is also a criteria, since
> women will be wearing them (with headsets) as they pick orders.
> thanks much!

------------------------------

From: mrvidya2001@yahoo.com (Vidya Ramachandran)
Subject: Re: AT&T Partner Voice Mail Question
Date: 14 Mar 2002 13:44:12 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


I have a client that says he owns a T1 and does not know what to do
with it.  He was once using it for 900#'s and now can't seem to figure
out how to use.  My question is: Can it be possible to own a T1 vs
leasing one, and if so what is the resell value.  Also, he has many
inbound calls that need to be routed to a mailbox that will require a
passcode for the callers.  Can this be acheived w/out a T1.  I think
so, and what equipment would he need to set up such.

Thanks,


Vidya Ramachandran

------------------------------

From: mrvidya2001@yahoo.com (Vidya Ramachandran)
Subject: T1 Question Assistance Required
Date: 14 Mar 2002 13:50:00 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


Can anyone tell me what is the main purpose of using a T1.  I
understand the 1.54 mb bandwidth for data and for voice it provides 24
lines or channels or circuits whatever.  Why particularly it is
imperative to have a T1, I came up with the following.

- Cheaper long distance rates
- Avoid mulitiple long distance and local bills

I need help here.  Also my friend says he owns a T1 and has no use for
it.  He used the T for incoming 900# and that business died, now he
has asked me if he should sell it or use it for other purposes.  Can
it be possible to own a T1 vs leasing the T.  He needs to implement a
system where inbound callers get routed to a mailbox and are required
to punch in a passcode for entry.  Any assistance regarding these
matters on what we can do would be greatly appreciated.


Vidya Ramachandran
mrvidya2001@yahoo.com

------------------------------

End of TELECOM Digest V20 #191
******************************
    
    
From editor@telecom-digest.org  Fri Mar 15 13:51:36 2002
Received: (from ptownson@localhost)
	by massis.lcs.mit.edu (8.9.1/8.9.1) id NAA08177;
	Fri, 15 Mar 2002 13:51:36 -0500 (EST)
Date: Fri, 15 Mar 2002 13:51:36 -0500 (EST)
From: editor@telecom-digest.org
Message-Id: <200203151851.NAA08177@massis.lcs.mit.edu>
To: ptownson
Approved: patsnewlist
Subject: TELECOM Digest V20 #192

TELECOM Digest     Fri, 15 Mar 2002 13:52:00 EST    Volume 20 : Issue 192

Inside This Issue:                             Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    BT Tribune Phone Repairs (John Wood)
    Cisco ATA 186 and Panasonic KX-T61610 Switching System (Fedor)
    Wall Corded Telephone That Doesn't Use a Base (Don Saklad)
    FCC Internet-Over-Cable Decision  (Neal McLain)
    BICCSI Training (Cheryl Conrad)
    Internet Law: Federal Judge to BT: You Lose (Danny Burstein)
    Number Portability for Residences (John Bartley)
    WorldCom: Out of Obscurity to Under Inquiry (Monty Solomon)
    FCC Protects Cable Internet Lines (Monty Solomon)
    Cell Phones (John)
    Re: News Headlines - EU Getting Global Navigation System (Gail M. Hall)
    Re: Two-Line Answering Machine Recommendations (payodie)
    Re: Another 800 Spammer (Sonbo)
    Re: Buying Old Yellow Pages? (Ray)
    Re: Telemarketer to Blame for Traverse City, MI Phone (Matt Simpson)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
exclusively to telecommunications topics. It is circulated anywhere
there is email, in addition to various telecom forums on a variety of
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It is also gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated 
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Contact information:    Patrick Townson/TELECOM Digest
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----------------------------------------------------------------------

From: john@peakdesign.u-net.com (John Wood)
Subject: BT Tribune Phone Repairs
Date: 14 Mar 2002 07:06:51 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


I have several BT Tribune phones which have all failed in the same
way. When I answer a call, they intermittently give a clicking noise,
but don't actually connect to the caller, unless I press a button.

It feels like it is a capacitor gone leaky with time, or some similar
component failure. Does anyone know how to fix it? It seems a shame to
scrap them if they are easily fixed.


Thanks,

John

------------------------------

From: fedor@octet.com (Fedor)
Subject: Cisco ATA 186 and Panasonic KX-T61610 Switching System
Date: 14 Mar 2002 08:42:36 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


Our company became interested in connecting our office with Cisco ATA
186 adapters (We have offices in different countries.)

But we don`t want to have just two phones in center of the office ...
Nobody will ever use them.

So the question is ... any way to connect it to a Panasonic modular
switching system. I know I can`t connect them directly cause Cisco
has 2 FXS port and Panasonic need FXO.  So is there a way to connect
them. Some sort of adapter, some sort of switching device?  Or is
there any other good solution exist in the same price range.  


Thank you.

------------------------------

Subject: Wall Corded Telephone That Doesn't Use a Base
From: Don Saklad <dsaklad@nestle.ai.mit.edu>
Date: Fri, 15 Mar 2002 01:11:30 -0500


a. Where would you find a wall corded telephone that doesn't use a
    base and you can hang up or turn it off at the handset?

b. What manufacturers or distributors have this kind of device?

------------------------------

Date: Fri, 15 Mar 2002 09:17:09 -0700
From: Neal McLain <nmclain@annsgarden.com>
Reply-To: nmclain@annsgarden.com
Organization: Ann's Garden
Subject: FCC Internet-Over-Cable Decision 


On 3-14-2002, the FCC issued a decision stating that "cable modem
service is not a 'cable service' as defined by the Communications
Act."  The FCC also said that cable modem service does not contain a
separate "telecommunications service" offering and therefore is not
subject to common carrier regulation.

The FCC's decision is at:
http://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Cable/News_Releases/2002/nrcb0201.html

An analysis (from the point of view of a firm that represents cable
regulators) is at:
http://www.surfcity.net/cabletv/kramerfirm/joe/Page10.htm


Neal McLain
nmclain@annsgarden.com

------------------------------

From: Cheryl Conrad <musick29@msn.com>
Subject: BICCSI Training
Date: Thu, 14 Mar 2002 12:31:09 -0500


I am in the Baltimore area and would like to get BICCSI training for
engineering curtification. Is there somewhere in my area or on the web
where this can be found. I am a retired cable splicer (31 yrs) with
Bell Atlantic.


Thanks,

musick29@msn.com

------------------------------

From: Danny Burstein <dannyb@panix.com>
Subject: Internet Law: Federal Judge to BT: You Lose
Date: Wed, 13 Mar 2002 22:45:58 -0500
Organization: PANIX Public Access Internet and UNIX, NYC


Defining Ruling Issued in Hyperlink Patent Case
The Recorder

In a case closely watched by intellectual property lawyers, a federal
judge in New York issued an initial ruling on Wednesday that may
undermine British Telecommunications' claims that it owns rights to
the use of Internet hyperlinking. The suit, filed against Prodigy
Communications, will help establish whether patents filed prior to the
emergence of the Internet can be broadly interpreted to cover
Internet-related technology.

http://www.law.com/cgi-bin/gx.cgi/AppLogic+FTContentServer?pagename=law/View&c=Article&cid=ZZZPVAGZRYC&live=true&cst=1&pc=0&pa=0&s=News&ExpIgnore=true&showsummary=0


Knowledge may be power, but communications is the key
		     dannyb@panix.com
[to foil spammers, my address has been double rot-13 encoded]

------------------------------

Date: Wed, 13 Mar 2002 16:06:32 PST
From: John Bartley <johnbartley3@yahoo.com>
Subject: Number Portability For Residences


I placed an order to Qwest for my Portland residence phone number to
be changed from 503 AAA AAAA (coming from my local CO) to 503 BBB BBBB
(which is in another CO).

As I understand it, number portability just means that the call is
passed via SS7 from the BBB exchange to the AAA exchange, and the
switch just sends the call along to its destination. Back in the dark
ages, I know this required physically wiring from the BBB switch
through the frame at the AAA CO, but AFAIK SS7 has obviated this.

The original service rep at Qworst said there would be no problem with
this and our DSL would not be interrupted.

Well, after the order was placed, I called about a billing error, and
in speaking to Qwest about it, two service reps in a row instead
insisted our DSL would be disconnected for seven to ten working days
with a chance it could not be reconnected, as the BBB number had to be
connected from the BBB switch.

Of course, no supervisor is available to actually find a tech who
knows what's up.  How can I get this resolved so I can get my number
and not lose my DSL?

Thank you in advance for your kind and thoughtful assistance.


John E. Bartley, III - telcom admin, Portland OR, USA - Views are mine. 
http://www.viewreviews.com/vp.php?id=6 Review of SPH-i300
http://palmwireless.cjb.net Wireless FAQ for PalmOS(R)

You are granted to store this informationTM in your brain for private,
not commercial use. Commercial use of this information whether in your
brain or other bodily parts requires the express written consent of
its license holders and property owners. -- This post is ROT52
encrypted. Reading it is a violation of the DMCA.

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 14 Mar 2002 01:33:39 -0500
From: Monty Solomon <monty@roscom.com>
Subject: WorldCom: Out of Obscurity to Under Inquiry


By SETH SCHIESEL and SIMON ROMERO

The telecommunications industry's long- simmering financial problems
and accounting turmoil have boiled over, reaching WorldCom, the
nation's second-largest long-distance company and the world's leading
carrier of Internet traffic.

In a sweeping Securities and Exchange Commission investigation that 
the company disclosed late on Monday, the government appears to be 
looking into many of the business practices that helped WorldCom 
emerge from obscurity in the last 15 years by acquiring dozens of 
companies, most notably MCI Communications. The company used its 
highflying stock to complete many of those deals, with the shares 
trading as high as $62 in 1999. But in recent months, the stock has 
fallen to earth, plummeting 12 percent yesterday, to $7.93, on word 
of the S.E.C. inquiry.


http://www.nytimes.com/2002/03/13/technology/13PHON.html

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 14 Mar 2002 12:54:53 -0500
From: Monty Solomon <monty@roscom.com>
Subject: FCC Protects Cable Internet Lines


By D. IAN HOPPER
AP Technology Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) - Federal regulators decided Thursday to exempt
cable Internet companies from laws that force telecommunications
providers to open their lines to competition.

The Federal Communications Commission, in a 3-1 vote, said the
decision was necessary to spark more investment in high-speed
Internet services.


http://finance.lycos.com/home/news/story.asp?story=26510297

------------------------------

From: Dr_john_the_great@yahoo.com (John)
Subject: Cell Phones
Date: Wed, Mar 13 2002 16:00:14 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


For cell phones what does Analog or digital mean???

Also, what is alphanumeric address book and caller id compatiblity???
ASAP please!

------------------------------

From: Gail M. Hall <gmhall@apk.net>
Subject: Re: News Headlines - EU Getting Own Global Navigation System
Date: Wed, 13 Mar 2002 19:14:26 -0500
Reply-To: gmhall@apk.net


On Sat, 9 Mar 2002 21:45:08 -0500, in comp.dcom.telecom, Monty Solomon
<monty@roscom.com> wrote:

> Friday, 8 March, 2002, 17:40 GMT
> EU rebuffs US over satellite project

> By Chris Morris
> BBC Europe correspondent

> The European Union has rejected renewed criticism from the United 
> States over European plans to establish a network of navigational 
> satellites.

> Washington says the proposed EU network, known as Galileo, is 
> unnecessary, because the Americans' own network, the Global Position 
> System or GPS, is already widely available.

> http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/world/europe/newsid_1862000/1862779.stm

Well, I'm an "American" and think it's not a bad idea for the EU to
set up another navigational system.  It would be easy for terrorists
to knock out one system, so a backup system would be a good idea.

I think many people find it handy to have a wireless phone AND a
landline phone for similar reasons.

Ideally, the EU system would be able to "talk" to the US system in
case parts of either are messed up.

Underground cables may be safe from wind and electrical storms, but
they may not be safe from broken water mains or accidental breakage by
backhoes.

So it's good to have some service from "in-the-air" and underground if
possible.

I don't know if telephone service was affected by the recent gas-pipe
break and explosions in Maple Heights, Ohio, the other day.  It
started out as some workers doing something about sewer pipes and
having to move something attached to the water main.  A couple bolts
broke and caused the water to come pouring out.  That undermined the
support for the gas pipe, which then broke and started leaking gas.
The gas was ignited by electrical sparks from the water, etc., etc.

If service is important, it needs to be properly maintained and backed
up.


Gail from Ohio USA

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 14 Mar 2002 04:25:29 GMT
From: payodie <ve7gjh@shaw.ca>
Subject: Re: Two-Line Answering Machine Recommendations
Organization: Shaw Residential Internet


The line sharing device you are looking for is called "The Stick" it
will take fax or modem calls and divert them to where they need to
go. It works like a charm.

As for the two line answering machine I don't know for sure who makes
one. I have a Sony cordless phone with built-in answering machine that
has three separate mailboxes.

Some creative wiring, a Stick, and a multiple mailbox answering machine
might be all you need.

"James Gifford" <jgifford@surewest.not> wrote in message
news:telecom20.187.5@telecom-digest.org:

> Steve Williams wrote:

>> I'm looking for an integrated two-line answering machine that is
>> *wall-mountable*, with a speakerphone.  Could be cordless or corded,
>> doesn't matter.

>> Also, I want an answering machine on both lines, with access to
>> multiple mailboxes (father, mother, two sons).

>> Does such an item exist?  right now, we have a two-line phone, with one
>> line split running out to a separate four-mailbox answering machine.

>> And, (to complicate things!), I'd like to run the second phone line to
>> a fax machine (in another room, but I think I can run the cable).  How
>> does the second tel line distinguish between a voice message (for the
>> answering machine) and an incoming fax?

------------------------------

From: Sonbo <Sonbo@comcast.net>
Subject: Re: Another 800 Spammer
Date: Thu, 14 Mar 2002 10:01:51 -0500


I don't understand, is there an additional charge when a 800 number is
dialed from a payphone?

Steven Lichter <stevenl11@aol.com> wrote in message
news: telecom20.183.15@telecom-digest.org:

> ...to teach this individual about the cost of owning an 800 number...

> Remember it is against the law to harrass anyone by telephone. Also
> you should use a payphone so that the operator can make a little
> money.

[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note:  Many times, yes there is. Although the
'traditional' telcos and their modern counterparts had a system of
money division called 'Separations and Settlements' in which the
various telcos paid each other as required, the bastard children in 
the extended family of recent years -- the privately owned COCOTS
(customer owned, coin operated telephones) do not participate in the
settlement process. A few years ago, the FCC gave them (COCOT owners)
the right to collect for the use of their phones regarding 800 toll
free numbers. While some of them are brazen enough to demand the user
of the phone deposit coins to make an 800 call, most of them simply
bill (via inter-telco procedures) the recipient of the call. Thus,
a person receiving an 800 call usually not only pays for the telco
transit of same, but an additional surcharge for COCOT use. That's
why, to add a little icing to the cake, Lichter recommends harrassing
(err, inquiring about business) from COCOT style phones. Remember,
harassment is always illegal.   PAT] 

------------------------------

From: czg7777@yahoo.com (Ray)
Subject: Re: Buying Old Yellow Pages?
Date: 13 Mar 2002 17:40:15 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


lovemozart@hotmail.com (Greg) wrote in message
news:<telecom20.179.21@telecom-digest.org>:

> I'm looking to buy some old San Diego yellow pages from the years 1975
> to 1982.

Try http://www.gotphonebooks.com/

They might have what you want.

------------------------------

From: Matt Simpson <msimpson@uky.edu>
Subject: Re: Telemarketer to Blame for Traverse City, MI Phone Mystery
Date: Thu, 14 Mar 2002 09:27:16 -0500
Organization: University of Kentucky


In article <telecom20.189.8@telecom-digest.org>, Eri Carrizales
<BEBITAVEN@prodigy.net> wrote:

> The last comment from Ms. Sivek really is sick. Why should the phone
> company apologize for something they have no control over???

Because the phone company SHOULD have control over caller ID.  If
their system lets people "forge" their caller id, it's a bad system.
They shouldn't let me program my phone so that all calls I make appear
to be coming from you.  They're charging customers money for caller id
which they allow to be worse than worthless.  That sucks.  Bigtime.

------------------------------

End of TELECOM Digest V20 #192
******************************
    
    
From editor@telecom-digest.org  Sat Mar 16 20:53:45 2002
Received: (from ptownson@localhost)
	by massis.lcs.mit.edu (8.9.1/8.9.1) id UAA04375;
	Sat, 16 Mar 2002 20:53:45 -0500 (EST)
Date: Sat, 16 Mar 2002 20:53:45 -0500 (EST)
From: editor@telecom-digest.org
Message-Id: <200203170153.UAA04375@massis.lcs.mit.edu>
To: ptownson
Approved: patsnewlist
Subject: TELECOM Digest V20 #193

TELECOM Digest     Sat, 16 Mar 2002 20:53:00 EST    Volume 20 : Issue 193

Inside This Issue:                             Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    Re: Merlin 820 to Merlin Plus (820D2) Question (Chris Williams)
    Re: Merlin 820 to Merlin Plus (820D2) Question (David)
    Re: Cell Phones (Tom Coradeschi)
    Re: Cell Phones (Joseph Singer)
    Re: Cell Phones (Larry & Wanda Finch)
    Re: Cell Phones (Al Younker)
    Re: T1 Question Assistance Required (John A. Weeks III)
    Re: T1 Question Assistance Required (Al Younker)
    Re: T1 Question Assistance Required (LARB0)
    Re: Number Portability For Residences (Joseph Singer)
    Re: Number Portability For Residences (Al Younker)
    Re: Number Portability For Residences (Bill Horne)
    Re: Number Portability For Residences (fffff)
    Re: Telemarketer to Blame for Traverse City, MI Phone (Denis Mcmahon)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
exclusively to telecommunications topics. It is circulated anywhere
there is email, in addition to various telecom forums on a variety of
networks such as Compuserve and America On Line, and other forums.
It is also gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated 
newsgroup 'comp.dcom.telecom'.

TELECOM Digest is a not-for-profit, mostly non-commercial educational
service offered to the Internet by Patrick Townson. All the contents
of the Digest are compilation-copyrighted. You may reprint articles in
some other media on an occasional basis, but please attribute my work
and that of the original author.

Contact information:    Patrick Townson/TELECOM Digest
                        Post Office Box 50
                        Independence, KS 67301
                        Phone: 630-841-7174
                        Email: editor@telecom-digest.org

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----------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Sat, 16 Mar 2002 05:40:00 -0600
From: Chris Williams <cbw@netins.net>
Subject: Re: Merlin 820 to Merlin Plus (820D2) Question


Jim wrote:

> Anyone with first hand experience with the subject systems?

> I've just upgraded my 820 to a Merlin Plus and all is well except for
> one feature.

> The older 410/820 systems had an ALERT module that you could connect a
> loud bell/external ringer -- any calls coming in on any line would
> cause the external ringer to ring.  Good for shop areas, high noise
> environment.

> My problem is the Merlin Plus 820D2 does not have that as a built in
> feature.  I've got 4 CO lines, so I need some type of line bridging
> adapter and along with a Supplemental Alert Adapter (SAA).

> Any alternatives you could suggest?  (other than a different phone
> system) : )

You could connect an external ringer through a GPA connected to a
Merlin set or through a BTMI that connects directly to a station
port. You can also connect an answering machine to cover any or all
lines the same way.


Chris B Williams                            vox +1 (515) 232-4848
Software Consulting & Design                fax +1 (515) 232-9459
PO Box 1989 / Ames IA 50010-1989 / USA             cbw@netins.net

------------------------------

From: davidgoNOSPAM@excite.com (David)
Subject: Re: Merlin 820 to Merlin Plus (820D2) Question
Date: Sat, 16 Mar 2002 13:57:21 GMT
Organization: ATT Broadband


Have whoever did the upgrade make  all 4 lines ring at a new exension,
xxx.  Connect a standard loud bell ringe, or SSA to the tip and ring
leads of extension xxx.  Should do what you want.


David

On Fri, 15 Mar 2002 01:37:57 GMT, Jim <j-reply@ameritech.net> wrote:

> Anyone with first hand experience with the subject systems?

> I've just upgraded my 820 to a Merlin Plus and all is well except for
> one feature.

> The older 410/820 systems had an ALERT module that you could connect a
> loud bell/external ringer -- any calls coming in on any line would
> cause the external ringer to ring.  Good for shop areas, high noise
> environment.

> My problem is the Merlin Plus 820D2 does not have that as a built in
> feature.  I've got 4 CO lines, so I need some type of line bridging
> adapter and along with a Supplemental Alert Adapter (SAA).

> Any alternatives you could suggest?  (other than a different phone
> system) : )

------------------------------

From: Tom Coradeschi <NOtcoraSPAM@pica.army.mil>
Subject: Re: Cell Phones
Organization: U.S. Army Armament Research Dev. & Eng. Ctr, Dover NJ
Date: Fri, 15 Mar 2002 21:24:38 GMT


In article <telecom20.192.10@telecom-digest.org>,
Dr_john_the_great@yahoo.com (John) wrote:

> For cell phones what does Analog or digital mean???

> Also, what is alphanumeric address book and caller id compatiblity???
> ASAP please!

<http://www.howstuffworks.com/cell-phone.htm>


tom coradeschi <+> tcora(at)pica.army.mil

------------------------------

From: Joseph Singer <joeofseattle@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: Cell Phones
Date: Fri, 15 Mar 2002 15:51:58 -0800
Organization: Drizzle
Reply-To: joeofseattle@yahoo.com


On 13 Mar 2002 16:00:14 -0800, Dr_john_the_great@yahoo.com (John)
wrote:

> For cell phones what does Analog or digital mean???

Analog means it's using an analog network.  Digital means it's using a
digital network.

> Also, what is alphanumeric address book and caller id compatiblity???
> ASAP please!

Not sure, but my guess is that if a name is associated with an entry
in your address book anytime someone calls you their name will be
listed as the incoming call.  That's how it works on Nokia phones.  It
will not show the number if the name is already in the phone book.


Personal replies are likely not read.  Please reply in the newsgroup

------------------------------

From: Larry & Wanda Finch <finches@bellatlantic.net>
Subject: Re: Cell Phones
Date: Sat, 16 Mar 2002 15:57:44 GMT


John wrote:

> For cell phones what does Analog or digital mean???

Analog is the original cellular technology. 2 radio channels are
assigned to a call, one for each direction. The channels are reserved
for the duration of the call, or until the phone moves to another
cell, where a different 2 channels are assigned in the new cell. Voice
is sent over the radio channels using a similar technology to FM
radio.

Digital technology encodes multiple "connections" on the same channel
through one of several (incompatible) techniques that you don't need
to know about to understand (called, for example, TDMA, CDMA, or
GSM). The sound is digitized before transmission, sent in small
"packets" of digital data over the channel, and converted back to
sound at the receiving end, (mostly) transparently to the user.

Digital has advantages in signal quality and battery life.

> Also, what is alphanumeric address book and caller id compatiblity???

Alphanumeric address book is simply the ability to enter names and
search on names for the phone's speed dial capability, rather than
having to remember the speed dial code for each number you have in the
speed dial memory. Caller Id is exactly what it says: the phone
displays the number of the caller when you receive an incoming call.


Larry Finch
::finches@bellatlantic.net   larry@prolifics.com
::LarryFinch@aol.com         (whew!)
N 40 53' 47"
W 74 03' 56"

------------------------------

From: ayounker1@netscape.net (Al Younker)
Subject: Re: Cell Phones
Date: 16 Mar 2002 09:11:11 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


Dr_john_the_great@yahoo.com (John) wrote in message
news:<telecom20.192.10@telecom-digest.org>:

> For cell phones what does Analog or digital mean???

> Also, what is alphanumeric address book and caller id compatiblity???
> ASAP please!

   Analog and digital referes to the type or radio signal used by your
mobile phone. Digital networks provide higher bandwidth (more calls)
as well as better security.

   As for alphanumeric address book just means you can use numbers or
letters when entering a number in your book and if the CLI (incoming
number) is recognised by the handset it will display the name from the
phone book ... ie John Smith will display on your handset when John
calls instead on blank or CLI.

   Hope this answers your question.


questions@telcosupport.net
http://www.telcosupport.net

------------------------------

Subject: Re: T1 Question Assistance Required
Date: Fri, 15 Mar 2002 20:31:41 -0600
From: John A. Weeks III <john@johnweeks.com>
Organization: Newave Communications


In article <telecom20.191.8@telecom-digest.org>, Vidya Ramachandran
<mrvidya2001@yahoo.com> wrote:

> Can anyone tell me what is the main purpose of using a T1.  I
> understand the 1.54 mb bandwidth for data and for voice it provides 24
> lines or channels or circuits whatever.

The main use for a T-1 is to bring in more bandwidth on one phone
line.  You often see them used with phone systems, where 1 T-1 line
and card can handle 23 phone lines.  There are far fewer parts to
break.  It can also be far cheaper.  For example, local business phone
lines cost $65 a month here, where as a T-1 is $550 a month.  That
saves about $1K a month.

> Why particularly it is
> imperative to have a T1, I came up with the following.

> - Cheaper long distance rates
> - Avoid mulitiple long distance and local bills

Neither of those are necessarily true.  You can have all your lines
billed on one bill.  You can avoid the local hop fee for long distance,
but many local carriers have competitive LD rates.

> I need help here.  Also my friend says he owns a T1 and has no use for
> it.  He used the T for incoming 900# and that business died, now he
> has asked me if he should sell it or use it for other purposes.  Can
> it be possible to own a T1 vs leasing the T. 

The phone company owns the line and the service, you own the inside
wiring.  If lines are in high demand, someone might pay him a few $
to give up the line.  That is rare these days.  What he might be saying
is should he set up some kind of service, like a 900 number scam line,
and charge others to market the service.

> He needs to implement a
> system where inbound callers get routed to a mailbox and are required
> to punch in a passcode for entry.  Any assistance regarding these
> matters on what we can do would be greatly appreciated.

Is this anything besides a common voice mail system?  If not, then any
method of phone line delivery will work.  He may need a T-1 from the
local phone company if he wants to offer DID servive (direct inward
dial, where each phone, extension, and mail box has its own 7 digit
phone number rather than a 3 or 4 digit extension).


John A. Weeks III            952-432-2708         john@johnweeks.com
Newave Communications                       http://www.johnweeks.com

------------------------------

From: ayounker1@netscape.net (Al Younker)
Subject: Re: T1 Question Assistance Required
Date: 15 Mar 2002 19:58:41 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


A T1 is a digital trunk. This comes in the form or MF/DT (inband tone
signaling) or ISDN PRI (or C7). You cannot own a T1 since you must pay
the operating company for connectivity to the network. A T1 consists
of 24 multiplexed channels. In the case of PRI this is 23B+D which
means there are 23 voice or Bearer channels and a signaling channel
(D). In the case of MF as stated above signaling is done on a per
channel basis. The advantage of ISDN PRI is that you have the use of
the whole 64k in the channel to use for voice or data. In the MF trunk
you have a maximum of 56k because the other 8k is used for signaling.

   
   Hope this answers your question ... FYI and E1 is 2mb and
30 channels.


questions@telcosupport.net
http://www.telcosupport.net

------------------------------

From: larb0@aol.com (LARB0)
Date: 15 Mar 2002 22:46:13 GMT
Organization: AOL http://www.aol.com
Subject: Re: T1 Question Assistance Required


I can't envision a situation where you could "own" a T1 -- certainly
the CPE, but the circuit itself? Maybe an expert on here knows of one.

 From a customer's standpoint, for voice dial tone, a T1 can be more
economical than leasing multiple business lines, ie, a T1 is generally
cheaper than 24 (or less) business lines. Plus, from a telco
standpoint, maintaining a T1 is generally cheaper than upkeep on 24
copper business lines. It also "frees up" copper facilities for other
uses.

------------------------------

From: Joseph Singer <joeofseattle@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: Number Portability For Residences
Date: Fri, 15 Mar 2002 15:54:12 -0800
Organization: Drizzle
Reply-To: joeofseattle@yahoo.com


On Wed, 13 Mar 2002 16:06:32 PST, John Bartley
<johnbartley3@yahoo.com> wrote:

> I placed an order to Qwest for my Portland residence phone number to
> be changed from 503 AAA AAAA (coming from my local CO) to 503 BBB BBBB
> (which is in another CO).

> As I understand it, number portability just means that the call is
> passed via SS7 from the BBB exchange to the AAA exchange, and the
> switch just sends the call along to its destination. Back in the dark
> ages, I know this required physically wiring from the BBB switch
> through the frame at the AAA CO, but AFAIK SS7 has obviated this.

> The original service rep at Qworst said there would be no problem with
> this and our DSL would not be interrupted.

> Well, after the order was placed, I called about a billing error, and
> in speaking to Qwest about it, two service reps in a row instead
> insisted our DSL would be disconnected for seven to ten working days
> with a chance it could not be reconnected, as the BBB number had to be
> connected from the BBB switch.

> Of course, no supervisor is available to actually find a tech who
> knows what's up.  How can I get this resolved so I can get my number
> and not lose my DSL?

You will lose your DSL if you physically move to a different premise.
Even in the same central office they have to take down the DSL
connection and "rebuild" the service at another location.  Normally it
takes at least ten days to accomplish (if you're lucky!)

Personal replies are likely not read.  Please reply in the newsgroup.

------------------------------

From: ayounker1@netscape.net (Al Younker)
Subject: Re: Number Portability For Residences
Date: 15 Mar 2002 19:51:03 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


There are a few ways of providing LNP (local number portability).
The easiest and fastest is by SCP (database in C7) however it sounds
like you will be physically wired to another switch and depending
where that switch is (distance from your location) DSL may not 
be available. DSL typically has a short distance limitation  2 miles
or so. Changing your carrier and keeping your number will not be
a problem ... DSL probably will.  I would make sure they can
provide that service in your area before changing operators.

  
questions@telcosupport.net
http://www.telcosupport.net

------------------------------

Date: Sat, 16 Mar 2002 11:07:31 -0500
From: Bill Horne <billhorne.nouce@attbi.com>
Subject: Re: Number Portability For Residences


John Bartley wrote:

> I placed an order to Qwest for my Portland residence phone number to
> be changed from 503 AAA AAAA (coming from my local CO) to 503 BBB BBB
> (which is in another CO).

> As I understand it, number portability just means that the call is
> passed via SS7 from the BBB exchange to the AAA exchange, and the
> switch just sends the call along to its destination. Back in the dark
> ages, I know this required physically wiring from the BBB switch
> through the frame at the AAA CO, but AFAIK SS7 has obviated this.

> The original service rep at Qworst said there would be no problem with
> this and our DSL would not be interrupted.

> Well, after the order was placed, I called about a billing error, and
> in speaking to Qwest about it, two service reps in a row instead
> insisted our DSL would be disconnected for seven to ten working days
> with a chance it could not be reconnected, as the BBB number had to be
> connected from the BBB switch.

> Of course, no supervisor is available to actually find a tech who
> knows what's up.  How can I get this resolved so I can get my number
> and not lose my DSL?

> Thank you in advance for your kind and thoughtful assistance.

> John E. Bartley, III - telcom admin, Portland OR, USA - Views are mine.
> http://www.viewreviews.com/vp.php?id=6 Review of SPH-i300
> http://palmwireless.cjb.net Wireless FAQ for PalmOS(R)

John,

This doesn't sound like it's a number portability issue: that would
only come into play if you were transferring your business from one
local carrier to another, and you only mention QWEST here. There are 3
possibilities:

If the exchange which serves your 503 AAA-AAAA number is the ONLY one
serving your rate center, and you want to get service from the
exchange serving 503 BBB-BBBB, then Foreign Exchange service rules
apply.  You'll have to pay to have the line forwarded to your serving
office, either via direct wire or Remote Call Forwarding, and it's
more money either way.

If the exchange which serves 503 BBB-BBBB **ALSO** serves your rate center,
local policies come into play: assuming both exchanges have access to the
cable serving your home (they're in the same building, or your address is
"dual served"), it is technically posible, but QWEST may have a rule that
limits new services or transfers to a certain range of numbers. It's a grey
area, and you'll need to negotiate.

If the 503 BBB-BBBB number was served by a different carrier than
QWEST - **AND** IT IS "HOMED" ON THE SAME RATE CENTER - then QWEST
will be able to serve it under the Local Number Portability rules,
provided, of course, that the number is "portable".

YMMV. HTH.


Bill Horne
(Remove ".nouce" from my address for direct replies.)

------------------------------

From: fffff <bdeblasio123@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: Number Portability For Residences
Date: Sat, 16 Mar 2002 18:50:14 GMT


My understanding of 'Number Portability' is that is you change carriers 
from Qwest to another provider like MCI that you can retain the same 
phone number. It does not mean that numbers are portable between Central 
Offices.

John Bartley wrote:

> I placed an order to Qwest for my Portland residence phone number to
> be changed from 503 AAA AAAA (coming from my local CO) to 503 BBB BBBB
> (which is in another CO).

> As I understand it, number portability just means that the call is
> passed via SS7 from the BBB exchange to the AAA exchange, and the
> switch just sends the call along to its destination. Back in the dark
> ages, I know this required physically wiring from the BBB switch
> through the frame at the AAA CO, but AFAIK SS7 has obviated this.

> The original service rep at Qworst said there would be no problem with
> this and our DSL would not be interrupted.

> Well, after the order was placed, I called about a billing error, and
> in speaking to Qwest about it, two service reps in a row instead
> insisted our DSL would be disconnected for seven to ten working days
> with a chance it could not be reconnected, as the BBB number had to be
> connected from the BBB switch.

------------------------------

From: Denis Mcmahon <denisf@pickaxe.demon.co.uk>
Subject: Re: Telemarketer to Blame for Traverse City, MI Phone Mystery
Date: Fri, 15 Mar 2002 20:54:13 +0000
Organization: E-Menu Ltd
Reply-To: denisrt@pickaxe.demon.co.uk


Mark Crispin <mrc@CAC.Washington.EDU> wrote:

> On Tue, 12 Mar 2002, Eri Carrizales wrote:

>> The last comment from Ms. Sivek really is sick. Why should the phone
>> company apologize for something they have no control over???

> Why should the phone company have such lousy security that any old
> number can be programmed as caller ID?

In the UK, CLI must be validated unless the caller has OfTel (equiv
FCC) approval to send unvalidated CLI.


Rgds,

Denis McMahon / +44 7802 468949 / denis@pickaxe.demon.co.uk
Top-posters, posters of adverts & binaries are scum. Killfile!
Block [a.b.*.*] of any UC/BE relay. Posts > 100 lines ignored.
sulfnbk is not a virus, see the symantec virus encyclopaedia!

------------------------------

End of TELECOM Digest V20 #193
******************************
    
    
From editor@telecom-digest.org  Sun Mar 17 00:32:24 2002
Received: (from ptownson@localhost)
	by massis.lcs.mit.edu (8.9.1/8.9.1) id AAA07566;
	Sun, 17 Mar 2002 00:32:24 -0500 (EST)
Date: Sun, 17 Mar 2002 00:32:24 -0500 (EST)
From: editor@telecom-digest.org
Message-Id: <200203170532.AAA07566@massis.lcs.mit.edu>
To: ptownson
Approved: patsnewlist
Subject: TELECOM Digest V20 #194

TELECOM Digest     Sun, 17 Mar 2002 00:32:00 EST    Volume 20 : Issue 194

Inside This Issue:                             Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    News Headlines of Interest (Monty Solomon)
    Cell Vibrations (was Re: Latest Fad From Japan) (Robert A. Pierce)
    Re: Cisco ATA 186 and Panasonic KX-T61610 Switching System (Carl Navarro)
    Re: Cisco ATA 186 and Panasonic KX-T61610 Switching System (Dave Phelps)
    Re: Merlin 820 to Merlin Plus (820D2) Question (Dave Phelps)
    Re: Wall Corded Telephone That Doesn't Use a Base (James Gifford)
    CND Test Number (Don Russell)
    Re: RolmLink Protocols (fffff)
    Re: Digital Destruction Was Worst Imaginable (John Mianowski)
    Re: Two-Line Answering Machine Recommendations (Steve Fleckenstein)
    Recourse For Very Slow T1 Installation? (Ed M)
    About That Antenna Inquiry (TELECOM Digest Editor)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
exclusively to telecommunications topics. It is circulated anywhere
there is email, in addition to various telecom forums on a variety of
networks such as Compuserve and America On Line, and other forums.
It is also gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated 
newsgroup 'comp.dcom.telecom'.

TELECOM Digest is a not-for-profit, mostly non-commercial educational
service offered to the Internet by Patrick Townson. All the contents
of the Digest are compilation-copyrighted. You may reprint articles in
some other media on an occasional basis, but please attribute my work
and that of the original author.

Contact information:    Patrick Townson/TELECOM Digest
                        Post Office Box 50
                        Independence, KS 67301
                        Phone: 630-841-7174
                        Email: editor@telecom-digest.org

Subscribe:  telecom-subscribe@telecom-digest.org
Unsubscribe:telecom-unsubscribe@telecom-digest.org


This Digest is the oldest continuing e-journal about telecomm-
unications on the Internet, having been founded in August, 1981 and
published continuously since then.  Our archives are available for
your review/research. We believe we are the second oldest e-zine/
mailing list on the internet in any category!

URL information:        http://telecom-digest.org

Anonymous FTP: hyperarchive.lcs.mit.edu/telecom-archives/archives
  (or use our mirror site: ftp.epix.net/pub/telecom-archives)

Email <==> FTP:  telecom-archives@telecom-digest.org 

      Send a simple, one line note to that automated address for
      a help file on how to use the automatic retrieval system
      for archives files. You can get desired files in email.

*************************************************************************
*   TELECOM Digest is partially funded by a grant from                  *
*   Judith Oppenheimer, President of ICB Inc. and purveyor of accurate  *
*   800 & Dot Com News, Intelligence, Analysis, and Consulting.         *
*   http://ICBTollFree.com, http://1800TheExpert.com                    *
*   Views expressed herein should not be construed as representing      *
*   views of Judith Oppenheimer or ICB Inc.                             *
*************************************************************************

ICB Toll Free News.  Contact information is not sold, rented or leased.
Access to Premium (P) links requires upgrade to a paid subscription.

One click a day feeds a person a meal.  Go to http://www.thehungersite.com

Only subscribers or registered users of ICB Toll Free News web site
will be able to access all or some of the full text of URLs provided.

LEGAL STUFF: TELECOM Digest (sm) is owned by Patrick Townson.
Copyright 2000 ICB, Inc. and TELECOM Digest. All rights reserved.
Our attorney is Bill Levant, of Blue Bell, PA.

   In addition, a gift from Mike Sandman, Chicago's Telecom Expert
   has enabled me to replace some obsolete computer equipment and
   enter the 21st century sort of on schedule. His mail order 
   telephone parts/supplies service based in the Chicago area has
   been widely recognized by Digest readers as a reliable and very
   inexpensive source of telecom-related equipment. Please request
   a free catalog today at http://www.sandman.com 
   ---------------------------------------------------------------
    
Finally, the Digest is funded by gifts from generous readers such as
yourself who provide funding in amounts deemed appropriate. Your help
is important and appreciated. A suggested donation of twenty dollars
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Please make at least a single donation to cover the cost of processing
your name to the mailing list.

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should not be considered any official expression by the organization.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Sat, 16 Mar 2002 09:19:23 -0500
From: Monty Solomon <monty@roscom.com>
Subject: News Headlines of Interest


Handspring Treo
by Dan Bricklin

I've been using a Handspring Treo 180 combination PDA/cell phone for
a few weeks. Here are some of my observations. [Last modified: 6
March 2002]

When I first saw Jeff Hawkins of Handspring demonstrate a prototype
Treo, I knew it was a device I needed to look into. As a combination
Palm OS PDA and cell phone, I already knew from the Kyocera QCP-603
device it would have value. What struck me as special was the
addition of a keyboard, similar to the RIM 850 and 857, and a variety
of other buttons and switches. This looked like it would open up all
sorts of opportunities for innovation and ease of use. When I
actually held one (Jeff's) and felt how small it was, I was sure I
needed to look at it. As shipments approached, I was able to borrow a
preproduction unit to try. This report is based on that unit.


http://danbricklin.com/log/treo180.htm

NETWORKING  Jilted by broadband

Without widespread high-speed Internet access, the technology industry
 -- and arguably the economy at large -- will remain stalled.

By Michael V. Copeland and Om Malik
March 13, 2002

When Microsoft was developing the Xbox video game console in 1999, 
consumers were signing up for high-speed Internet access as quickly 
as they could. Seduced by this growth in broadband subscriptions, 
Microsoft made a critical decision. The device would be equipped with 
a broadband ethernet connection -- instead of a conventional dial-up 
modem -- for online games and other services. The company's choice was 
driven by a desire to reserve the Xbox for games with high-quality 
graphics that would require high-speed data transmission. By 
implication, it was a nod to what many thought would soon be reality: 
ubiquitous broadband.

http://redherring.com/investor/2002/0313/1920.html

------------------------------

Date: Fri, 15 Mar 2002 14:05:15 EST
From: Robert A. Pierce <rapierce@cyberspace.org>
Subject: Cell Vibrations (was Re: Latest Fad From Japan)


> From: Marcus Didius Falco <marcus_d_falco@yahoo.com>
> Subject: Re: The Latest Fad From Japan

>> Most cell phones these days can be set to silent alert (vibrate), and
>> that doesn't seem to help since too many people are too stupid to
>> actually use it.

> I find that in vibrating mode I don't feel the vibration if the phone
> is in a jacket pocket or a cargo pocket on pants. I feel it only if it
> jeans. On a belt clip it's iffy. It would be impossible if the phone
> were in a handbag or backpack. YMMV

About six months ago, I bought a vibrating belt clip for my cell
phone.  It takes a standard half-inch button-type phone clip, and runs
off a AAA battery.  It vibrates when it picks up the cell signal --
but it doesn't stop vibrating when you answer, which can be annoying
if you want to use a hands-free set.  It's also not as sturdy as a
regular belt clip.

But it was between $15-$20, and so a lot cheaper than a vibrating
battery, and works with the batteries I already have.  It's handy for
movies, Sunday morning, etc.

It's called a "Dancing-Clip," model DY-VB020, and might be available
on-line.  I bought mine at a mall kiosk.

------------------------------

From: Carl Navarro <cnavarro@wcnet.org>
Subject: Re: Cisco ATA 186 and Panasonic KX-T61610 Switching System
Date: Fri, 15 Mar 2002 15:23:43 -0500
Organization: Airnews.net! at Internet America


On 14 Mar 2002 08:42:36 -0800, fedor@octet.com (Fedor) wrote:

> Our company became interested in connecting our office with Cisco ATA
> 186 adapters (We have offices in different countries.)

> But we don`t want to have just two phones in center of the office ...
> Nobody will ever use them.

> So the question is ... any way to connect it to a Panasonic modular
> switching system. I know I can`t connect them directly cause Cisco
> has 2 FXS port and Panasonic need FXO.  So is there a way to connect
> them. Some sort of adapter, some sort of switching device?  Or is
> there any other good solution exist in the same price range.  

An FXO is looking for a STATION, and FXS is looking for a TRUNK.

What do you think you connect the Panasonic TRUNKS to?

So put those two FXS's into the trunk side of the Panasonic and you
can have 16 phones access them anywhere.


Carl Navarro

------------------------------

From: Dave Phelps <tippenring@deadspam.com>
Subject: Re: Cisco ATA 186 and Panasonic KX-T61610 Switching System
Date: Sat, 16 Mar 2002 20:05:52 -0600
Organization: Posted via Supernews, http://www.supernews.com


Hmm. How about this. Forget the FXS and FXO stuff. If the ATA186
provides a dialtone and provides ringing, then connect it to a trunk
port on the Pana.

In article <telecom20.192.2@telecom-digest.org>, fedor@octet.com says:

> Our company became interested in connecting our office with Cisco ATA
> 186 adapters (We have offices in different countries.)
 
> But we don`t want to have just two phones in center of the office ...
> Nobody will ever use them.
 
> So the question is ... any way to connect it to a Panasonic modular
> switching system. I know I can`t connect them directly cause Cisco
> has 2 FXS port and Panasonic need FXO.  So is there a way to connect
> them. Some sort of adapter, some sort of switching device?  Or is
> there any other good solution exist in the same price range.  


Dave Phelps
Phone Masters Ltd.
deadspam=tippenring

------------------------------

From: Dave Phelps <tippenring@deadspam.com>
Subject: Re: Merlin 820 to Merlin Plus (820D2) Question
Date: Sat, 16 Mar 2002 20:07:33 -0600
Organization: Posted via Supernews, http://www.supernews.com


If you pop off the gray cover at the top, there are a couple of RJ45
jacks that provides something, but I forget what it is. Maybe the aux
ringer you are looking for. I think one is external paging.

In article <telecom20.191.2@telecom-digest.org>, j-reply@ameritech.net 
says...

> Anyone with first hand experience with the subject systems?

> I've just upgraded my 820 to a Merlin Plus and all is well except for
> one feature.

> The older 410/820 systems had an ALERT module that you could connect a
> loud bell/external ringer -- any calls coming in on any line would
> cause the external ringer to ring.  Good for shop areas, high noise
> environment.

> My problem is the Merlin Plus 820D2 does not have that as a built in
> feature.  I've got 4 CO lines, so I need some type of line bridging
> adapter and along with a Supplemental Alert Adapter (SAA).

> Any alternatives you could suggest?  (other than a different phone
> system) : )


Dave Phelps
Phone Masters Ltd.
deadspam=tippenring

------------------------------

From: James Gifford <jgifford@surewest.not>
Subject: Re: Wall Corded Telephone That Doesn't Use a Base
Date: Fri, 15 Mar 2002 12:25:56 -0800
Organization: Nitrosyncretic Press
Reply-To: jgifford@surewest.not


Don Saklad wrote:

> a. Where would you find a wall corded telephone that doesn't use a
>     base and you can hang up or turn it off at the handset?

> b. What manufacturers or distributors have this kind of device?


Radio Shack used to have a single-element phone that looked like a 
Princess phone handset. It slipped into a wall cradle (just a simple 
holster, not a base) or laid flat on a table to hang up. All the 
controls were on it.

I don't know if it's still made or if that's what you're looking for.



|           James Gifford - Nitrosyncretic Press            |
| http://www.nitrosyncretic.com for the Heinlein FAQ & more |
|  Tired of auto-spam... change "not" to "net" for replies  |

------------------------------

From: Don Russell <drussel2@san.rr.com>
Subject: CND Test Number
Date: Sat, 16 Mar 2002 02:28:39 GMT
Organization: Road Runner


According to Bellcore TR-NWT-000031 section 3.6.4 it is "desirable"
for phone companies to have a "test number" for "customer tests" of
caller id equipment.

Of course they don't recommend any specific test number, just what the
test number should do.

Can anyone tell me what the test number is for Pac Bell (San Diego,
California area) is?


Thanks,

Don Russell

------------------------------

From: fffff <bdeblasio123@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: RolmLink Protocols
Date: Sat, 16 Mar 2002 18:59:36 GMT


Rolmlink protocol is only 256Kbps. Selected Hicoms support the 256K
Rolmlink protocol by installing linecards that generate this protocol.
The 19.2 Async protocol was a data capability within a 64K channel of
the 256K Rolmlink protocol.


Jabriol wrote:

> I am looking for some info on the RolmLink protocols, I believe, there
> are two, one being synchronous at 256kbps, the other being 19.2
> bi-directional asynchronous, which make this particular protocols
> compatible with the HiComm series, Am I correct?

> (arjw regulars: I do work for a living.. why can you do that?)

------------------------------

From: John Mianowski <john_mianowski@ix-nay.am-spay.nortelnetworks.com>
Subject: Re: Digital Destruction Was Worst Imaginable
Date: Fri, 15 Mar 2002 12:12:30 -0600
Organization: Nortel


Right -- deaf, dumb, and blind -- while we were all watching it live,
on any number of TV channels and getting up-to-the-minute feeds via the
web.

All day on 9/11 I sent & received e-mails, placed & received phone
calls, participated in conference calls and webcasts -- just like
"normal" -- except that not a lot of real work got done because
everybody was talking about the terrorist strikes.  If anything, there
was too much communication that day, to the point of distraction.

I'm sure there were serious local disruptions, particularly in NYC &
DC, but that's a far cry from "... the nation was deaf, dumb, and
blind ...".


JM

Robert A Pierce <rapierce@cyberspace.org> wrote in message
news:telecom20.190.7@telecom-digest.org ...

> For several tense, heart-wrenching hours on Sept. 11, the nation was
> deaf, dumb and blind due to what one senior government official called
> the "absolutely massive" loss of communications infrastructure.

> http://computerworld.com/nlt/1%2C3590%2CNAV47_STO68762_NLTDIS%2C00.html

------------------------------

From: Steve Fleckenstein <spfleck@citlinkdot.net>
Subject: Re: Two-Line Answering Machine Recommendations
Date: Sat, 16 Mar 2002 22:10:23 -0500
Organization: Posted via Supernews, http://www.supernews.com
Reply-To: Steve Fleckenstein <spfleck@citlinkdot.net>


I purchased a two line AT&T unit from Staples around Christmas for
close out prices. You might still find one there. Was no more than
$39.


A pound of feathers weights more than a pound of gold.

payodie <ve7gjh@shaw.ca> wrote in message
news:telecom20.192.12@telecom-digest.org...
> The line sharing device you are looking for is called "The Stick" it
> will take fax or modem calls and divert them to where they need to
> go. It works like a charm.

> As for the two line answering machine I don't know for sure who makes
> one. I have a Sony cordless phone with built-in answering machine that
> has three separate mailboxes.

> Some creative wiring, a Stick, and a multiple mailbox answering machine
> might be all you need.

------------------------------

From: Ed M <emaendel@nospammersi-2000.com>
Subject: Recourse For Very Slow T1 Installation?
Organization: WebUseNet Corp. - "ReInventing The UseNet"
Date: Sat, 16 Mar 2002 22:16:47 -0500


Since December we have had a T1 on order from a relatively small LEC
in upstate NY (Frontier in Orange County NY) Although we are across
the road (in Verizon territory) from the area Frontier's CO serves
they are able to offer services in our area.

The installation is long overdue from the January date they originally
promised and they just told me that it might be another month or two.
They say that the reason for this is that Verizon has interoffice
"facility problems". These CO's are no more than a couple of miles
apart.  You can almost see one from the other.  I can't understand
what the problem could be.  I'm suspecting that Verizon is in no hurry
to resolve these facility problems because Frontier is a competitor.
Is there a governmental or other regulating organization that I can
complain to?  This is getting ridiculous.

------------------------------

Date: Sat, 16 Mar 2002 23:56:05 EST
From: TELECOM Digest Editor <ptownson@massis.lcs.mit.edu>
Subject: About That Antenna Inquiry


I made an inquiry several days ago asking for technical information on
antenna/coax/transmitter performance in an LPFM context.  Several of you
responded, and a number of responses were received. A couple of
the responses suggested that my proposal was 'illegal' without benefit
of FCC licensing. I've made some inquiries of a legal nature of the
FCC to detirmine exactly where things stood.

The person I discussed about a month ago that I thought was a 'pirate'
radio operator, it turns out in fact has a valid *construction permit*
for an LPFM station. At his home one day, I made him produce the
papers.  The LPFM construction permit, valid for 18 months, was issued
in a timely way during the window for Kansas.  It turns out there was
also a 'remedial window' opened due to errors by the FCC in their
software program and the laws put into effect by President Clinton at
the end of his term in office. There were changes that pertained to
the complaints filed by the broadcaster's association lobbyists. They
had wanted to retain the three-channel spacing requirements. The
software program the FCC had set up was written for two channels. As a
result, many LPFM would-be licensees short-spaced themselves when they
relied on the FCC software. In any event, things got all screwed up
and the FCC had to start the process over for the first two windows,
one of which included Kansas.  The remedial window consolidated the
first two windows and started again.

It turns out there was no real rush for frequencies here anyway. There
were only 36 applicants in the entire state of Kansas. In any event,
the so-called (by me!) 'pirate' had the paperwork and his construction
permit, buried in a box in his bedroom, ala Bill Pfieffer-style
record keeping. Bill Pfieffer, God rest his soul, I only wish he were
still alive to see this day. Bill and this former pirate would be good
friends. Oh, and the provision in the rules which said that former
pirates need not apply for an LPFM ticket was declared unconsitu-
tional. Anyway, the pirate went through tons of paperwork in boxes in
his bedroom and found his construction permit, good for 18 months as
of issuance. By God, he had it, approved by the FCC and all that.

Then there was the problem of changing locations. The FCC allows a
change of location on an LP-100 station up to about a mile away to be
a 'minor amendment' to the original application, and allows it. The
FCC further states that the definition of 'LP-100' is any transmitter
which *does not exceed* 100 watts. Therefore, it could be 30 or 40
watts, or 99 watts or 102 watts (allowing a small tolerance for
errors.) It does not have to be exactly 100 watts. It can be less.
It turns out that a Ramsey PX-1 unit is quite legal, whether at your
house, in your back yard or mine, as long as we are {thisclose} and
all that. The FCC happily accepts amendments to the original applica-
tion, as long as they are considered 'minor'. 

Then there was the question of the *name* on the license. Rules about
ownership and all that. In his case, the owner was a non-profit
corporation and it still is. Its only that there was a change of 
personnel at the corporation, and new officers elected. The Society
still exists, and I am now a member of the Society and the president
of the Corporation. The Society operates an LPFM station, I believe
quite legally. Although the local lawyer is not licensed to practice
at the FCC, a cursory glance by him at the paperwork allowed his
imprimatuer on the whole thing. Once he had examined the papers, etc
and reviewed the rules, then the pirate and I sat down and talked
business. Following exchange of consideration, I became the President
of the Society, and the pirate agreed to remain as my technical 
consultant.

Then the pirate made short work of my inquiries in this newsgroup 
about antennas, coax, and all that. He said, and I quote as nearly
as possible, "For God's sake, you are looking at a very small rural
community of 8000 people, and about two miles in each direction. You
could almost scream and be heard everywhere in town. The two
tallest buildings in town are a 'highrise' for senior citizens down
the street of seven stories  and an office building downtown of 
six stories. The Arco Corporate building is five stories tall. You
live on the top of a hill higher than almost every residential house
in town. You've walked all over town, out to the Walmart on West Main
Street, to the golf course at the north end of town, and south to 
the Community College two miles south. You've heard that radio in
all those places, although in a few areas you get more static and 
hiss than honest modulation. Some places when you turn a corner or
sit on an outside bench, your little minature pocket-size digital
tuning radio hisses in your earphones. Quit your belly aching,
Townson. How well the radio works is quite moot. It works well enough,
so either take it or forget it."

And his point was well-taken. The 5/8 wave ground plane is now mounted
on a ten foot pole on the roof of the back porch (effectively reaches
twenty-five feet in the air) and the SWR reads 1.06 with 27-30 watts
going out. Brand new, thick coax.  I decided to quit my belly aching.
I now have an LPFM station. I mean, the Corporation owns one. I mean
the Society now owns the station. I just work here; I mean there. It
talks all over our little town. I hope there won't be any hassles on
the final licensing, but the lawyer doesn't think so.


PAT

------------------------------

End of TELECOM Digest V20 #194
******************************
    
    
From editor@telecom-digest.org  Mon Mar 18 00:36:39 2002
Received: (from ptownson@localhost)
	by massis.lcs.mit.edu (8.9.1/8.9.1) id AAA27140;
	Mon, 18 Mar 2002 00:36:39 -0500 (EST)
Date: Mon, 18 Mar 2002 00:36:39 -0500 (EST)
From: editor@telecom-digest.org
Message-Id: <200203180536.AAA27140@massis.lcs.mit.edu>
To: ptownson
Approved: patsnewlist
Subject: TELECOM Digest V20 #194

TELECOM Digest     Mon, 18 Mar 2002 00:34:00 EST    Volume 20 : Issue 195

Inside This Issue:                             Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    What is CKS 408/816/1224 (Brian C)
    Corded Phone Like GTE FlipPhone (was Wall Corded Telephone (Tom Betz)
    Re: Cisco ATA 186 and Panasonic KX-T61610 Switching System (Dave Phelps)
    Re: CND Test Number (S. Falke)
    Re: Two-Line Answering Machine Recommendations (Dave Close)
    Re: Merlin 820 to Merlin Plus (820D2) Question (Chris Williams)
    Re: Merlin 820 to Merlin Plus (820D2) Question (Dave Phelps)
    Re: Wall Corded Telephone That Doesn't Use a Base (Jay B)
    Re: T1 Question Assistance Required (Dominic Richens)
    Information Request (M. McKie)
    Re: RolmLink Protocols (Jabriol)
    Short Message Service (SMS) Research (Claude Hayn)
    Re: Number Portability For Residences (Al Younker)
    Question on Avaya Definity R-10 Software (Peter Aiken)
    Dialogic and Baud Data (sri)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
exclusively to telecommunications topics. It is circulated anywhere
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It is also gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated 
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TELECOM Digest is a not-for-profit, mostly non-commercial educational
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Contact information:    Patrick Townson/TELECOM Digest
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*************************************************************************
*   TELECOM Digest is partially funded by a grant from                  *
*   Judith Oppenheimer, President of ICB Inc. and purveyor of accurate  *
*   800 & Dot Com News, Intelligence, Analysis, and Consulting.         *
*   http://ICBTollFree.com, http://1800TheExpert.com                    *
*   Views expressed herein should not be construed as representing      *
*   views of Judith Oppenheimer or ICB Inc.                             *
*************************************************************************

ICB Toll Free News.  Contact information is not sold, rented or leased.
Access to Premium (P) links requires upgrade to a paid subscription.

One click a day feeds a person a meal.  Go to http://www.thehungersite.com

Only subscribers or registered users of ICB Toll Free News web site
will be able to access all or some of the full text of URLs provided.

LEGAL STUFF: TELECOM Digest (sm) is owned by Patrick Townson.
Copyright 2000 ICB, Inc. and TELECOM Digest. All rights reserved.
Our attorney is Bill Levant, of Blue Bell, PA.

   In addition, a gift from Mike Sandman, Chicago's Telecom Expert
   has enabled me to replace some obsolete computer equipment and
   enter the 21st century sort of on schedule. His mail order 
   telephone parts/supplies service based in the Chicago area has
   been widely recognized by Digest readers as a reliable and very
   inexpensive source of telecom-related equipment. Please request
   a free catalog today at http://www.sandman.com 
   ---------------------------------------------------------------
    
Finally, the Digest is funded by gifts from generous readers such as
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Please make at least a single donation to cover the cost of processing
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All opinions expressed herein are deemed to be those of the author. Any
organizations listed are for identification purposes only and messages
should not be considered any official expression by the organization.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Brian C <loungesong@yahoo.com>
Subject: What is CKS 408/816/1224
Organization: Prodigy Internet http://www.prodigy.com
Date: Sun, 17 Mar 2002 23:14:13 GMT


Hello,

We are moving into new office space.  Mounted in the phone closet, and
connected to the patch panel is a 16"x16" grey unit called CKS
408/816/1224.  It looks like some kind of a phone system, but we're
not sure what it is.  Doesn't look very old.

Anyone familiar with this product?  Know of a manufacter or website
associated with it?


Thanks,

Brian C

------------------------------

From: Tom Betz <tbetz@pobox.com>
Subject: Corded Phone Like GTE FlipPhone (was Wall Corded Telephone)
Date: Sun, 17 Mar 2002 13:15:04 UTC
Organization: XOme


Quoth James Gifford <jgifford@surewest.not> in 
news:telecom20.194.6@telecom-digest.org:

> Radio Shack used to have a single-element phone that looked like a 
> Princess phone handset.

While we're looking for obsolete models, can anyone tell me where I
can find ones or twos of corded phones like the old GTE FlipPhone II
that doesn't have Star Wars characters decorating it?  Some of those
used to come with wall-mount pockets that you could store them in, but
I don't necessarily need to be able to do that.

The Mattel phones on the market now are just too precious for what I 
need.


Thanks.

------------------------------

From: Dave Phelps <tippenring@deadspam.com>
Subject: Re: Cisco ATA 186 and Panasonic KX-T61610 Switching System
Date: Sat, 16 Mar 2002 20:05:52 -0600
Organization: Posted via Supernews, http://www.supernews.com


Hmm. How about this. Forget the FXS and FXO stuff. If the ATA186 provides 
a dialtone and provides ringing, then connect it to a trunk port on the 
Pana.

In article <telecom20.192.2@telecom-digest.org>, fedor@octet.com says:

> Our company became interested in connecting our office with Cisco ATA
> 186 adapters (We have offices in different countries.)

> But we don`t want to have just two phones in center of the office ...
> Nobody will ever use them.

> So the question is ... any way to connect it to a Panasonic modular
> switching system. I know I can`t connect them directly cause Cisco
> has 2 FXS port and Panasonic need FXO.  So is there a way to connect
> them. Some sort of adapter, some sort of switching device?  Or is
> there any other good solution exist in the same price range.  


Dave Phelps
Phone Masters Ltd.
deadspam=tippenring

------------------------------

From: s falke <busbar@pacbell.net>
Subject: Re: CND Test Number
Organization: Prodigy Internet http://www.prodigy.com
Date: Sun, 17 Mar 2002 06:30:57 GMT


Tried 800.386.0000 ?


s falke

"Don Russell" <drussel2@san.rr.com> wrote in message
news:telecom20.194.7@telecom-digest.org:

> According to Bellcore TR-NWT-000031 section 3.6.4 it is "desirable"
> for phone companies to have a "test number" for "customer tests" of
> caller id equipment.  
> Can anyone tell me what the test number is
> for Pac Bell (San Diego, > California area) is?

[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: When I just now tried 800-386-0000 from
my landline phone 620-331-xxxx I was told the number was 'not in my
calling area or outside the scope of my service.'   When I then used
my Chicago area cell phone 630-841-xxxx I got a different message
telling me 'the call could not be completed as dialed and to 
report the matter to my WATS operator'.  Maybe different places get
different responses.   PAT]

------------------------------

From: dave@compata.com (Dave Close)
Subject: Re: Two-Line Answering Machine Recommendations
Organization: Compata, Costa Mesa, California
Date: Sun, 17 Mar 2002 07:59:34 GMT


Steve Fleckenstein <spfleck@citlinkdot.net> writes:

> I purchased a two line AT&T unit from Staples around Christmas for
> close out prices. You might still find one there. Was no more than
> $39.

I have one of those. But I've found that it is missing a nice feature
from my previous tape-based machine. With the previous machine,
calling either number remotely would cause the machine to activate
it's toll-saver feature if there was a message waiting on either
line. With the AT&T machine, to achieve toll-saver benefits, you may
have to call both lines. Once it answers (on either line), you can
retrieve messages from both lines. This omission sounds like a cheap
design or a deliberate attempt to increase toll revenue.

(Toll-saver: the answering device picks up after two rings if there is
a message waiting, but not until after four rings if there isn't.)


Dave Close, Compata, Costa Mesa CA  "Politics is the business of getting
dave@compata.com, +1 714 434 7359    power and privilege without
dhclose@alumni.caltech.edu           possessing merit." - P. J. O'Rourke

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 17 Mar 2002 03:50:12 -0600
From: Chris Williams <cbw@netins.net>
Subject: Re: Merlin 820 to Merlin Plus (820D2) Question


David wrote:

> Have whoever did the upgrade make  all 4 lines ring at a new exension,
> xxx.  Connect a standard loud bell ringe, or SSA to the tip and ring
> leads of extension xxx.  Should do what you want.

> On Fri, 15 Mar 2002 01:37:57 GMT, Jim <j-reply@ameritech.net> wrote:

>> Anyone with first hand experience with the subject systems?

>> I've just upgraded my 820 to a Merlin Plus and all is well except for
>> one feature.

This is Merlin. You don't have conventional tip/ring. You've got voice,
control, power. You need either BTMI, GPA or SAA to provide the ringing
voltage for a tip/ring device.

Dave Phelps wrote:

> If you pop off the gray cover at the top, there are a couple of RJ45
> jacks that provides something, but I forget what it is. Maybe the aux
> ringer you are looking for. I think one is external paging.

> In article <telecom20.191.2@telecom-digest.org>, j-reply@ameritech.net
> says...

>> Anyone with first hand experience with the subject systems?

>> I've just upgraded my 820 to a Merlin Plus and all is well except for
>> one feature.

The RJ45 jacks at the top are (upper left) for Busy Buster (of
questionable usefulness), ASA (lower left), and the Page jack (lower
right). The RCA jack is for MOH.

There is an AUX jack at the top of each line card. These can be used for
Power Fail for the "A" (or "E" on the 2nd card) line jack, and can also
be used for a tip/ring device that would only access that single line.
The advantage there is that the system recognizes the line being in use
and lights up the appropriate LEDs on the phones. Handy for a credit
card reader or a fax, but you're hard wired to the first line of the
specific card.

 
Chris B Williams                        vox +1 (515) CEdar 2-4848
Software Consulting & Design            fax +1 (515) CEdar 2-9459
PO Box 1989 / Ames IA 50010-1989 / USA             cbw@netins.net

------------------------------

From: Dave Phelps <tippenring@deadspam.com>
Subject: Re: Merlin 820 to Merlin Plus (820D2) Question
Date: Sat, 16 Mar 2002 20:07:33 -0600
Organization: Posted via Supernews, http://www.supernews.com


If you pop off the gray cover at the top, there are a couple of RJ45 
jacks that provides something, but I forget what it is. Maybe the aux 
ringer you are looking for. I think one is external paging.

In article <telecom20.191.2@telecom-digest.org>, j-reply@ameritech.net 
says:

> Anyone with first hand experience with the subject systems?

> I've just upgraded my 820 to a Merlin Plus and all is well except for
> one feature.

> The older 410/820 systems had an ALERT module that you could connect a
> loud bell/external ringer -- any calls coming in on any line would
> cause the external ringer to ring.  Good for shop areas, high noise
> environment.


Dave Phelps
Phone Masters Ltd.
deadspam=tippenring

------------------------------

From: jayb@aol.com (Jay B)
Date: 17 Mar 2002 12:08:04 GMT
Organization: AOL http://www.aol.com
Subject: Re: Wall Corded Telephone That Doesn't Use a Base


Well, the trimline style phones have this capability, they come with a
base but it isnt necessary to make the phone work, just 2 leads, tip
and ring to the handset, widely available, kmart, walmart, etc.  I've
used them as a butt in, install a mini toggle switch for my left thumb
to operate, capacitor across the switch for monitoring purposes.  


Jay

> a. Where would you find a wall corded telephone that doesn't use a
>    base and you can hang up or turn it off at the handset?

> b. What manufacturers or distributors have this kind of device?

------------------------------

From: Dominic Richens <dominic.richens@sympatico.ca>
Subject: Re: T1 Question Assistance Required
Date: Sun, 17 Mar 2002 08:42:39 -0500
Organization: Nortel


"Vidya Ramachandran" <mrvidya2001@yahoo.com> wrote:

> Can anyone tell me what is the main purpose of using a T1.  I
> understand the 1.54 mb bandwidth for data and for voice it provides 24
> lines or channels or circuits whatever.  Why particularly it is
> imperative to have a T1, I came up with the following.

> - Cheaper long distance rates
> - Avoid mulitiple long distance and local bills

I think you may be confusing the T1 access line, between your
(customer) premesis and the local phone company's CO and a DS-1
"private line" or "leased line" that runs over the T1, across
somebody's network, over another T1 to another customer location.

The ANSI T1 specification includes everything from the type of wire to
the frame structure of the digital voice data.  DS-1 (Digital Service
level 1) doesn't cover the physical layer, as it may be carried by T1,
or as one channel in a DS-3, or OC-3 etc...and it may be switched from
line to line along the way by Add-Drop Mux or Digital Cross-Connect.
Your DS-1 may even get packetized by a Circuit emulation service and
carried over an ATM network.

So, if you need around 20 or more voice trunks to your location, get a
T1 service to save money on you local loop charges: 4 wires from the
CO to you instead of 48.

If you find your LD costs between two locations are high, then you
could lease a DS-1 circuit to connect those the T1s at the two
locations.  To your PBX, it basically looks like a direct wire between
the two locations with no phone company in between.

There are multi-service aggregator boxes out there that can provide
both voice and LAN access ports, can carry them over a DS-1 between a
branch office and headquarters.  They are big with banks, where branch
offices make the bulk of their phone calls between branches and
require data service between branches and HQ.

You can also get fractional T1 service, where only a sub-set of the 24
channels are carried across the network (cheaper) as a bunch of
bundled DS-0 channels.

I think this is mostly correct...:-)

------------------------------

From: MMcKie99@aol.com
Date: Sun, 17 Mar 2002 09:53:01 EST
Subject: Information Request


I have been looking for history on development of local calling areas
 -- our state is in the midst of considering changes to local boundaries
that match up with the county borders.  I know other states have
considered similar legislation.

I'm wondering if anyone has done any kind of research that compares
local calling areas throughout the country (largest, smallest, etc.)
and how they were developed.

Also, I'm very curious why certain Overlap exchanges exist that can
call across state or LATA boundaries.  Sometimes, they are one way and
sometimes not.

Any information you have would be appreciated -- or simply a good push
in the right direction.

Thanks for your time.


Mike McKie

------------------------------

From: jabriol2000@yahoo.com (Jabriol)
Subject: Re: RolmLink Protocols
Date: 17 Mar 2002 08:19:43 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


Thank you for your prompt reply; I gather you worked for Siemens at
one point in time?

fffff <bdeblasio123@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:<telecom20.194.8@telecom-digest.org>:

> Rolmlink protocol is
> only 256Kbps. Selected Hicoms support the 256K Rolmlink protocol by
> installing linecards that generate this protocol.  The 19.2 Async
> protocol was a data capability within a 64K channel of the 256K
> Rolmlink protocol.  

> Jabriol wrote: 

>> I am looking for some info on
>> the RolmLink protocols, I believe, there > are two, one being
>> synchronous at 256kbps, the other being 19.2 > bi-directional
>> asynchronous, which make this particular protocols > compatible with
>> the HiComm series, Am I correct?  (arjw regulars: I do work for a
>> living. Why can you do that?)


------------------------------

Reply-To: <ClaudeHayn@Surfree.com>
From: Claude Hayn <ClaudeHayn@Surfree.com>
Subject: Short Message Service (SMS) Research
Date: Sun, 17 Mar 2002 11:51:07 -0500


Could anyone point me towards Short Message Service (SMS) Research
related to US current and projected levels?


Thank you,

Claude

------------------------------

From: ayounker1@netscape.net (Al Younker)
Subject: Re: Number Portability For Residences
Date: 17 Mar 2002 09:42:16 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


Number portability works as follows:

1) number ranges are assigned to operators ie joe_schlunk =
111-555-0000 to 111-555-9999

2) When you port your number to bob_tel what happens is joe just
re-routes the call to a number assigned to bob_tel (111-444-0001). 
Kind of like call forward.

  The above is a simplified explanation. 

  Numbers can be ported-in or ported-out. Tariffs defined by
regulators usually address usage fees paid between operators on ported
calls.  Operators also must be able to update common databases as
customers change so all are informed.

  Hope this answers your question.


questions@telcosupport.net
http://www.telcosupport.net

------------------------------

From: peter_aikins@enterpriseservices.com.au (Peter J. Aikins)
Subject: Question on Avaya Definity R10 Software
Date: 17 Mar 2002 17:05:53 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


Hi all,

   We are looking at upgrading our Avaya PABXs to VoIP capability, but
we have the choice of R9.5 and R10. Has anyone out there had negative
experiences with either of these releases. Of course we are a bit
weary of any ".0" releases.

Cheers,


Peter

------------------------------

From: sriprasu@netzero.net (sri)
Subject: Dialogic and Baud Data
Date: 17 Mar 2002 20:07:37 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


Hi All,

Is there any way to recognize incoming data at lower Baud through a
Dialogic Board? I am trying to see if I can use the Dialogic board as
a modem for lower baud rates. Thanks for any ideas.


Srinivas

------------------------------

End of TELECOM Digest V20 #195
******************************
    
    
From editor@telecom-digest.org  Mon Mar 18 00:38:27 2002
Received: (from ptownson@localhost)
	by massis.lcs.mit.edu (8.9.1/8.9.1) id AAA27374;
	Mon, 18 Mar 2002 00:38:27 -0500 (EST)
Date: Mon, 18 Mar 2002 00:38:27 -0500 (EST)
From: editor@telecom-digest.org
Message-Id: <200203180538.AAA27374@massis.lcs.mit.edu>
To: ptownson
Approved: patsnewlist
Subject: TELECOM Digest V20 #195

TELECOM Digest     Mon, 18 Mar 2002 00:38:00 EST    Volume 20 : Issue 195

Inside This Issue:                             Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    What is CKS 408/816/1224 (Brian C)
    Corded Phone Like GTE FlipPhone (was Wall Corded Telephone (Tom Betz)
    Re: Cisco ATA 186 and Panasonic KX-T61610 Switching System (Dave Phelps)
    Re: CND Test Number (S. Falke)
    Re: Two-Line Answering Machine Recommendations (Dave Close)
    Re: Merlin 820 to Merlin Plus (820D2) Question (Chris Williams)
    Re: Merlin 820 to Merlin Plus (820D2) Question (Dave Phelps)
    Re: Wall Corded Telephone That Doesn't Use a Base (Jay B)
    Re: T1 Question Assistance Required (Dominic Richens)
    Information Request (M. McKie)
    Re: RolmLink Protocols (Jabriol)
    Short Message Service (SMS) Research (Claude Hayn)
    Re: Number Portability For Residences (Al Younker)
    Question on Avaya Definity R-10 Software (Peter Aiken)
    Dialogic and Baud Data (sri)

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----------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Brian C <loungesong@yahoo.com>
Subject: What is CKS 408/816/1224
Organization: Prodigy Internet http://www.prodigy.com
Date: Sun, 17 Mar 2002 23:14:13 GMT


Hello,

We are moving into new office space.  Mounted in the phone closet, and
connected to the patch panel is a 16"x16" grey unit called CKS
408/816/1224.  It looks like some kind of a phone system, but we're
not sure what it is.  Doesn't look very old.

Anyone familiar with this product?  Know of a manufacter or website
associated with it?


Thanks,

Brian C

------------------------------

From: Tom Betz <tbetz@pobox.com>
Subject: Corded Phone Like GTE FlipPhone (was Wall Corded Telephone)
Date: Sun, 17 Mar 2002 13:15:04 UTC
Organization: XOme


Quoth James Gifford <jgifford@surewest.not> in 
news:telecom20.194.6@telecom-digest.org:

> Radio Shack used to have a single-element phone that looked like a 
> Princess phone handset.

While we're looking for obsolete models, can anyone tell me where I
can find ones or twos of corded phones like the old GTE FlipPhone II
that doesn't have Star Wars characters decorating it?  Some of those
used to come with wall-mount pockets that you could store them in, but
I don't necessarily need to be able to do that.

The Mattel phones on the market now are just too precious for what I 
need.


Thanks.

------------------------------

From: Dave Phelps <tippenring@deadspam.com>
Subject: Re: Cisco ATA 186 and Panasonic KX-T61610 Switching System
Date: Sat, 16 Mar 2002 20:05:52 -0600
Organization: Posted via Supernews, http://www.supernews.com


Hmm. How about this. Forget the FXS and FXO stuff. If the ATA186 provides 
a dialtone and provides ringing, then connect it to a trunk port on the 
Pana.

In article <telecom20.192.2@telecom-digest.org>, fedor@octet.com says:

> Our company became interested in connecting our office with Cisco ATA
> 186 adapters (We have offices in different countries.)

> But we don`t want to have just two phones in center of the office ...
> Nobody will ever use them.

> So the question is ... any way to connect it to a Panasonic modular
> switching system. I know I can`t connect them directly cause Cisco
> has 2 FXS port and Panasonic need FXO.  So is there a way to connect
> them. Some sort of adapter, some sort of switching device?  Or is
> there any other good solution exist in the same price range.  


Dave Phelps
Phone Masters Ltd.
deadspam=tippenring

------------------------------

From: s falke <busbar@pacbell.net>
Subject: Re: CND Test Number
Organization: Prodigy Internet http://www.prodigy.com
Date: Sun, 17 Mar 2002 06:30:57 GMT


Tried 800.386.0000 ?


s falke

"Don Russell" <drussel2@san.rr.com> wrote in message
news:telecom20.194.7@telecom-digest.org:

> According to Bellcore TR-NWT-000031 section 3.6.4 it is "desirable"
> for phone companies to have a "test number" for "customer tests" of
> caller id equipment.  
> Can anyone tell me what the test number is
> for Pac Bell (San Diego, > California area) is?

[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: When I just now tried 800-386-0000 from
my landline phone 620-331-xxxx I was told the number was 'not in my
calling area or outside the scope of my service.'   When I then used
my Chicago area cell phone 630-841-xxxx I got a different message
telling me 'the call could not be completed as dialed and to 
report the matter to my WATS operator'.  Maybe different places get
different responses.   PAT]

------------------------------

From: dave@compata.com (Dave Close)
Subject: Re: Two-Line Answering Machine Recommendations
Organization: Compata, Costa Mesa, California
Date: Sun, 17 Mar 2002 07:59:34 GMT


Steve Fleckenstein <spfleck@citlinkdot.net> writes:

> I purchased a two line AT&T unit from Staples around Christmas for
> close out prices. You might still find one there. Was no more than
> $39.

I have one of those. But I've found that it is missing a nice feature
from my previous tape-based machine. With the previous machine,
calling either number remotely would cause the machine to activate
it's toll-saver feature if there was a message waiting on either
line. With the AT&T machine, to achieve toll-saver benefits, you may
have to call both lines. Once it answers (on either line), you can
retrieve messages from both lines. This omission sounds like a cheap
design or a deliberate attempt to increase toll revenue.

(Toll-saver: the answering device picks up after two rings if there is
a message waiting, but not until after four rings if there isn't.)


Dave Close, Compata, Costa Mesa CA  "Politics is the business of getting
dave@compata.com, +1 714 434 7359    power and privilege without
dhclose@alumni.caltech.edu           possessing merit." - P. J. O'Rourke

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 17 Mar 2002 03:50:12 -0600
From: Chris Williams <cbw@netins.net>
Subject: Re: Merlin 820 to Merlin Plus (820D2) Question


David wrote:

> Have whoever did the upgrade make  all 4 lines ring at a new exension,
> xxx.  Connect a standard loud bell ringe, or SSA to the tip and ring
> leads of extension xxx.  Should do what you want.

> On Fri, 15 Mar 2002 01:37:57 GMT, Jim <j-reply@ameritech.net> wrote:

>> Anyone with first hand experience with the subject systems?

>> I've just upgraded my 820 to a Merlin Plus and all is well except for
>> one feature.

This is Merlin. You don't have conventional tip/ring. You've got voice,
control, power. You need either BTMI, GPA or SAA to provide the ringing
voltage for a tip/ring device.

Dave Phelps wrote:

> If you pop off the gray cover at the top, there are a couple of RJ45
> jacks that provides something, but I forget what it is. Maybe the aux
> ringer you are looking for. I think one is external paging.

> In article <telecom20.191.2@telecom-digest.org>, j-reply@ameritech.net
> says...

>> Anyone with first hand experience with the subject systems?

>> I've just upgraded my 820 to a Merlin Plus and all is well except for
>> one feature.

The RJ45 jacks at the top are (upper left) for Busy Buster (of
questionable usefulness), ASA (lower left), and the Page jack (lower
right). The RCA jack is for MOH.

There is an AUX jack at the top of each line card. These can be used for
Power Fail for the "A" (or "E" on the 2nd card) line jack, and can also
be used for a tip/ring device that would only access that single line.
The advantage there is that the system recognizes the line being in use
and lights up the appropriate LEDs on the phones. Handy for a credit
card reader or a fax, but you're hard wired to the first line of the
specific card.

 
Chris B Williams                        vox +1 (515) CEdar 2-4848
Software Consulting & Design            fax +1 (515) CEdar 2-9459
PO Box 1989 / Ames IA 50010-1989 / USA             cbw@netins.net

------------------------------

From: Dave Phelps <tippenring@deadspam.com>
Subject: Re: Merlin 820 to Merlin Plus (820D2) Question
Date: Sat, 16 Mar 2002 20:07:33 -0600
Organization: Posted via Supernews, http://www.supernews.com


If you pop off the gray cover at the top, there are a couple of RJ45 
jacks that provides something, but I forget what it is. Maybe the aux 
ringer you are looking for. I think one is external paging.

In article <telecom20.191.2@telecom-digest.org>, j-reply@ameritech.net 
says:

> Anyone with first hand experience with the subject systems?

> I've just upgraded my 820 to a Merlin Plus and all is well except for
> one feature.

> The older 410/820 systems had an ALERT module that you could connect a
> loud bell/external ringer -- any calls coming in on any line would
> cause the external ringer to ring.  Good for shop areas, high noise
> environment.


Dave Phelps
Phone Masters Ltd.
deadspam=tippenring

------------------------------

From: jayb@aol.com (Jay B)
Date: 17 Mar 2002 12:08:04 GMT
Organization: AOL http://www.aol.com
Subject: Re: Wall Corded Telephone That Doesn't Use a Base


Well, the trimline style phones have this capability, they come with a
base but it isnt necessary to make the phone work, just 2 leads, tip
and ring to the handset, widely available, kmart, walmart, etc.  I've
used them as a butt in, install a mini toggle switch for my left thumb
to operate, capacitor across the switch for monitoring purposes.  


Jay

> a. Where would you find a wall corded telephone that doesn't use a
>    base and you can hang up or turn it off at the handset?

> b. What manufacturers or distributors have this kind of device?

------------------------------

From: Dominic Richens <dominic.richens@sympatico.ca>
Subject: Re: T1 Question Assistance Required
Date: Sun, 17 Mar 2002 08:42:39 -0500
Organization: Nortel


"Vidya Ramachandran" <mrvidya2001@yahoo.com> wrote:

> Can anyone tell me what is the main purpose of using a T1.  I
> understand the 1.54 mb bandwidth for data and for voice it provides 24
> lines or channels or circuits whatever.  Why particularly it is
> imperative to have a T1, I came up with the following.

> - Cheaper long distance rates
> - Avoid mulitiple long distance and local bills

I think you may be confusing the T1 access line, between your
(customer) premesis and the local phone company's CO and a DS-1
"private line" or "leased line" that runs over the T1, across
somebody's network, over another T1 to another customer location.

The ANSI T1 specification includes everything from the type of wire to
the frame structure of the digital voice data.  DS-1 (Digital Service
level 1) doesn't cover the physical layer, as it may be carried by T1,
or as one channel in a DS-3, or OC-3 etc...and it may be switched from
line to line along the way by Add-Drop Mux or Digital Cross-Connect.
Your DS-1 may even get packetized by a Circuit emulation service and
carried over an ATM network.

So, if you need around 20 or more voice trunks to your location, get a
T1 service to save money on you local loop charges: 4 wires from the
CO to you instead of 48.

If you find your LD costs between two locations are high, then you
could lease a DS-1 circuit to connect those the T1s at the two
locations.  To your PBX, it basically looks like a direct wire between
the two locations with no phone company in between.

There are multi-service aggregator boxes out there that can provide
both voice and LAN access ports, can carry them over a DS-1 between a
branch office and headquarters.  They are big with banks, where branch
offices make the bulk of their phone calls between branches and
require data service between branches and HQ.

You can also get fractional T1 service, where only a sub-set of the 24
channels are carried across the network (cheaper) as a bunch of
bundled DS-0 channels.

I think this is mostly correct...:-)

------------------------------

From: MMcKie99@aol.com
Date: Sun, 17 Mar 2002 09:53:01 EST
Subject: Information Request


I have been looking for history on development of local calling areas
 -- our state is in the midst of considering changes to local boundaries
that match up with the county borders.  I know other states have
considered similar legislation.

I'm wondering if anyone has done any kind of research that compares
local calling areas throughout the country (largest, smallest, etc.)
and how they were developed.

Also, I'm very curious why certain Overlap exchanges exist that can
call across state or LATA boundaries.  Sometimes, they are one way and
sometimes not.

Any information you have would be appreciated -- or simply a good push
in the right direction.

Thanks for your time.


Mike McKie

------------------------------

From: jabriol2000@yahoo.com (Jabriol)
Subject: Re: RolmLink Protocols
Date: 17 Mar 2002 08:19:43 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


Thank you for your prompt reply; I gather you worked for Siemens at
one point in time?

fffff <bdeblasio123@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:<telecom20.194.8@telecom-digest.org>:

> Rolmlink protocol is
> only 256Kbps. Selected Hicoms support the 256K Rolmlink protocol by
> installing linecards that generate this protocol.  The 19.2 Async
> protocol was a data capability within a 64K channel of the 256K
> Rolmlink protocol.  

> Jabriol wrote: 

>> I am looking for some info on
>> the RolmLink protocols, I believe, there > are two, one being
>> synchronous at 256kbps, the other being 19.2 > bi-directional
>> asynchronous, which make this particular protocols > compatible with
>> the HiComm series, Am I correct?  (arjw regulars: I do work for a
>> living. Why can you do that?)


------------------------------

Reply-To: <ClaudeHayn@Surfree.com>
From: Claude Hayn <ClaudeHayn@Surfree.com>
Subject: Short Message Service (SMS) Research
Date: Sun, 17 Mar 2002 11:51:07 -0500


Could anyone point me towards Short Message Service (SMS) Research
related to US current and projected levels?


Thank you,

Claude

------------------------------

From: ayounker1@netscape.net (Al Younker)
Subject: Re: Number Portability For Residences
Date: 17 Mar 2002 09:42:16 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


Number portability works as follows:

1) number ranges are assigned to operators ie joe_schlunk =
111-555-0000 to 111-555-9999

2) When you port your number to bob_tel what happens is joe just
re-routes the call to a number assigned to bob_tel (111-444-0001). 
Kind of like call forward.

  The above is a simplified explanation. 

  Numbers can be ported-in or ported-out. Tariffs defined by
regulators usually address usage fees paid between operators on ported
calls.  Operators also must be able to update common databases as
customers change so all are informed.

  Hope this answers your question.


questions@telcosupport.net
http://www.telcosupport.net

------------------------------

From: peter_aikins@enterpriseservices.com.au (Peter J. Aikins)
Subject: Question on Avaya Definity R10 Software
Date: 17 Mar 2002 17:05:53 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


Hi all,

   We are looking at upgrading our Avaya PABXs to VoIP capability, but
we have the choice of R9.5 and R10. Has anyone out there had negative
experiences with either of these releases. Of course we are a bit
weary of any ".0" releases.

Cheers,


Peter

------------------------------

From: sriprasu@netzero.net (sri)
Subject: Dialogic and Baud Data
Date: 17 Mar 2002 20:07:37 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


Hi All,

Is there any way to recognize incoming data at lower Baud through a
Dialogic Board? I am trying to see if I can use the Dialogic board as
a modem for lower baud rates. Thanks for any ideas.


Srinivas

------------------------------

End of TELECOM Digest V20 #195
******************************
    
    
From editor@telecom-digest.org  Mon Mar 18 00:41:17 2002
Received: (from ptownson@localhost)
	by massis.lcs.mit.edu (8.9.1/8.9.1) id AAA27612;
	Mon, 18 Mar 2002 00:41:17 -0500 (EST)
Date: Mon, 18 Mar 2002 00:41:17 -0500 (EST)
From: editor@telecom-digest.org
Message-Id: <200203180541.AAA27612@massis.lcs.mit.edu>
To: ptownson
Approved: patsnewlist
Subject: TELECOM Digest V20 #195

TELECOM Digest     Sun, 17 Mar 2002 00:32:00 EST    Volume 20 : Issue 194

Inside This Issue:                             Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    News Headlines of Interest (Monty Solomon)
    Cell Vibrations (was Re: Latest Fad From Japan) (Robert A. Pierce)
    Re: Cisco ATA 186 and Panasonic KX-T61610 Switching System (Carl Navarro)
    Re: Cisco ATA 186 and Panasonic KX-T61610 Switching System (Dave Phelps)
    Re: Merlin 820 to Merlin Plus (820D2) Question (Dave Phelps)
    Re: Wall Corded Telephone That Doesn't Use a Base (James Gifford)
    CND Test Number (Don Russell)
    Re: RolmLink Protocols (fffff)
    Re: Digital Destruction Was Worst Imaginable (John Mianowski)
    Re: Two-Line Answering Machine Recommendations (Steve Fleckenstein)
    Recourse For Very Slow T1 Installation? (Ed M)
    About That Antenna Inquiry (TELECOM Digest Editor)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
exclusively to telecommunications topics. It is circulated anywhere
there is email, in addition to various telecom forums on a variety of
networks such as Compuserve and America On Line, and other forums.
It is also gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated 
newsgroup 'comp.dcom.telecom'.

TELECOM Digest is a not-for-profit, mostly non-commercial educational
service offered to the Internet by Patrick Townson. All the contents
of the Digest are compilation-copyrighted. You may reprint articles in
some other media on an occasional basis, but please attribute my work
and that of the original author.

Contact information:    Patrick Townson/TELECOM Digest
                        Post Office Box 50
                        Independence, KS 67301
                        Phone: 630-841-7174
                        Email: editor@telecom-digest.org

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----------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Sat, 16 Mar 2002 09:19:23 -0500
From: Monty Solomon <monty@roscom.com>
Subject: News Headlines of Interest


Handspring Treo
by Dan Bricklin

I've been using a Handspring Treo 180 combination PDA/cell phone for
a few weeks. Here are some of my observations. [Last modified: 6
March 2002]

When I first saw Jeff Hawkins of Handspring demonstrate a prototype
Treo, I knew it was a device I needed to look into. As a combination
Palm OS PDA and cell phone, I already knew from the Kyocera QCP-603
device it would have value. What struck me as special was the
addition of a keyboard, similar to the RIM 850 and 857, and a variety
of other buttons and switches. This looked like it would open up all
sorts of opportunities for innovation and ease of use. When I
actually held one (Jeff's) and felt how small it was, I was sure I
needed to look at it. As shipments approached, I was able to borrow a
preproduction unit to try. This report is based on that unit.


http://danbricklin.com/log/treo180.htm

NETWORKING  Jilted by broadband

Without widespread high-speed Internet access, the technology industry
 -- and arguably the economy at large -- will remain stalled.

By Michael V. Copeland and Om Malik
March 13, 2002

When Microsoft was developing the Xbox video game console in 1999, 
consumers were signing up for high-speed Internet access as quickly 
as they could. Seduced by this growth in broadband subscriptions, 
Microsoft made a critical decision. The device would be equipped with 
a broadband ethernet connection -- instead of a conventional dial-up 
modem -- for online games and other services. The company's choice was 
driven by a desire to reserve the Xbox for games with high-quality 
graphics that would require high-speed data transmission. By 
implication, it was a nod to what many thought would soon be reality: 
ubiquitous broadband.

http://redherring.com/investor/2002/0313/1920.html

------------------------------

Date: Fri, 15 Mar 2002 14:05:15 EST
From: Robert A. Pierce <rapierce@cyberspace.org>
Subject: Cell Vibrations (was Re: Latest Fad From Japan)


> From: Marcus Didius Falco <marcus_d_falco@yahoo.com>
> Subject: Re: The Latest Fad From Japan

>> Most cell phones these days can be set to silent alert (vibrate), and
>> that doesn't seem to help since too many people are too stupid to
>> actually use it.

> I find that in vibrating mode I don't feel the vibration if the phone
> is in a jacket pocket or a cargo pocket on pants. I feel it only if it
> jeans. On a belt clip it's iffy. It would be impossible if the phone
> were in a handbag or backpack. YMMV

About six months ago, I bought a vibrating belt clip for my cell
phone.  It takes a standard half-inch button-type phone clip, and runs
off a AAA battery.  It vibrates when it picks up the cell signal --
but it doesn't stop vibrating when you answer, which can be annoying
if you want to use a hands-free set.  It's also not as sturdy as a
regular belt clip.

But it was between $15-$20, and so a lot cheaper than a vibrating
battery, and works with the batteries I already have.  It's handy for
movies, Sunday morning, etc.

It's called a "Dancing-Clip," model DY-VB020, and might be available
on-line.  I bought mine at a mall kiosk.

------------------------------

From: Carl Navarro <cnavarro@wcnet.org>
Subject: Re: Cisco ATA 186 and Panasonic KX-T61610 Switching System
Date: Fri, 15 Mar 2002 15:23:43 -0500
Organization: Airnews.net! at Internet America


On 14 Mar 2002 08:42:36 -0800, fedor@octet.com (Fedor) wrote:

> Our company became interested in connecting our office with Cisco ATA
> 186 adapters (We have offices in different countries.)

> But we don`t want to have just two phones in center of the office ...
> Nobody will ever use them.

> So the question is ... any way to connect it to a Panasonic modular
> switching system. I know I can`t connect them directly cause Cisco
> has 2 FXS port and Panasonic need FXO.  So is there a way to connect
> them. Some sort of adapter, some sort of switching device?  Or is
> there any other good solution exist in the same price range.  

An FXO is looking for a STATION, and FXS is looking for a TRUNK.

What do you think you connect the Panasonic TRUNKS to?

So put those two FXS's into the trunk side of the Panasonic and you
can have 16 phones access them anywhere.


Carl Navarro

------------------------------

From: Dave Phelps <tippenring@deadspam.com>
Subject: Re: Cisco ATA 186 and Panasonic KX-T61610 Switching System
Date: Sat, 16 Mar 2002 20:05:52 -0600
Organization: Posted via Supernews, http://www.supernews.com


Hmm. How about this. Forget the FXS and FXO stuff. If the ATA186
provides a dialtone and provides ringing, then connect it to a trunk
port on the Pana.

In article <telecom20.192.2@telecom-digest.org>, fedor@octet.com says:

> Our company became interested in connecting our office with Cisco ATA
> 186 adapters (We have offices in different countries.)
 
> But we don`t want to have just two phones in center of the office ...
> Nobody will ever use them.
 
> So the question is ... any way to connect it to a Panasonic modular
> switching system. I know I can`t connect them directly cause Cisco
> has 2 FXS port and Panasonic need FXO.  So is there a way to connect
> them. Some sort of adapter, some sort of switching device?  Or is
> there any other good solution exist in the same price range.  


Dave Phelps
Phone Masters Ltd.
deadspam=tippenring

------------------------------

From: Dave Phelps <tippenring@deadspam.com>
Subject: Re: Merlin 820 to Merlin Plus (820D2) Question
Date: Sat, 16 Mar 2002 20:07:33 -0600
Organization: Posted via Supernews, http://www.supernews.com


If you pop off the gray cover at the top, there are a couple of RJ45
jacks that provides something, but I forget what it is. Maybe the aux
ringer you are looking for. I think one is external paging.

In article <telecom20.191.2@telecom-digest.org>, j-reply@ameritech.net 
says...

> Anyone with first hand experience with the subject systems?

> I've just upgraded my 820 to a Merlin Plus and all is well except for
> one feature.

> The older 410/820 systems had an ALERT module that you could connect a
> loud bell/external ringer -- any calls coming in on any line would
> cause the external ringer to ring.  Good for shop areas, high noise
> environment.

> My problem is the Merlin Plus 820D2 does not have that as a built in
> feature.  I've got 4 CO lines, so I need some type of line bridging
> adapter and along with a Supplemental Alert Adapter (SAA).

> Any alternatives you could suggest?  (other than a different phone
> system) : )


Dave Phelps
Phone Masters Ltd.
deadspam=tippenring

------------------------------

From: James Gifford <jgifford@surewest.not>
Subject: Re: Wall Corded Telephone That Doesn't Use a Base
Date: Fri, 15 Mar 2002 12:25:56 -0800
Organization: Nitrosyncretic Press
Reply-To: jgifford@surewest.not


Don Saklad wrote:

> a. Where would you find a wall corded telephone that doesn't use a
>     base and you can hang up or turn it off at the handset?

> b. What manufacturers or distributors have this kind of device?


Radio Shack used to have a single-element phone that looked like a 
Princess phone handset. It slipped into a wall cradle (just a simple 
holster, not a base) or laid flat on a table to hang up. All the 
controls were on it.

I don't know if it's still made or if that's what you're looking for.



|           James Gifford - Nitrosyncretic Press            |
| http://www.nitrosyncretic.com for the Heinlein FAQ & more |
|  Tired of auto-spam... change "not" to "net" for replies  |

------------------------------

From: Don Russell <drussel2@san.rr.com>
Subject: CND Test Number
Date: Sat, 16 Mar 2002 02:28:39 GMT
Organization: Road Runner


According to Bellcore TR-NWT-000031 section 3.6.4 it is "desirable"
for phone companies to have a "test number" for "customer tests" of
caller id equipment.

Of course they don't recommend any specific test number, just what the
test number should do.

Can anyone tell me what the test number is for Pac Bell (San Diego,
California area) is?


Thanks,

Don Russell

------------------------------

From: fffff <bdeblasio123@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: RolmLink Protocols
Date: Sat, 16 Mar 2002 18:59:36 GMT


Rolmlink protocol is only 256Kbps. Selected Hicoms support the 256K
Rolmlink protocol by installing linecards that generate this protocol.
The 19.2 Async protocol was a data capability within a 64K channel of
the 256K Rolmlink protocol.


Jabriol wrote:

> I am looking for some info on the RolmLink protocols, I believe, there
> are two, one being synchronous at 256kbps, the other being 19.2
> bi-directional asynchronous, which make this particular protocols
> compatible with the HiComm series, Am I correct?

> (arjw regulars: I do work for a living.. why can you do that?)

------------------------------

From: John Mianowski <john_mianowski@ix-nay.am-spay.nortelnetworks.com>
Subject: Re: Digital Destruction Was Worst Imaginable
Date: Fri, 15 Mar 2002 12:12:30 -0600
Organization: Nortel


Right -- deaf, dumb, and blind -- while we were all watching it live,
on any number of TV channels and getting up-to-the-minute feeds via the
web.

All day on 9/11 I sent & received e-mails, placed & received phone
calls, participated in conference calls and webcasts -- just like
"normal" -- except that not a lot of real work got done because
everybody was talking about the terrorist strikes.  If anything, there
was too much communication that day, to the point of distraction.

I'm sure there were serious local disruptions, particularly in NYC &
DC, but that's a far cry from "... the nation was deaf, dumb, and
blind ...".


JM

Robert A Pierce <rapierce@cyberspace.org> wrote in message
news:telecom20.190.7@telecom-digest.org ...

> For several tense, heart-wrenching hours on Sept. 11, the nation was
> deaf, dumb and blind due to what one senior government official called
> the "absolutely massive" loss of communications infrastructure.

> http://computerworld.com/nlt/1%2C3590%2CNAV47_STO68762_NLTDIS%2C00.html

------------------------------

From: Steve Fleckenstein <spfleck@citlinkdot.net>
Subject: Re: Two-Line Answering Machine Recommendations
Date: Sat, 16 Mar 2002 22:10:23 -0500
Organization: Posted via Supernews, http://www.supernews.com
Reply-To: Steve Fleckenstein <spfleck@citlinkdot.net>


I purchased a two line AT&T unit from Staples around Christmas for
close out prices. You might still find one there. Was no more than
$39.


A pound of feathers weights more than a pound of gold.

payodie <ve7gjh@shaw.ca> wrote in message
news:telecom20.192.12@telecom-digest.org...
> The line sharing device you are looking for is called "The Stick" it
> will take fax or modem calls and divert them to where they need to
> go. It works like a charm.

> As for the two line answering machine I don't know for sure who makes
> one. I have a Sony cordless phone with built-in answering machine that
> has three separate mailboxes.

> Some creative wiring, a Stick, and a multiple mailbox answering machine
> might be all you need.

------------------------------

From: Ed M <emaendel@nospammersi-2000.com>
Subject: Recourse For Very Slow T1 Installation?
Organization: WebUseNet Corp. - "ReInventing The UseNet"
Date: Sat, 16 Mar 2002 22:16:47 -0500


Since December we have had a T1 on order from a relatively small LEC
in upstate NY (Frontier in Orange County NY) Although we are across
the road (in Verizon territory) from the area Frontier's CO serves
they are able to offer services in our area.

The installation is long overdue from the January date they originally
promised and they just told me that it might be another month or two.
They say that the reason for this is that Verizon has interoffice
"facility problems". These CO's are no more than a couple of miles
apart.  You can almost see one from the other.  I can't understand
what the problem could be.  I'm suspecting that Verizon is in no hurry
to resolve these facility problems because Frontier is a competitor.
Is there a governmental or other regulating organization that I can
complain to?  This is getting ridiculous.

------------------------------

Date: Sat, 16 Mar 2002 23:56:05 EST
From: TELECOM Digest Editor <ptownson@massis.lcs.mit.edu>
Subject: About That Antenna Inquiry


I made an inquiry several days ago asking for technical information on
antenna/coax/transmitter performance in an LPFM context.  Several of you
responded, and a number of responses were received. A couple of
the responses suggested that my proposal was 'illegal' without benefit
of FCC licensing. I've made some inquiries of a legal nature of the
FCC to detirmine exactly where things stood.

The person I discussed about a month ago that I thought was a 'pirate'
radio operator, it turns out in fact has a valid *construction permit*
for an LPFM station. At his home one day, I made him produce the
papers.  The LPFM construction permit, valid for 18 months, was issued
in a timely way during the window for Kansas.  It turns out there was
also a 'remedial window' opened due to errors by the FCC in their
software program and the laws put into effect by President Clinton at
the end of his term in office. There were changes that pertained to
the complaints filed by the broadcaster's association lobbyists. They
had wanted to retain the three-channel spacing requirements. The
software program the FCC had set up was written for two channels. As a
result, many LPFM would-be licensees short-spaced themselves when they
relied on the FCC software. In any event, things got all screwed up
and the FCC had to start the process over for the first two windows,
one of which included Kansas.  The remedial window consolidated the
first two windows and started again.

It turns out there was no real rush for frequencies here anyway. There
were only 36 applicants in the entire state of Kansas. In any event,
the so-called (by me!) 'pirate' had the paperwork and his construction
permit, buried in a box in his bedroom, ala Bill Pfieffer-style
record keeping. Bill Pfieffer, God rest his soul, I only wish he were
still alive to see this day. Bill and this former pirate would be good
friends. Oh, and the provision in the rules which said that former
pirates need not apply for an LPFM ticket was declared unconsitu-
tional. Anyway, the pirate went through tons of paperwork in boxes in
his bedroom and found his construction permit, good for 18 months as
of issuance. By God, he had it, approved by the FCC and all that.

Then there was the problem of changing locations. The FCC allows a
change of location on an LP-100 station up to about a mile away to be
a 'minor amendment' to the original application, and allows it. The
FCC further states that the definition of 'LP-100' is any transmitter
which *does not exceed* 100 watts. Therefore, it could be 30 or 40
watts, or 99 watts or 102 watts (allowing a small tolerance for
errors.) It does not have to be exactly 100 watts. It can be less.
It turns out that a Ramsey PX-1 unit is quite legal, whether at your
house, in your back yard or mine, as long as we are {thisclose} and
all that. The FCC happily accepts amendments to the original applica-
tion, as long as they are considered 'minor'. 

Then there was the question of the *name* on the license. Rules about
ownership and all that. In his case, the owner was a non-profit
corporation and it still is. Its only that there was a change of 
personnel at the corporation, and new officers elected. The Society
still exists, and I am now a member of the Society and the president
of the Corporation. The Society operates an LPFM station, I believe
quite legally. Although the local lawyer is not licensed to practice
at the FCC, a cursory glance by him at the paperwork allowed his
imprimatuer on the whole thing. Once he had examined the papers, etc
and reviewed the rules, then the pirate and I sat down and talked
business. Following exchange of consideration, I became the President
of the Society, and the pirate agreed to remain as my technical 
consultant.

Then the pirate made short work of my inquiries in this newsgroup 
about antennas, coax, and all that. He said, and I quote as nearly
as possible, "For God's sake, you are looking at a very small rural
community of 8000 people, and about two miles in each direction. You
could almost scream and be heard everywhere in town. The two
tallest buildings in town are a 'highrise' for senior citizens down
the street of seven stories  and an office building downtown of 
six stories. The Arco Corporate building is five stories tall. You
live on the top of a hill higher than almost every residential house
in town. You've walked all over town, out to the Walmart on West Main
Street, to the golf course at the north end of town, and south to 
the Community College two miles south. You've heard that radio in
all those places, although in a few areas you get more static and 
hiss than honest modulation. Some places when you turn a corner or
sit on an outside bench, your little minature pocket-size digital
tuning radio hisses in your earphones. Quit your belly aching,
Townson. How well the radio works is quite moot. It works well enough,
so either take it or forget it."

And his point was well-taken. The 5/8 wave ground plane is now mounted
on a ten foot pole on the roof of the back porch (effectively reaches
twenty-five feet in the air) and the SWR reads 1.06 with 27-30 watts
going out. Brand new, thick coax.  I decided to quit my belly aching.
I now have an LPFM station. I mean, the Corporation owns one. I mean
the Society now owns the station. I just work here; I mean there. It
talks all over our little town. I hope there won't be any hassles on
the final licensing, but the lawyer doesn't think so.


PAT

------------------------------

End of TELECOM Digest V20 #194
******************************
    
    
From editor@telecom-digest.org  Mon Mar 18 14:02:56 2002
Received: (from ptownson@localhost)
	by massis.lcs.mit.edu (8.9.1/8.9.1) id OAA08665;
	Mon, 18 Mar 2002 14:02:56 -0500 (EST)
Date: Mon, 18 Mar 2002 14:02:56 -0500 (EST)
From: editor@telecom-digest.org
Message-Id: <200203181902.OAA08665@massis.lcs.mit.edu>
To: ptownson
Approved: patsnewlist
Subject: TELECOM Digest V20 #196

TELECOM Digest     Mon, 18 Mar 2002 14:03:00 EST    Volume 20 : Issue 196

Inside This Issue:                             Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    Telecom Update (Canada) #324, March 18, 2002 (Angus TeleManagement)
    News Headlines of Interest (Monty Solomon)
    Looking for Bell System Technical Journal (Pritam)
    Re: Question on Avaya Definity R10 Software (Pete Romfh)
    Re: Spam and Cram Combined? (Dan Petitpas)
    Re: BICCSI Training (Glen Hoag)
    Re: Digital Destruction Was Worst Imaginable (Justin Time)
    Re: What is CKS 408/816/1224 (Kenneth P. Stox)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
exclusively to telecommunications topics. It is circulated anywhere
there is email, in addition to various telecom forums on a variety of
networks such as Compuserve and America On Line, and other forums.
It is also gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated 
newsgroup 'comp.dcom.telecom'.

TELECOM Digest is a not-for-profit, mostly non-commercial educational
service offered to the Internet by Patrick Townson. All the contents
of the Digest are compilation-copyrighted. You may reprint articles in
some other media on an occasional basis, but please attribute my work
and that of the original author.

Contact information:    Patrick Townson/TELECOM Digest
                        Post Office Box 50
                        Independence, KS 67301
                        Phone: 630-841-7174
                        Email: editor@telecom-digest.org

Subscribe:  telecom-subscribe@telecom-digest.org
Unsubscribe:telecom-unsubscribe@telecom-digest.org


This Digest is the oldest continuing e-journal about telecomm-
unications on the Internet, having been founded in August, 1981 and
published continuously since then.  Our archives are available for
your review/research. We believe we are the second oldest e-zine/
mailing list on the internet in any category!

URL information:        http://telecom-digest.org

Anonymous FTP: hyperarchive.lcs.mit.edu/telecom-archives/archives
  (or use our mirror site: ftp.epix.net/pub/telecom-archives)

Email <==> FTP:  telecom-archives@telecom-digest.org 

      Send a simple, one line note to that automated address for
      a help file on how to use the automatic retrieval system
      for archives files. You can get desired files in email.

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----------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Mon, 18 Mar 2002 11:13:04 -0500
From: Angus TeleManagement <jriddell@angustel.ca>
Subject: Telecom Update (Canada) #324, March 18, 2002


TELECOM UPDATE
published weekly by Angus TeleManagement Group
http://www.angustel.ca

Number 324: March 18, 2002

Publication of Telecom Update is made possible by generous
financial support from:
** AT&T CANADA http://www.attcanada.com
** BELL CANADA http://www.bell.ca
** GROUP TELECOM http://www.gt.ca
** LUCENT TECHNOLOGIES CANADA http://www.lucent.ca
** PRIMUS CANADA: http://www.primustel.ca
** Q9 NETWORKS: http://www.Q9.com
** TELUS: http://www.telus.com
** UNISPHERE NETWORKS: http://www.unispherenetworks.com


IN THIS ISSUE:

** Bank Says Telecom Services Strong, Equipment Weak
** AT&T Panel to Study "Complex Issues"
** CRTC Proposes Cable Inside-Wire Lease Fee
** Aliant to Expand Wireless Network
** Rogers Raises Internet Price
** Bell Reduces KeyPak Rate
** FCC Exempts Cable From Line-Sharing
** Avaya to Lay Off 1,900
** Nortel Bond Rating Cut
** Report on Mobile Wireless Sector Released
** iCraveTV Ready to Try Again
** TIW Pulls Out of Brazil
** Overseas Bandwidth Growing in 2002
** Cisco PBX Supports New IP Protocol
** Alcatel Intros Media Gateway
** Look Achieves Breakeven EBITDA
** Plaintree Bids to Buy UBS
** Call-Net Names Independent Directors
** NetPCS Lays Off 60% of Staff
** Call Now for On-Site Call Centre Training


BANK SAYS TELECOM SERVICES STRONG, EQUIPMENT WEAK: A new
study by the Chief Economist of the Bank of Montreal predicts
that Canada's communications and information services
industry will grow an average of 9.1% a year in 2002-2006,
outpacing all other sectors. Production of communications
equipment, however, will fall 17% this year, resuming growth
in 2003-2006.

** Statistics Canada reports that, between Q3 2000 and Q3
    2001, telecommunications services revenues in Canada grew
    by 3% (to $8.19B for the quarter) and full-time telecom
    employment grew by 2.4%. The report is downloadable, for a
    fee.

http://www.statcan.ca/english/IPS/Data/56-002-XIE.htm

AT&T PANEL TO STUDY "COMPLEX ISSUES": AT&T Canada has named a
committee of board members to "address complex issues facing
the company," including the coming Price Caps decision and
possible actions by AT&T Corp. It has retained Greenhill & Co
as financial advisors.

** Bingham Dana, a Boston law firm, says it has been retained
    to represent 20 investors who hold nearly US$1 billion
    worth of AT&T Canada bonds. The unnamed investors formed
    an ad-hoc committee in response to what they call
    "troubling financial releases" from the company.

CRTC PROPOSES CABLE INSIDE-WIRE LEASE FEE: Broadcasting
Public Notice 2002-13 expresses the CRTC's preliminary view
that competitors should pay 44 cents per subscriber per month
to use cablecos' inside wire in apartment buildings. The
Canadian Cable Television Association (CCTA) had proposed
$2.67/month; Bell ExpressVu proposed $.08/month. Comments are
invited, by April 8.

http://www.crtc.gc.ca/archive/ENG/Notices/2002/pb2002-13.htm

** In February, Quebecor transferred ownership of Videotron's
    inside cable in apartment buildings to a subsidiary,
    Cablage QMI. Quebecor claims this entity is not regulated
    by the CRTC, and plans to continue charging competitors
    $5 per subscriber per month. Bell ExpressVu, Look
    Communications, and Cable VDN have filed a complaint
    with the CRTC.

ALIANT TO EXPAND WIRELESS NETWORKS: Aliant will spend $65
million over the next 12 months to upgrade its wireless
networks. It will add 75 digital cellular sites and 40 sites
for its CDPD wireless data network.

ROGERS RAISES INTERNET PRICE: As of April, all Rogers Cable
high-speed Internet customers will pay $44.95/month, a $5
increase. New customers have been paying the higher rate
since November.

BELL REDUCES KEYPAK RATE: Bell Canada has the CRTC's okay to
cut the price of its KeyPak 3.0 Mbps bundle, which includes
Internet access, a local business line, voice mail, and other
features, from $224.99 to $174.99, effective March 21.

http://www.crtc.gc.ca/archive/ENG/Orders/2002/o2002-121.htm

FCC EXEMPTS CABLE FROM LINE-SHARING: On March 14, the U.S.
Federal Communications Commission ruled that cable TV
companies that offer high-speed Internet access do not have
to let other Internet Service Providers lease their lines.

** Implication for Canada: The CRTC has ordered Canadian
    cablecos to open their lines to competing ISPs, but
    manufacturers may now decide that there isn't a big enough
    market for the necessary equipment, which might make the
    CRTC order unenforceable.

AVAYA TO LAY OFF 1,900: Avaya has decided to reduce annual
expenses by about US$200 million and eliminate 1,900 jobs. It
has reduced its maximum forecast of first-quarter income by
6%.

NORTEL BOND RATING CUT: Warning that "weakness in key end
markets is likely to be deeper and more protracted than
previously anticipated," Moody's Investors Service has
lowered the ratings on US$8.5 billion of Nortel Networks debt
to one rank above junk status.

REPORT ON MOBILE WIRELESS SECTOR RELEASED: As background to
discussion of spectrum licensing policy, Industry Canada has
released a report, prepared by Wall Communications, which
assesses the current status of competition in the Canadian
mobile wireless industry.

http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/SSG/sf02092e.html

ICRAVETV READY TO TRY AGAIN: iCraveTV says it has settled
lawsuits dating from 2000 and will start broadcasting free
and paid TV programs over the Internet on May 1. (See Telecom
Update #217, 223)

TIW PULLS OUT OF BRAZIL: Telesystem International Wireless
says it is withdrawing from the Brazilian market in order to
concentrate on its wireless holdings in Czechoslovakia and
Romania.

OVERSEAS BANDWIDTH GROWING IN 2002: TeleGeography reports
that although "construction of new cables has slowed
sharply," available transoceanic bandwidth will grow 44%
across the Atlantic and 281% across the Pacific in 2002.

http://www.telegeography.com

CISCO PBX SUPPORTS NEW IP PROTOCOL: Cisco has introduced "a
complete portfolio" of Voice Over IP products that support
SIP (Session Initiation Protocol), a new application-layer
standard for IP telephony.

ALCATEL INTROS MEDIA GATEWAY: Alcatel has unveiled the 7670
RSP Media Gateway, which forwards voice signals over
carriers' packet networks. The product, now in trials, was
developed by about 90 engineers in Ottawa and Vancouver.

** Bell Canada has agreed to buy US$400 million in DSL
    equipment from Alcatel over four years.

LOOK ACHIEVES BREAKEVEN EBITDA: Look Communications reports
2001 revenue of $73.7 million, 3% greater than the previous
year, and breakeven EBITDA for the year. Look had 190,000
Internet and TV subscribers at year-end, down a third from
the year before.

PLAINTREE BIDS TO BUY UBS: Ottawa-based Plaintree Systems has
simultaneously made a $45-million all-stock offer to acquire
Unique Broadband Systems and launched a proxy fight to take
control of UBS. (See Telecom Update #316, 318)

CALL-NET NAMES INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS: Call-Net Enterprises
has added three independent directors to its board, as
promised in its recently announced restructuring proposal
(see Telecom Update #321). The new Directors are Robert
Franklin (Placer Dome), Wendy Leaney (Wyoming Associates),
and Barry Campbell (APCO Worldwide).

NETPCS LAYS OFF 60% OF STAFF: NetPCS of Ottawa, whose
products manage voice, wireless, and e-mail on a single
network, has laid off 60 of its 100 employees.

CALL NOW FOR ON-SITE CALL CENTRE TRAINING: Angus Dortmans
Associates is now scheduling client-site presentations of
"Essential Skills and Knowledge for Incoming Call Centre
Management" for 2002. The two-day course has received rave
reviews from call managers and supervisors across Canada.

** For information, call 1-800-263-4415 ext. 300 or go to
    http//www.angustel.ca/angdort/adccs.html


HOW TO SUBMIT ITEMS FOR TELECOM UPDATE

E-MAIL: editors@angustel.ca

FAX:    905-686-2655

MAIL:   TELECOM UPDATE
         Angus TeleManagement Group
         8 Old Kingston Road
         Ajax, Ontario Canada L1T 2Z7


HOW TO SUBSCRIBE (OR UNSUBSCRIBE)

TELECOM UPDATE is provided in electronic form only. There
are two formats available:

1. The fully-formatted edition is posted on the World
    Wide Web on the first business day of the week at
    http://www.angustel.ca

2. The e-mail edition is distributed free of charge.
    To subscribe, send an e-mail message to:
       TelecomUpdate@add.postmastergeneral.com
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COPYRIGHT AND CONDITIONS OF USE: All contents copyright 2002 Angus
TeleManagement Group Inc. All rights reserved. For further
information, including permission to reprint or reproduce, please
e-mail rosita@angustel.ca or phone 905-686-5050 ext 500.

The information and data included has been obtained from sources which
we believe to be reliable, but Angus TeleManagement makes no
warranties or representations whatsoever regarding accuracy,
completeness, or adequacy.  Opinions expressed are based on
interpretation of available information, and are subject to change. If
expert advice on the subject matter is required, the services of a
competent professional should be obtained.

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 18 Mar 2002 01:07:54 -0500
From: Monty Solomon <monty@roscom.com>
Subject: News Headlines of Interest


Verizon Wireless launches new download service
Mar 18, 2002 12:00 AM

SAN DIEGO, Calif., March 18 (Reuters) - Verizon Wireless
customers will soon be able to easily download games, musical
ring tones and expense management software directly onto their
cell phones.

http://finance.lycos.com/home/news/story.asp?story=26530098

Microsoft Stinger smartphone to make debut
Mar 18, 2002 12:00 AM

SEATTLE, March 18 (Reuters) - Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:MSFT) on
Monday said Cingular, the No. 2 U.S. wireless telephone firm,
will roll out its Stinger smart phone, marking the debut of the
product and an important milestone in the software giant's
quest to expand computing beyond the personal computer.

http://finance.lycos.com/home/news/story.asp?story=26530100

Sprint PCS to introduce Pocket PC device for 3G
Mar 18, 2002 12:00 AM

KANSAS CITY, Mo., March 18 (Reuters) - Sprint PCS Group
(NYSE:PCS), the nation's No. 4 wireless operator, on Monday said
it will introduce a new handheld computer based on Microsoft's
(NASDAQ:MSFT) Windows operating system for its advanced data-capable
wireless network this summer.

http://finance.lycos.com/home/news/story.asp?story=26530102

Cell phone, laptop networks connect
By Ben Charny
Staff Writer, CNET News.com
March 17, 2002, 9:00 PM PT

Laptop users may soon be able to roam like callers on cell phones.

Nokia on Monday will unveil a modem for laptops that can access both 
802.11b networks, which laptops use to surf the Net wirelessly, and 
cell phone networks.

http://news.com.com/2100-1033-861808.html

The future of fiber
 From the McKinsey Quarterly
Special to CNET News.com
March 17, 2002, 6:00 AM PT

Small news was good news for the telecommunications industry early
this year when Corning -- the world's biggest maker of fiber-optic
cable -- brought four of its manufacturing plants back on-line after a
three-month hiatus.

A full recovery may not come until late-2002 or even 2003, but
industry optimists hope that Corning's move signals a reawakening of
demand for telecom gear and the beginning of the end for a stubborn
fiber glut.

To get a better feel for the future of fiber optics--and an informed
opinion about broadband's ability to transform the Internet--Tom
French, a director in McKinsey's Boston office, and Somu Subramaniam,
a director in the New York office, recently spent some time with
Wendell P. Weeks, president of Corning Optical Communications,
discussing forecasts, business models and the value of high-quality
connections.


http://news.com.com/2009-1033-861747.html

A few more headlines:

     AOL High Speed Broadband Service Launches in Lincoln With Time
     Warner Cable
     - Mar 18, 2002 04:02 AM (BusinessWire)
     - http://finance.lycos.com/home/news/story.asp?story=26530788

     Metro DWDM Ready for Prime Time With Nortel Networks Technology
     Advancements
     - Mar 18, 2002 05:03 AM (BusinessWire)
     - http://finance.lycos.com/home/news/story.asp?story=26530909

     Wingcast Chooses BeVocal to Provide Voice-Enabled Information and
     Messaging Services
     - Mar 18, 2002 06:00 AM (PR Newswire)
     - http://finance.lycos.com/home/news/story.asp?story=26531132

     Microsoft and VoiceStream to Deliver Wireless Data to Customers'
     Pockets
     - Mar 18, 2002 06:01 AM (PR Newswire)
     - http://finance.lycos.com/home/news/story.asp?story=26531141

     Audiovox, Verizon Wireless, Microsoft(R) and Sierra Wireless
     Launch Thera(TM), New Audiovox Pocket PC With Integrated CDMA2000
     1X Wireless Voice and Data Capabilities
     - Mar 18, 2002 07:02 AM (PR Newswire)
     - http://finance.lycos.com/home/news/story.asp?story=26531561

     Siemens Cooperates with T-Mobile on  Mobile Video Services Based
     on PacketVideo's Mobilemedia Platform
     - Mar 18, 2002 07:05 AM (BusinessWire)
     - http://finance.lycos.com/home/news/story.asp?story=26531584

     QUALCOMM's New 6xxx-Series  Platform to Offer Fully Integrated
     Multimedia Features Targeted for 3G Wireless Devices
     - Mar 18, 2002 07:31 AM (BusinessWire)
     - http://finance.lycos.com/home/news/story.asp?story=26531784

     QUALCOMM Demonstrates World's  First Wireless GSM Voice Calls
     Using UMTS/GSM Single-Chip Multimode  Solution in a Small Form
     Factor Handset at CTIA
     - Mar 18, 2002 07:31 AM (BusinessWire)
     - http://finance.lycos.com/home/news/story.asp?story=26531801

     Innovative GSM1x Solution Embraced by Major Equipment
     Manufacturers; Growing Number of Companies Support GSM1x
     Technology
     - Mar 18, 2002 07:32 AM (BusinessWire)
     - http://finance.lycos.com/home/news/story.asp?story=26531825

     QUALCOMM Conducts Live  Demonstrations of radioOne Technology for
     CDMA2000 1X
     - Mar 18, 2002 07:32 AM (BusinessWire)
     - http://finance.lycos.com/home/news/story.asp?story=26531830

     CIENA Unveils WavelengthDirector Optical Add/Drop Mux, Enabling
     Increased Automation Of Customer Networks
     - Mar 18, 2002 07:34 AM (BusinessWire)
     - http://finance.lycos.com/home/news/story.asp?story=26531865

     Next Generation T9 Text Input Features Make Wireless Text
     Messaging Easier and More Convenient
     - Mar 18, 2002 07:35 AM (BusinessWire)
     - http://finance.lycos.com/home/news/story.asp?story=26531890

------------------------------

From: pritamganguly@hotmail.com (Pritam)
Subject: Looking for Bell System Technical Journal
Date: 18 Mar 2002 00:45:07 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


Hi, can anybody tell me where can I find C. Clos, A Study of
Non-blocking Switching Networks, Bell System Tech. J.,
vol.32, 1953.  Thanks in advance.


Pritam

------------------------------

From: Pete Romfh <promfh@texas.net>
Subject: Re: Question on Avaya Definity R10 Software
Organization: Giganews.Com - Premium News Outsourcing
Date: Mon, 18 Mar 2002 13:31:11 GMT


Peter J. Aikins <peter_aikins@enterpriseservices.com.au> wrote in message
news:telecom20.195.14@telecom-digest.org!

> Hi all,

>    We are looking at upgrading our Avaya PABXs to VoIP capability, but
> we have the choice of R9.5 and R10. Has anyone out there had negative
> experiences with either of these releases. Of course we are a bit
> weary of any ".0" releases.

We are currently running VoIP trunking and some IP Softphones
on several of our G3R9.5's . We're looking into R10.0 but are
moving slowly as we have been burned by Avaya's "latest - greatest"
in the past. I would look things over completely before moving
to R10.

Beyond the new VoIP apparently being compatible only w/ Avaya phones
and the trunking looking for an Avaya MAC address when connecting to
another switch, look closely at the feature in R10 that can shut down
the PBX if Avaya decides you've violated the license.  It goes into
no-license mode "auto-magically" if you use too many stations or turn
up some feature that the software table isn't set for.  If some Avaya
person forgets to set things up correctly you could have a total call
shutdown just as you turn on some critical (to you) set of stations. 
Removing them won't bring the system back on either. You would have to
wait for your account team to get things figured out.

Apparently the new license agreement also holds Avaya harmless if the
shutdown was incorrect or inadvertant. I don't think I'd want to try
and explain that "feature" to a CEO right in the middle of a 9/11 type
incident.

This might not be a concern to others, but it doesn't give me any
warm-n-fuzzy feelings at all.


Pete Romfh
Houston, TX

------------------------------

From: Dan Petitpas <enewsr@ix.netcom.com>
Subject: Re: Spam and Cram Combined?
Date: Mon, 18 Mar 2002 09:03:38 -0500
Organization: http://www.nntpserver.com 


This company did this to me about six or eight months ago and I just
received another e-mail from them.  They have status as a telephone
company called Switched Access and they will bill your telephone bill
through your local telephone provider.  Get on the phone as quickly as
possible to your phone company to get the charges blocked.  Go to the
VoiceNetInfo Website and call the 888 number to get the charges
stopped.

They refuse to issue refunds, but you can stop the charges at $3.95.


Dan Petitpas

On Wed, 13 Mar 2002 01:37:28 GMT, Tom.Horsley@worldnet.att.net (Thomas
A. Horsley) wrote:

> I just got this from a company I never heard of about a service I never
> signed up for:

>   Thank you for choosing Voicenet as your remote e-mail service provider.
>   You will now be able to send and receive e-mails from your phone. 
>   Your password and user ID will be sent within 48 hours
>   Visit our website http://www.voicenetinfo.com/ for further details.

>   Thanks,

>   Voicenet Team

> Are these folks really able to charge me for something I never signed
> up for, or is this just a new twist on getting people to reply so they
> can reap valid email addresses? (I have emailed just about everyone I
> could think of to make sure they don't charge me anything, but there
> is no way I'd reply to their mail or any other spam).

> P.S. I know there was just a moratorium issued on copying entire spam
> messages to the digest, but I couldn't think of any way to ask about this
> without including the whole thing :-).

>>>==>> The *Best* political site <URL:http://www.vote-smart.org/> >>==+
>      email: Tom.Horsley@worldnet.att.net icbm: Delray Beach, FL      |
><URL:http://home.att.net/~Tom.Horsley> Free Software and Politics <<==+

------------------------------

From: Glen Hoag <hoag@ro.com>
Subject: Re: BICCSI Training
Date: Mon, 18 Mar 2002 08:37:12 -0600
Organization: Posted via Supernews, http://www.supernews.com


In article <telecom20.192.5@telecom-digest.org>, Cheryl Conrad
<musick29@msn.com> wrote:

> I am in the Baltimore area and would like to get BICCSI training for
> engineering curtification. Is there somewhere in my area or on the web
> where this can be found. I am a retired cable splicer (31 yrs) with
> Bell Atlantic.

You might try <http://www.bicsi.org> as a starting point.

 Glen Hoag
 hoag@ro.com

------------------------------

From: a_user@telecom-digest.org (Justin Time)
Subject: Re: Digital Destruction Was Worst Imaginable
Date: 18 Mar 2002 06:54:59 -0800


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note:  Justin sent me a private note asking
that his name/email address be withheld in the process of printing 
this.   PAT]

John Mianowski <john_mianowski@ix-nay.am-spay.nortelnetworks.com>
wrote in message news:<telecom20.194.9@telecom-digest.org>:

> Right -- deaf, dumb, and blind -- while we were all watching it live,
> on any number of TV channels and getting up-to-the-minute feeds via the
> web.

> All day on 9/11 I sent & received e-mails, placed & received phone
> calls, participated in conference calls and webcasts -- just like
> "normal" -- except that not a lot of real work got done because
> everybody was talking about the terrorist strikes.  If anything, there
> was too much communication that day, to the point of distraction.

> I'm sure there were serious local disruptions, particularly in NYC &
> DC, but that's a far cry from "... the nation was deaf, dumb, and
> blind ...".

> Robert A Pierce <rapierce@cyberspace.org> wrote in message
> news:telecom20.190.7@telecom-digest.org ...

>> For several tense, heart-wrenching hours on Sept. 11, the nation was
>> deaf, dumb and blind due to what one senior government official called
>> the "absolutely massive" loss of communications infrastructure.

>> http://computerworld.com/nlt/1%2C3590%2CNAV47_STO68762_NLTDIS%2C00.html

I just took another look at the story and the writer's by-line states
Washington, DC.  So, having first-hand knowledge (I live and work in
the DC area,) the statement by the "high ranking government official"
was probably pretty close to the truth -- AS S/HE SAW IT.

On September 11th it was nearly impossible to get dial-tone on either
a mobile telephone or fixed landline.  In our little corner of
Washington, the only reliable communications at the height of the
emergency was data (e-mail for communications) circuits and two-way
radio.  With the Pentagon and all government (and many civilian)
offices evacuated, there were no command centers operating for many
groups.  Thus, it could have been stated "the nation was deaf, dumb
and blind."

This is still an exaggeration of the actual situation as there were
several key systems up and fully manned during the emergency, but
several were shut down and all were hampered in their local
communications due to a breakdown and overload in the local PSTN.  Not
all systems were affected.  Several key agencies and groups have
networks that do not share facilities with the public switched
telecommunications network, and those did not fail and were not
hampered in any significant way.  Voice and data was still being
transmitted over copper, fiber and microwave.  Radio links between
buildings and people still functioned.  It was just that someone
working in a functioning command center couldn't get word either in or
out of that center over the normal telephone systems to their
families.  CNN and all the news companies could, and were transmitting
images using their private facilities, many over satellite, some over
private copper and fiber.

Here, in Washington, we had a couple of wireless sites that were
directly affected, not lost but knocked out of alignment.  No
switching or aggregation point was impacted with anything other than
traffic, which THE PUBLIC NETWORK couldn't handle.  Once the city and
area emptied of commuters, things pretty much returned to normal, all
within a matter of hours.

Justin Time

[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: Well Justin, I think we all would agree
that September 11, 2001 was an unusual day in our nation's history.
And I think we also would agree that the broadside our nation's
telecom infrastructure took was severe, but thanks to many dedicated
telecom workers, it did recover rather quickly, and most of the 
government parts of that infrastructure held up pretty well.    PAT] 

------------------------------

From: Kenneth P. Stox <stox@imagescape.com>
Subject: Re: What is CKS 408/816/1224
Date: Mon, 18 Mar 2002 12:17:11 -0600


Brian C wrote:

> Hello,

> We are moving into new office space.  Mounted in the phone closet, and
> connected to the patch panel is a 16"x16" grey unit called CKS
> 408/816/1224.  It looks like some kind of a phone system, but we're
> not sure what it is.  Doesn't look very old.

> Anyone familiar with this product?  Know of a manufacter or website
> associated with it?

I may be way off on this, but I suspect that it may be an alarm system.

------------------------------

End of TELECOM Digest V20 #196
******************************
    
    
From editor@telecom-digest.org  Tue Mar 19 01:28:51 2002
Received: (from ptownson@localhost)
	by massis.lcs.mit.edu (8.9.1/8.9.1) id BAA20886;
	Tue, 19 Mar 2002 01:28:51 -0500 (EST)
Date: Tue, 19 Mar 2002 01:28:51 -0500 (EST)
From: editor@telecom-digest.org
Message-Id: <200203190628.BAA20886@massis.lcs.mit.edu>
To: ptownson
Approved: patsnewlist
Subject: TELECOM Digest V20 #197

TELECOM Digest     Tue, 19 Mar 2002 01:28:00 EST    Volume 20 : Issue 197

Inside This Issue:                             Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    Local Calling Policy (was Re: Information Request) (Fred Goldstein)
    Re: Recourse For Very Slow T1 Installation? (Scott Dorsey)
    Re: Looking for Bell System Technical Journal (Scott Dorsey)
    Re: CND Test Number (S. Falke)
    Re: Number Portability For Residences (John Bartley)
    Erlang Calculator for the Palm?? (Alan E)
    Re: Question on Avaya Definity R10 Software (David De Trolio)
    Re: Looking for Bell System Technical Journal (R. T. Wurth)
    Nokia Modem Works With WI-FI, Cell Phone Networks (Marcus Didius Falco)
    Tauzin, Hollings To Lock Horns Over Broadband Policy (Marcus D Falco)
    Re: Radio Shack Anti-Phone Solicitation Device (Mike Van Pelt)
    Re: Looking for Merlin Legend Admin Resources (C Boone)
    Tauzin, Hollings To Lock Horns Over Broadband Policy (Monty Solomon)
    Re: Corded Phone Like GTE FlipPhone (was Wall Corded Telephone) (Chas P)
    Last Laugh! What the Hell is "Double Rot-13 Encoded" (Chris N. Acuma)

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----------------------------------------------------------------------

Subject: Local Calling Policy (was Re: Information Request)
From: fgoldstein@wn.DO-NOT-SPAM-ME.net (Fred Goldstein)
Date: Mon, 18 Mar 2002 18:46:42 GMT
Organization: ATT Broadband


MMcKie99@aol.com wrote in <telecom20.195.10@telecom-digest.org>:

> I'm wondering if anyone has done any kind of research that compares
> local calling areas throughout the country (largest, smallest, etc.)
> and how they were developed.

> Also, I'm very curious why certain Overlap exchanges exist that can
> call across state or LATA boundaries.  Sometimes, they are one way and
> sometimes not.

Local calling policy has always been a state matter, so there are
around 50 different answers.  Of course the ILECs generally get what
they ask for, but not always.  I've done a lot of local-calling area
analysis work for ISPs and CLECs, and seen how different states tend
to do it.  History, however, is a bit harder to come by.

The oldest plans were basically that in an urban area, the city and
its immediate areas were local, and anything outside wasn't.  In the
country, your own exchange (cord switchboard) was local, anything else
wasn't.  Boston's metro area, as now used by VZ, was defined, I think,
in 1909, based on where the streetcars ran.  So much of today's
suburbia is outside, and thus a toll call.  The state, about a decade
ago, adopted a "contiguous means local" rule, so that all contiguous
rate centers became local routes if they weren't.  Connecticut and New
Hampshire also follow that rule; I suspect it's pretty common.

California's rule, since at least the 1970s, has been that rate
centers within 12 miles are local; 13-16 miles in urban areas is "zone
3", higher than "zone 1/2" local but lower than toll.  They did this
because the old "under 12 mile" toll rates were lower than the cost of
billing.  Nice of them not to raise tolls instead ... but given
California's sprawl, this leaves lots of toll calls within urban
areas, notably L.A.  There are only a handful of longer local routes;
even contiguous areas aren't local if their rate points are too far
apart.

Various other states have mileage-based rules too.  Illinois has an
8-mile radius in the Chicago area, after which Zones kick in.  Some
other Ameritech states work that way.  But there are lots of nonlocal
contiguous routes in rural Illinois.

The largest local calling area is probably Atlanta's, which reaches to
Alabama and basically incorporates the entire metro area, up to next
year's outer sprawl (which is very far).  BellSouth and the Georgia
PUC decided, I guess, to have a basic monthly rate that is a bit
closer to full cost, without intra-metro tolls.

Dallas-Fort Worth is weird. It has two such separate large "reciprocal
calling areas", but it's a toll call from any Dallas exchange to any
Fort Worth exchange.  So it's a toll call from Irving (Dallas area) to
the DFW Airport (Ft. Worth area).  BUT there's an optional "extended
metro service" plan, available at least in the are in bewteen the two
big cities, which lets users call both regions.  These subscribers get
different "EMS" prefix codes which also can be called from across the
region.

Several states, mostly in the South, apparently have a "county is
local" rule.  Counties are meaningful units of government in those
states.  (They're basically just historical lines in MA and CT.)  This
rule lets everyone make a local call to their local government,
school, etc.

Inter-LATA local routes exist because LATA lines had to be drawn
somewhere, and local calls (especially following the contiguous-is-
local rule) were already in place.  LATAs have always had a provision
for inter-LATA local calling, although the FCC has authority to
approve new routes.

Those are just a few of the variants out there.  My baseline
suggestion is that all intraLATA calls should be local, as should very
close in interLATA calls, because there is nowadays no cost
differential associated with distance.  (Huge rural LATAs may warrant
sectoring, but in any case rate centers should be consolidated
agressively.)  The old rates are a pure profit item, discourage
rational use of the network, waste prefix codes, and are
anticompetitive to boot.  


Fred R. Goldstein k1io fgoldstein"at" wn.net 
These are my own opinions. You expect anyone else to agree?

------------------------------

From: kludge@panix.com (Scott Dorsey)
Subject: Re: Recourse For Very Slow T1 Installation?
Date: 18 Mar 2002 14:03:55 -0500
Organization: Former users of Netcom shell (1989-2000)


In article <telecom20.194.11@telecom-digest.org>, Ed M
<emaendel@nospammersi-2000.com> wrote:

> Since December we have had a T1 on order from a relatively small LEC
> in upstate NY (Frontier in Orange County NY) Although we are across
> the road (in Verizon territory) from the area Frontier's CO serves
> they are able to offer services in our area.

> The installation is long overdue from the January date they originally
> promised and they just told me that it might be another month or two.
> They say that the reason for this is that Verizon has interoffice
> "facility problems". These CO's are no more than a couple of miles
> apart.  You can almost see one from the other.  I can't understand
> what the problem could be.  I'm suspecting that Verizon is in no hurry
> to resolve these facility problems because Frontier is a competitor.
> Is there a governmental or other regulating organization that I can
> complain to?  This is getting ridiculous.

For GTE, this was about par for the course.  By any chance is your local
Verizon plant a former GTE facility?

I mean, you can change the name on the building, but it's still GTE inside.


scott   "C'est un Nagra.  C'est suisse, et tres, tres precis."

------------------------------

From: kludge@panix.com (Scott Dorsey)
Subject: Re: Looking for Bell System Technical Journal
Date: 18 Mar 2002 14:05:59 -0500
Organization: Former users of Netcom shell (1989-2000)


Pritam <pritamganguly@hotmail.com> wrote:

> Hi, can anybody tell me where can I find C. Clos, A Study of
> Non-blocking Switching Networks, Bell System Tech. J.,
> vol.32, 1953.  Thanks in advance.

Any good library should be able to order it for you through
inter-library loan.

scott   "C'est un Nagra.  C'est suisse, et tres, tres precis."

------------------------------

From: s falke <busbar@pacbell.net>
Subject: Re: CND Test Number
Organization: Prodigy Internet http://www.prodigy.com
Date: Mon, 18 Mar 2002 19:49:01 GMT


I goofed.  In norcal it is answered with an SIT and
"Welcome to the blocking verification service..." to test
whether the number you're calling from is 'blocked' or
not.  May be a PacBell-only feature.


s falke

s falke <busbar@pacbell.net> wrote in message
news:telecom20.195.4@telecom-digest.org...

> Tried 800.386.0000 ?

> s falke

> "Don Russell" <drussel2@san.rr.com> wrote in message
> news:telecom20.194.7@telecom-digest.org:

>> According to Bellcore TR-NWT-000031 section 3.6.4 it is "desirable"
>> for phone companies to have a "test number" for "customer tests" of
>> caller id equipment.
>> Can anyone tell me what the test number is
>> for Pac Bell (San Diego, > California area) is?

> [TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: When I just now tried 800-386-0000 from
> my landline phone 620-331-xxxx I was told the number was
> 'not in my calling area or outside the scope of my service.'   
> When I then used  my Chicago area cell phone 630-841-xxxx I got a
> different message telling me 'the call could not be completed as dialed
> and to report the matter to my WATS operator'.  Maybe different 
> places get different responses.   PAT]

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 18 Mar 2002 12:41:28 PST
From: John Bartley <johnbartley3@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: Number Portability For Residences


Joseph Singer <joeofseattle@yahoo.com> wrote  on Fri,
15 Mar 2002 15:54:12 -0800:

> On Wed, 13 Mar 2002 16:06:32 PST, John Bartley
> <johnbartley3@yahoo.com> wrote:

>> I placed an order to Qwest for my Portland residence 
>> phone number to be changed from 503 AAA AAAA (coming 
>> from my local CO) to 503 BBB BBBB (which is in 
>> another CO).

>> As I understand it, number portability just means 
>> that the call is passed via SS7 from the BBB
>> exchange to the AAA exchange, and the switch just 
>> sends the call along to its destination. Back in the 
>> dark ages, I know this required physically wiring 
>> from the BBB switch through the frame at the AAA CO, 
>> but AFAIK, SS7 has obviated this.

>> The original service rep at Qworst said there would
>> be no problem with this and our DSL would not be 
>> interrupted.

>> Well, after the order was placed, I called about a 
>> billing error, and in speaking to Qwest about it,
>> two service reps in a row instead insisted our DSL 
>> would be disconnected for seven to ten working days
>> with a chance it could not be reconnected, as the 
>> BBB number had to be connected from the BBB switch.

>> Of course, no supervisor is available to actually 
>> find a tech who knows what's up.  How can I get this
>> resolved so I can get my number and not lose my DSL?

> You will lose your DSL if you physically move to a 
> different premise.

I am not moving -- I'm trying to change the number from
a 'Market Expansion Line' to become my home number through 
Number Portability.

> Even in the same central office they have to take down 
> the DSL connection and "rebuild" the service at 
> another location.  Normally it takes at least ten days
> to accomplish (if you're lucky!)

I'm not moving.

------------------------------

From: EvansInCa@msn.com (AlanE)
Subject: Erlang Calculator for the Palm??
Date: 18 Mar 2002 14:30:12 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


Hi,

Does anyone know where I can get an Erlang Traffic Calculator for
my Palm ??

Cheers,

Alan E

------------------------------

Reply-To: David De Trolio <david.de.trolio@comcast.net>
From: David De Trolio <david.de.trolio@comcast.net>
Subject: Re: Question on Avaya Definity R10 Software
Organization: Giganews.Com - Premium News Outsourcing
Date: Mon, 18 Mar 2002 23:21:24 GMT


Peter ... you want to stay with 9.5, if you can go to 9.5.4.  We are
running eleven nodes using G3i units and ProLogix' using Avaya's VoIP.
R9.2 was nothing to speak of, but 9.5 is the "Win2000" of the recent
loads to support VoIP.

R10 is essentially "Windows Me", and is a filler release with a lot of
support for Call Center and some other non-VoIP applications.  We are
bringing all of our switches up to 9.5.4, making sure all of the C-Lan
and MedPro boards are up to date with firmware, and checking the age
of our Cisco routers.

R11 is just around the corner.  It will support VoIP even more, will
support a new line of VoIP products, and will be the first generation
of Avaya software for PBX's which will not be covered under upgrade
protection to my understanding.  It will probably be expensive also.

R9.5.2 and R9.5.4 works well with the Avaya 4612 IP Hardphones, as
well as IP Softphone V3.

Hopes this helps.


Dave

Peter J. Aikins <peter_aikins@enterpriseservices.com.au> wrote in message
news:telecom20.195.14@telecom-digest.org:

> Hi all,

>    We are looking at upgrading our Avaya PABXs to VoIP capability, but
> we have the choice of R9.5 and R10. Has anyone out there had negative
> experiences with either of these releases. Of course we are a bit
> weary of any ".0" releases.

------------------------------

From: rwurth@att.net (R. T. Wurth)
Subject: Re: Looking for Bell System Technical Journal
Date: Tue, 19 Mar 2002 00:27:38 GMT
Organization: AT&T Worldnet


In article <telecom20.196.3@telecom-digest.org>,
pritamganguly@hotmail.com (Pritam) wrote:

> Hi, can anybody tell me where can I find C. Clos, A Study of
> Non-blocking Switching Networks, Bell System Tech. J.,
> vol.32, 1953.  Thanks in advance.

Try the library of some University with an Electrical Engineering 
Department.  

I think that paper may have been reprinted along with a number of 
others by Vaclav I. Benes (there's supposed to be a hacek above the 
s, but I don't know how to type that).  So, I'd also look for books 
by Benes.  ISTR the title was something like "Combinatorial Theory of 
Switching Systems."  

 R. T. Wurth / rwurth@att.net / Rumson, NJ  USA
 Consultant to the telecommunications industry

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 18 Mar 2002 19:52:20 -0500
From: Marcus Didius Falco <marcus_d_falco@yahoo.com>
Subject: Nokia Modem Works With WI-FI, Cell Phone Networks


NewsScan Daily, 18 March 2002 ("Above The Fold")

Nokia has unveiled a modem for laptops that can access both 802.11b
(Wi-Fi) wireless networks and cell phone networks. The PC card is the
first of its kind to couple the two different types of wireless
networks, and its introduction in the U.S. later this year is expected
to spawn a flurry of new service announcements by telecom
carriers. "The plan is to have the carriers in control of 802.11b,"
says an analyst with Cahners In-Stat Group. Verizon Wireless, Cingular
Wireless, AT&T Wireless and Sprint PCS have all indicated that they
plan to incorporate Wi-Fi offerings into their mix of services, and
VoiceStream already owns MobileStar, which sells Wi-Fi access in
Starbucks cafes and dozens of hotels. The Nokia device works only on
GPRS networks, making Cingular, AT&T and Voicestream the most likely
users because they already have GPRS networks up and running. (CNet
News.com 17 Mar 2002) http://news.com.com/2100-1033-861808.html

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 18 Mar 2002 19:56:12 -0500
From: Marcus Didius Falco <marcus_d_falco@yahoo.com>
Subject: Tauzin, Hollings To Lock Horns Over Broadband Policy


Edupage, March 18, 2002

Sen. Ernest "Fritz" Hollings (D-S.C.) and Rep. W.J. "Billy" Tauzin
(R-La.) are scheduled to meet in a Senate hearing to discuss their
differences over how to boost national broadband rollout. The
legislators represent opposing viewpoints in the ideological war
concerning broadband deregulation. Tauzin's Internet Freedom and
Broadband Deployment Act recently passed the House on a vote of 273 to
157, but the bill has no chance of reaching the Senate floor unless
Hollings allows it to pass his Senate Commerce Committee. The
legislation would ease restrictions on Bell companies from selling
long-distance data services over newly built infrastructure. Hollings'
own bill, the Telecommunications Competition Enforcement Act, would go
the other way, forcing Bell companies to separate their consumer
services and wholesale units.  (Newsbytes, 15 March 2002)

------------------------------

Subject: Re: Radio Shack Anti-Phone Solicitation Device
From: mvp@web1.calweb.com (Mike Van Pelt)
Date: 18 Mar 2002 18:29:14 -0800
Organization: CalWeb Internet Services Inc.  Your affordable ISP. (3)


In article <telecom20.189.2@telecom-digest.org>, Scott Dorsey
<kludge@panix.com> wrote:

> Jim Van Nuland  <jvn@svpal.org> wrote:

>> Radio Shack is advertising a device that takes your phone number off
>> the caller's list by sending a magic signal.  If this thing works it's
>> worth the $50.  Does anyone have experience with it?

> I don't, but I know many folks who have put the SIT tones on their
> answering machine and claim to have received fewer calls from
> telemarketers but also fewer calls from friends as well (who hear the
> tones and don't wait for the message).

I've put the tones (which google.com found just now at
http://www.scn.org/~bk269/errorbeeps1.wav) on the answering machine
connected to the second phone line.  No one should be calling that,
but I used to get quite a few hangup calls, probably telemarketers.

Since putting the tones on the message, I get almost no calls on this
line at all, and no tragic messages like "Hey, Frank, I'm at the
airport.  Come pick me up", which also used to happen every now and
then.

   beee baaa boop  The number you have reached, xxx-xxxx,
   is not the number for the party you are trying to reach.
   beee baaa boop xxx-xxxx is not the number you want.


Have you noticed that,  when we were young, we were told  | Mike Van Pelt
that  "everybody else is doing it"  was a  really stupid  | mvp@calweb.com
reason to do something, but now it's the standard reason  | KE6BVH
for picking a particular software package? -- Barry Gehm

------------------------------

From: Cboone@earthlink.net
Subject: Re: Looking for Merlin Legend Admin Resources
Date: Tue, 19 Mar 2002 02:35:38 GMT
Organization: EarthLink Inc. -- http://www.EarthLink.net


avaya-list @ yahoogroups . com

(spaces added for no spam!)

You can join by sending a subscribe to
avaya-list-subscribe @ (the above domain)


Chris
Comoderator of the list and Former Legend Admin

Tom Dixon wrote:

> Are there any websites or mailing lists for Merlin Legend
> administration.  I have a lot of solved problems I can help others
> with, and have a few issues I need some help with myself.

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 18 Mar 2002 21:37:16 -0500
From: Monty Solomon <monty@roscom.com>
Subject: Tauzin, Hollings To Lock Horns Over Broadband Policy


By Brian Krebs, Newsbytes
WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S.A.,
15 Mar 2002, 4:34 PM CST

Two lawmakers who represent the ideological extremes of the broadband 
policy debate in Congress will face off next week in a Senate hearing 
on the future of telecommunications regulation.

House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman W. J. "Billy" Tauzin,
R-La., has agreed to meet with his counterpart - Senate Commerce
Committee Chairman Ernest "Fritz" Hollings, D-S.C., next Wednesday,
for the first in a series of hearings to examine the state of
competition in the telecom industry.

The chairmen will discuss "The Internet Freedom and Broadband 
Deployment Act," a bill introduced by Tauzin and House Energy and 
Commerce Committee Ranking Democrat John Dingell of Michigan, that 
would make it easier for the Baby Bells to enter the high-speed voice 
and data markets nationwide.


http://www.newsbytes.com/news/02/175252.html

------------------------------

From: Charles P <cp.cp@verizon.net>
Subject: Re: Corded Phone Like GTE FlipPhone (was Wall Corded Telephone)
Date: Tue, 19 Mar 2002 02:51:44 GMT


Radio Shack still sells their "Apollo" phone.  It is a flip phone,
used to come in black white or green, now I think they sell in
translucent colors.  I've used a number of the black or white ones for
troubleshooting needs.


Charles

charles@telephonesecurity.com
Global Communications
Tarrytown, NY
www.avtele.com
www.telephonesecurity.com

Tom Betz <tbetz@pobox.com> wrote in message
news:telecom20.195.2@telecom-digest.org:

> Quoth James Gifford <jgifford@surewest.not> in
> news:telecom20.194.6@telecom-digest.org:

>> Radio Shack used to have a single-element phone that looked like a
>> Princess phone handset.

> While we're looking for obsolete models, can anyone tell me where I
> can find ones or twos of corded phones like the old GTE FlipPhone II
> that doesn't have Star Wars characters decorating it?  Some of those
> used to come with wall-mount pockets that you could store them in, but
> I don't necessarily need to be able to do that.

> The Mattel phones on the market now are just too precious for what I
> need.

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 18 Mar 2002 21:46:39 MST
From: acuma@aztec.asu.edu (Chris N. Acuma)
Subject: Last Laugh! What the Hell is "Double Rot-13 Encoded"


If this is a joke I'm sorry I don't get it and maybe you can explain
why I should be laughing.
 
If "double rot-13 encoding" is something that can really foil spammers
please explain the details?
 
dannyb@panix.com  said:
 
> Knowledge may be power, but communications is the key
>                     dannyb@panix.com 
> [to foil spammers, my address has been double rot-13 encoded]

"Good intentions will always be pleaded for every assumption of authority. 
It is hardly too strong to say that the Constitution was made to guard the 
people against the dangers of good intentions.  They promise to be good 
masters, but they mean to be masters." -- Noah Webster


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note:  Back about twenty years ago, when the 
internet was still a budding idea in the brain of its inventor, Al
(the bore) Gore, many of us who were around had a method of dealing 
with off-color jokes, etc called 'rot-13 encoding'. It was simply
swapping out one letter for another, 13 characters away. For example,
an 'A' became a 'M'. It was not intended for any security reasons,
but it was a way that if someone was scanning rapidly through usenet
looking at items, on something that was considered off color, filthy, 
or in otherwise bad taste -- back in the days around here when that
sort of thing mattered --  they had to specifically decode the rot-13
message in order to read it.  Readers had to take a specific action 
to get into something 'adult' or of questionable taste. If an article
appeared on the screen as a bunch of gibberish, a mesage at the start
of it would announce 'rot-13', meaning 'rotate all letters by 13 
characters to read this'. People who wanted to do did so; those who
did not want to just went on past it. As you might have guessed by
now, 'double rot 13 encoded' means swap the letters forward by 26
characters; in other words, an 'A' becomes -- guess what ! -- an 'A'.

There is no such thing as 'double rot 13'. It just gets you back
to where you started. There is *no* way to foil spammers except 
maybe to bait their nests with poison pellets for food, or maybe
shoot gas in their tunnels then wait at the other end as they come
rushing out and beat them over the head with a shovel.  Danny is
just saying basically he doesn't bother with it. I have not personally
seen any 'rot-13' encoded messages on the net in years. Does anyone
still use that system or not?  Maybe Al Gore.     PAT]

------------------------------

End of TELECOM Digest V20 #197
******************************
    
    
From editor@telecom-digest.org  Tue Mar 19 12:55:35 2002
Received: (from ptownson@localhost)
	by massis.lcs.mit.edu (8.9.1/8.9.1) id MAA01369;
	Tue, 19 Mar 2002 12:55:35 -0500 (EST)
Date: Tue, 19 Mar 2002 12:55:35 -0500 (EST)
From: editor@telecom-digest.org
Message-Id: <200203191755.MAA01369@massis.lcs.mit.edu>
To: ptownson
Approved: patsnewlist
Subject: TELECOM Digest V20 #198

TELECOM Digest     Tue, 19 Mar 2002 12:53:00 EST    Volume 20 : Issue 198

Inside This Issue:                             Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    Depose ICANN - Immediatly (Judith Oppenheimer)
    Erlang Calculator for the Palm (Claire Pieterek)
    Re: NPA-NXX and LATA (Al Gillis)
    Information Request For German Phone Schematics (Abdolazim Mohammadipur)
    Re: Local Calling Policy (was Re: Information Request) (Linc Madison)
    Re: What is a CKS 408/816/1224 ? (Burkitt-Gray Alan)
    Re: Avaya Definity R10 Software (Randy Hayes)
    Consolidation of Prefixes in Rural part of 402 (Nebr.)? (Carl Moore)
    Cable Modem Hacking Tricks Uncapped Online (Monty Solomon)
    Re: Last Laugh! What the Hell is Double Rot-13 Encoded (Joseph Singer)
    Re: Last Laugh! What the Hell is Double Rot-13 Encoded (Hudson Leighton)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
exclusively to telecommunications topics. It is circulated anywhere
there is email, in addition to various telecom forums on a variety of
networks such as Compuserve and America On Line, and other forums.
It is also gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated 
newsgroup 'comp.dcom.telecom'.

TELECOM Digest is a not-for-profit, mostly non-commercial educational
service offered to the Internet by Patrick Townson. All the contents
of the Digest are compilation-copyrighted. You may reprint articles in
some other media on an occasional basis, but please attribute my work
and that of the original author.

Contact information:    Patrick Townson/TELECOM Digest
                        Post Office Box 50
                        Independence, KS 67301
                        Phone: 630-841-7174
                        Email: editor@telecom-digest.org

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This Digest is the oldest continuing e-journal about telecomm-
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published continuously since then.  Our archives are available for
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*************************************************************************
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*************************************************************************

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Copyright 2000 ICB, Inc. and TELECOM Digest. All rights reserved.
Our attorney is Bill Levant, of Blue Bell, PA.

   In addition, a gift from Mike Sandman, Chicago's Telecom Expert
   has enabled me to replace some obsolete computer equipment and
   enter the 21st century sort of on schedule. His mail order 
   telephone parts/supplies service based in the Chicago area has
   been widely recognized by Digest readers as a reliable and very
   inexpensive source of telecom-related equipment. Please request
   a free catalog today at http://www.sandman.com 
   ---------------------------------------------------------------
    
Finally, the Digest is funded by gifts from generous readers such as
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is important and appreciated. A suggested donation of twenty dollars
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Please make at least a single donation to cover the cost of processing
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All opinions expressed herein are deemed to be those of the author. Any
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----------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Judith Oppenheimer <joppenheimer@icbtollfree.com>
Subject: Depose ICANN - Immediatly
Date: Tue, 19 Mar 2002 10:50:55 -0500


David J. Farber, Peter G. Neumann, and Lauren Weinstein declare, "Wide
consensus has already been achieved on at least one key point -- even
by ICANN's current president -- ICANN is seriously broken. We agree,
and we additionally assert that ICANN's history, structure, and
behaviors strongly indicate that the most productive course would be
for ICANN's role in Internet affairs to be discontinued." Immediately.

http://www.icannwatch.org/article.php?sid=622&mode=&order=0


Judith Oppenheimer
http://JudithOppenheimer.com
http://ICBTollFreeNews.com
212 684-7210, 1 800 The Expert

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 19 Mar 2002 08:42:22 -0700
From: Claire Pieterek <pieterek@spamcop.net>
Subject: Erlang Calculator for the Palm


Regarding Alan E's inquiry about an Erlang traffic calculator for his Palm 
device.  

Try http://www.palmgear.com/software/showsoftware.cfm?
sid=32743320020319073642&prodID=39445 

L3's ErlangB is a highly specialized application, intended for telecom
network analysts, pbx resellers, call center operators, and voice
service providers.  It implements the widely used telecommunications
circuit group sizing algorithm, Erlang-B, to predict how many circuits
will be necessary to carry a given duration of telephone calls.

PalmGear is the oldest and best archive of Palm software on the net.
I have no affiliation with PalmGear other than being a long time
satisfied customer!


Best,
Claire Pieterek
Senior Technical Editor
PalmPower Magazine
http://www.palmpower.com

------------------------------

From: Al Gillis <alg@aracnet.com>
Subject: Re: NPA-NXX and LATA
Date: Mon, 18 Mar 2002 21:40:32 -0800
Organization: http://extra.newsguy.com
Reply-To: Al Gillis <alg@aracnet.com>


I'm not aware of the source of the table below but the Portland,
Oregon entry is a little suspect.  Portland is in the 672 LATA but it
is in the two overlaid area codes 503 and 971, not in area code 541.
Area Code 541 does, indeed, include Eugene, OR but the 541 boundary is
at least 50 miles from Portland (toward the east) and maybe 70 miles
toward the south (toward Eugene).  (503 and 971 do not have western or
northern boundaries with 541).

 From 503 646-XXXX dialing to 503 303-0000 results in receiving
reorder after a considerable time delay; dialing 971 303-0000 gets the
announcement "Call can not be completed as dialed" (No switch number
identifier followed message).  Dialing 1+541-303-0000 resulted in the
same message as in the call to 971 303.  Those are crummy test numbers
so my results don't answer any questions but I don't have better
numbers to test with.

My general opinion and knowledge suggests that a single NXX code can
not reside in more than one NPA or in more than one LATA.  It sounds
like one of those things that might just be "against nature"!

There may be things I'm not aware of - let's discuss them!!

And another thing ... someone asked about the existence of test
numbers in each LATA.  I didn't see any good answers but I'd really
like to know if some common number exists for such tests.  It would
make verifying my PBX routing changes a snap.  Now I just make a call
to the NPA-NXX using any old "last four" digits.  If someone answers
I say "Opps - Sorry wrong number".  Well, that's a little
inappropriate but I find out if I can complete calls to that place!


Al

"Murali" <wizard@netscape.com> wrote in message
news:telecom20.190.15@telecom-digest.org:

> What I said in my post, which you may or may not see, is:

> A few do:

> NPA NXX LATA LATA NAME
> 410 741 236 WASHINGTON DC
> 410 741 238 BALTIMORE MARYLAND
> 434 460 248 RICHMOND VIRGINIA
> 434 460 250 LYNCHBURG VIRGINIA
> 541 303 670 EUGENE OREGON
> 541 303 672 PORTLAND OREGON
> 703 478 236 WASHINGTON DC
> 703 478 246 CULPEPER VIRGINIA

> Clarence A Dold

> Murali <murali@email.com> wrote in message
> news:telecom20.189.11@telecom-digest.org:

>> One general question, can a NPA-NXX span multiple LATAs?

------------------------------

From: Abdolazim Mohammadipur <azim_moham@hotmail.com>
Subject: Information Request For German Phone Schematics
Date: Tue, 19 Mar 2002 07:48:32 +0000


     Dear Sir,

I am an Iranian. About one years ago, I buy a phone with sinus 42AB
model's and I have consent from that.

Now as there are not any reliable reference for repairing and
servicing these phone in Iran; I would be very glad if you send me
exact information for optimal operation, manual service and any other
useful information for this phone:

Telekom           Sinus      42AB

Thank you very much in advance and waiting to hear from you soon.


Yours Sincerely,

A.Mohammadipur
E-mail:  azim_moham@hotmail.com

------------------------------

From: Linc Madison <lincmad001@telecom-digest.zzn.com>
Subject: Re: Local Calling Policy (was Re: Information Request)
Date: Tue, 19 Mar 2002 00:45:42 -0800
Organization: MindSpring Enterprises


In article <telecom20.197.1@telecom-digest.org>, Fred Goldstein
<fgoldstein@wn.DO-NOT-SPAM-ME.net> wrote:

> Dallas-Fort Worth is weird. It has two such separate large
> "reciprocal calling areas", but it's a toll call from any Dallas
> exchange to any Fort Worth exchange.  So it's a toll call from Irving
> (Dallas area) to the DFW Airport (Ft. Worth area).  BUT there's an
> optional "extended metro service" plan, available at least in the are
> in bewteen the two big cities, which lets users call both regions. 
> These subscribers get different "EMS" prefix codes which also can be
> called from across the region.

It is true that Dallas-Fort Worth is weird, but your description is
incorrect on a couple of specific points. First of all, all calls from
Irving to the Fort Worth side of the airport are local, just as all
calls between Arlington (Fort Worth side) and Grand Prairie (adjacent
rate center, but on the Dallas side) are local, even if neither
subscriber is in a "Metro" prefix. Beyond that, the "DFW AIRPORT" rate
center is actually on the Dallas side. I believe it is also a local
call between Irving and Arlington, since they are diagonally adjacent.
Also, all of the Metro prefixes are assigned to rate centers that
touch the border. Thus, if you are a subscriber located in downtown
Dallas, you have to pay FX rates to have a Metro number, since you
have to be assigned a number out of a Grand Prairie prefix for Metro
service. (At least that's how it was 20 years ago when I was in high
school there.)

It's also an important fact to highlight that the "Metro" (or "EMS")
service must be on segregated prefixes, since all calls TO OR FROM
that prefix across the boundary are untimed local calls. Not just the
switch in Arlington, but also the switches in Grand Prairie, Dallas,
Richardson, Plano, Mesquite, and Seagoville (and several more) have to
know that 817-265 is a "Metro" prefix.

There are also now "Metro" prefixes between, for example, Dallas and
Denton, instead of just between the Dallas bloc (East Berlin ;^P) and
the Fort Worth bloc (West Berlin).

Besides that, though, Texas has been steadily enlarging local calling
areas for rural customers. The small town my mother grew up in used to
be a toll call to the even smaller town halfway across the county. Now
it's a local call not only to the entire county, but to the larger
towns in at least three adjacent counties, and from all those places
back to the first town. In particular, it is no longer a toll call to
the nearest movie theater. There is a whole administrative process by
which a small town can petition to have its local calling area glom
onto a nearby (sometimes 30+ miles away) larger town. The residents on
each side get a rate increase in the basic monthly rate that is
proportional to the number of new people they can dial as local. The
small town pays a lot extra to call the bigger town as local, but the
people in the big town have a barely noticeable incremental rise.


LincMad dot Com  *  North American Telephone Area Codes & Splits
Preferred Reply Address: Telecom # LincMad * Com
Unsolicited bulk e-mail will be reported to your admin or upstream.

------------------------------

From: Burkitt-Gray Alan <ABurkitt@EUROMONEYPLC.COM>
Subject: Re: What is a CKS 408/816/1224? 
Date: Tue, 19 Mar 2002 10:10:33 -0000


Brian C wrote: "We are moving into new office space.  Mounted in the
phone closet, and connected to the patch panel is a 16"x16" grey unit
called CKS 408/816/1224.  It looks like some kind of a phone system,
but we're not sure what it is.  Doesn't look very old."

Not an alarm system, as Kenneth P. Stox suggested. The simplest way to
find out what it is is to type it into Google. You get a single hit --
a reference to a VPB-260 battery back up supply, including the
following text: "Applications The VPB-260 is known to be compatible
with the following systems: Telephone Systems: CMX CKS-308 CKS-616
CKS-408/816/1224, Gaitronics Cohort 616 (see Application Note), Sanyo
EKS 6120 ... ... ..."

Don't know who CMX are, though.


Alan Burkitt-Gray
Editor, Global Telecoms Business
e-mail aburkitt@euromoneyplc.com

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 19 Mar 2002 10:05:08 -0600
From: Randy Hayes <Randal.Hayes@uni.edu>
Subject: Re: Avaya Definity R10 Software


Direct from the mouths of the Avaya folks at the INAAU Conference last
week in San Diego, I heard:

For V.11 Software, if you have it installed on your existing Definity
as-is it will be covered under the Upgrade Protection Plan.

However, if you have it installed as a part of the migration to the
"outside the box" new processor platform on the Definity, then it would
not be covered by the UPP.

At the appropriate time, I'm planning to move to V.11 under UPP, and
postpone moving to the new processor platform until there's been a bit
more history with it ... and you're right, I believe the new processor
platform will be expensive.

Now, I'm just hoping there was not an Avaya mis-speak at the
Conference.


Thanks,

Randy Hayes
University of Northern Iowa

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 19 Mar 2002 10:52:53 EST
From: Carl Moore <cmoore@ARL.ARMY.MIL>
Subject: Consolidation of Prefixes in Rural Part of 402 (Nebr.)?


Old notes I looked at had, in area 402 in Nebraska:

436 HUBBELL
327 N. SABETHA

("North Sabetha" apparently meaning an area just across the border
from an area served by exchange in Sabetha, Kansas)

But 436 and 327 appeared for addresses in Lincoln, and they do now
show up in www.thedirectory.org as LINCOLN.  What little I can scrape
up for Hubbell showed usage of 324 prefix (Chester), so was 436 closed
down at Hubbell and subscribers who were on it merged into the 324
prefix?  I don't have a guess for what would have become of subscribers
on 327 at North Sabetha.

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 19 Mar 2002 08:55:05 -0500
From: Monty Solomon <monty@roscom.com>
Subject: Cable Modem Hacking Tricks Uncapped Online


By Brian McWilliams, Newsbytes
INVERGROVE HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA, U.S.A.,
13 Mar 2002, 10:38 PM CST

When his cable modem service seemed to slow almost to a crawl last 
spring, Matthew Hallacy did like most people and complained to 
technical support at his Internet service provider, AT&T Broadband.

But after the sluggish performance persisted for weeks, Hallacy, a 
Minnesota-based software engineer and networking expert, decided to 
take matters into his own hands: he hacked his cable modem.

http://www.newsbytes.com/news/02/175201.html

------------------------------

From: Joseph Singer <joeofseattle@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: Last Laugh! What the Hell is "Double Rot-13 Encoded"
Date: Tue, 19 Mar 2002 04:11:56 -0800
Organization: Drizzle
Reply-To: joeofseattle@yahoo.com


On Mon, 18 Mar 2002 21:46:39 MST, TELECOM Digest Editor wrote:

> I have not personally seen any 'rot-13' encoded messages on the net
> in years. Does anyone still use that system or not?  Maybe Al Gore.
PAT]

I've seen rot-13 encoded messages in the usenet group rec.humor.funny
and rec.humor.funny.reruns.  That's the last place I remember seeing
it within the last few months.  My news reader Agent has rot-13
decoding/encoding built in to it.


Personal replies are likely not read.  Please reply in the newsgroup

------------------------------

From: hudsonl@skypoint.com (Hudson Leighton)
Subject: Re: Last Laugh! What the Hell is "Double Rot-13 Encoded"
Date: Tue, 19 Mar 2002 08:24:13 -0600
Organization: MRRP


In article <telecom20.197.15@telecom-digest.org>, TELECOM Digest
Editor noted in response to acuma@aztec.asu.edu (Chris N. Acuma):

snip

> Danny is
> just saying basically he doesn't bother with it. I have not personally
> seen any 'rot-13' encoded messages on the net in years. Does anyone
> still use that system or not?  Maybe Al Gore.     PAT]

I just checked and my antique newsreader does 'rot-13'.

The Quick Brown Fox Jumped Over The Lazy Dogs (plain text)

Gur Dhvpx Oebja Sbk Whzcrq Bire Gur Ynml Qbtf  (rot-13).

The Quick Brown Fox Jumped Over The Lazy Dogs  (double rot-13). <grin>


Hudson

http://www.skypoint.com/~hudsonl

------------------------------

End of TELECOM Digest V20 #198
******************************
    
    
From editor@telecom-digest.org  Wed Mar 20 15:16:47 2002
Received: (from ptownson@localhost)
	by massis.lcs.mit.edu (8.9.1/8.9.1) id PAA24814;
	Wed, 20 Mar 2002 15:16:47 -0500 (EST)
Date: Wed, 20 Mar 2002 15:16:47 -0500 (EST)
From: editor@telecom-digest.org
Message-Id: <200203202016.PAA24814@massis.lcs.mit.edu>
To: ptownson
Approved: patsnewlist
Subject: TELECOM Digest V20 #199

TELECOM Digest     Wed, 20 Mar 2002 15:15:00 EST    Volume 20 : Issue 199

Inside This Issue:                             Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    Re: NPA-NXX and LATA (dold@32.usenet.us.com)
    Re: NPA-NXX and LATA (John David Galt)
    Re: NPA-NXX and LATA (Fred Goldstein)
    Re: What is a CKS 408/816/1224? (Carl Navarro)
    Re: What is a CKS 408/816/1224? (Al Gillis)
    FCC Position on Cable Modem Service (Paul Hovnanian)
    Re: Erlang Calculator for the Palm?? (Alan Schnittman)
    Re: Avaya Definity R10 Software (Mikalai Beliashou)
    Mobile Telecoms / The Tortoise and the Hare (Monty Solomon)
    Panasonic vs. Siemens Phone Systems (Rob)
    Re: Wall Corded Telephone That Doesn't Use a Base (donrm@agilent.com)
    Re: Cisco ATA 186 and Panasonic KX-T61610 Switching System (Fedor)
    Re: Erlang Calculator for the Palm?? (AlanE)
    Re: Last Laugh! What the Hell is "Double Rot-13 Encoded" (Fred Goldstein)
    Re: Last Laugh! What the Hell is "Double Rot-13 Encoded" (Paul Hovnanian)

TELECOM Digest is an electronic journal devoted mostly but not
exclusively to telecommunications topics. It is circulated anywhere
there is email, in addition to various telecom forums on a variety of
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It is also gatewayed to Usenet where it appears as the moderated 
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TELECOM Digest is a not-for-profit, mostly non-commercial educational
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Contact information:    Patrick Townson/TELECOM Digest
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Subscribe:  telecom-subscribe@telecom-digest.org
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This Digest is the oldest continuing e-journal about telecomm-
unications on the Internet, having been founded in August, 1981 and
published continuously since then.  Our archives are available for
your review/research. We believe we are the second oldest e-zine/
mailing list on the internet in any category!

URL information:        http://telecom-digest.org

Anonymous FTP: hyperarchive.lcs.mit.edu/telecom-archives/archives
  (or use our mirror site: ftp.epix.net/pub/telecom-archives)

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      Send a simple, one line note to that automated address for
      a help file on how to use the automatic retrieval system
      for archives files. You can get desired files in email.

*************************************************************************
*   TELECOM Digest is partially funded by a grant from                  *
*   Judith Oppenheimer, President of ICB Inc. and purveyor of accurate  *
*   800 & Dot Com News, Intelligence, Analysis, and Consulting.         *
*   http://ICBTollFree.com, http://1800TheExpert.com                    *
*   Views expressed herein should not be construed as representing      *
*   views of Judith Oppenheimer or ICB Inc.                             *
*************************************************************************

ICB Toll Free News.  Contact information is not sold, rented or leased.
Access to Premium (P) links requires upgrade to a paid subscription.

One click a day feeds a person a meal.  Go to http://www.thehungersite.com

Only subscribers or registered users of ICB Toll Free News web site
will be able to access all or some of the full text of URLs provided.

LEGAL STUFF: TELECOM Digest (sm) is owned by Patrick Townson.
Copyright 2000 ICB, Inc. and TELECOM Digest. All rights reserved.
Our attorney is Bill Levant, of Blue Bell, PA.

   In addition, a gift from Mike Sandman, Chicago's Telecom Expert
   has enabled me to replace some obsolete computer equipment and
   enter the 21st century sort of on schedule. His mail order 
   telephone parts/supplies service based in the Chicago area has
   been widely recognized by Digest readers as a reliable and very
   inexpensive source of telecom-related equipment. Please request
   a free catalog today at http://www.sandman.com 
   ---------------------------------------------------------------
    
Finally, the Digest is funded by gifts from generous readers such as
yourself who provide funding in amounts deemed appropriate. Your help
is important and appreciated. A suggested donation of twenty dollars
per year per reader is considered appropriate. See our address above.
Please make at least a single donation to cover the cost of processing
your name to the mailing list.

All opinions expressed herein are deemed to be those of the author. Any
organizations listed are for identification purposes only and messages
should not be considered any official expression by the organization.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

From: dold@32.usenet.us.com
Subject: Re: NPA-NXX and LATA
Date: 19 Mar 2002 19:36:57 GMT
Organization: Wintercreek Data


Al Gillis <alg@aracnet.com> wrote:

> I'm not aware of the source of the table below but the Portland,
> Oregon entry is a little suspect.  Portland is in the 672 LATA but it
> is in the two overlaid area codes 503 and 971, not in area code 541.
> Area Code 541 does, indeed, include Eugene, OR but the 541 boundary is
> at least 50 miles from Portland (toward the east) and maybe 70 miles
> toward the south (toward Eugene).  (503 and 971 do not have western or
> northern boundaries with 541).

Aha!  You caught me on that one.  541 303 is owned by an indepedent,
Universal Telecomm, and they moved it from one switch to another on
2/22/02.

Some of the ones in the Maryland area are just badly overlapped, and
are based on the NPA-NXX-F splits of 1000 number blocks, instead of
the 10000 number blocks we are used to.

The data is from the Telcordia LERG 6.


Clarence A Dold - dold@email.rahul.net
                - Pope Valley (Napa County) CA.

------------------------------

From: John David Galt <jdg@diogenes.sacramento.ca.us>
Subject: Re: NPA-NXX and LATA
Date: Tue, 19 Mar 2002 12:16:37 -0800
Organization: Diogenes the Cynic Hot-Tubbing Society


Al Gillis wrote:
> My general opinion and knowledge suggests that a single NXX code can
> not reside in more than one NPA or in more than one LATA.  It sounds
> like one of those things that might just be "against nature"!

It is common for choke exchanges to be "in" more than one NPA.  A
local example is (415/650/510/707/408) 808-xxxx, used by at least
three radio stations in the bay area.

------------------------------

Subject: Re: NPA-NXX and LATA
From: fgoldstein@wn.DO-NOT-SPAM-ME.net (Fred Goldstein)
Date: Tue, 19 Mar 2002 20:32:57 GMT
Organization: ATT Broadband


alg@aracnet.com (Al Gillis) wrote in <telecom20.198.3@telecom-digest.org>:

> I'm not aware of the source of the table below but the Portland,
> Oregon entry is a little suspect....
> My general opinion and knowledge suggests that a single NXX code can
> not reside in more than one NPA or in more than one LATA.  It sounds
> like one of those things that might just be "against nature"!

Right!  LATAs are actually defined as areas inside boundary lines;
prefix codes are assigned to rate centers, which exist within those
boundaries.

>> NPA NXX LATA LATA NAME
>> 410 741 236 WASHINGTON DC
>> 410 741 238 BALTIMORE MARYLAND

That prefix is assigned to West River, MD, in LATA 238.  But the
switch in question is in Marlboro, MD, and most of its prefix codes
are in a Washington suburban zone.  A single switch can serve multiple
rate centers.

>> 434 460 248 RICHMOND VIRGINIA
>> 434 460 250 LYNCHBURG VIRGINIA

Alberta, VA, in LATA 248.  It's KMC Telecom's, but their switch is 
elsewhere.

>> 541 303 670 EUGENE OREGON
>> 541 303 672 PORTLAND OREGON

The prefix code is Redmond, but the switch (Universal Telecom) is in
Portland.  Again, a single CLEC switch can even serve multiple LATAs
and even multiple states.

>> 703 478 236 WASHINGTON DC
>> 703 478 246 CULPEPER VIRGINIA

Washington DC suburban Zone 19, on VZ's Herndon, VA, switch, both in
LATA 236.  I don't know where the LATA 246 reference comes from.

The definitive database is the LERG, which is not public (you can
however buy it for around $800; updated monthly; see trainfo.com), but
there are many other prefix databases of varying accuracy.


Fred R. Goldstein   k1io   fgoldstein"at" wn.net 
These are my own opinions. You expect anyone else to agree?

------------------------------

From: Carl Navarro <cnavarro@wcnet.org>
Subject: Re: What is a CKS 408/816/1224?
Date: Tue, 19 Mar 2002 15:22:04 -0500
Organization: Airnews.net! at Internet America


On Tue, 19 Mar 2002 10:10:33 -0000, Burkitt-Gray Alan
<ABurkitt@EUROMONEYPLC.COM> wrote:

> Brian C wrote: "We are moving into new office space.  Mounted in the
> phone closet, and connected to the patch panel is a 16"x16" grey unit
> called CKS 408/816/1224.  It looks like some kind of a phone system,
> but we're not sure what it is.  Doesn't look very old."

> Not an alarm system, as Kenneth P. Stox suggested. The simplest way to
> find out what it is is to type it into Google. You get a single hit --
> a reference to a VPB-260 battery back up supply, including the
> following text: "Applications The VPB-260 is known to be compatible
> with the following systems: Telephone Systems: CMX CKS-308 CKS-616
> CKS-408/816/1224, Gaitronics Cohort 616 (see Application Note), Sanyo
> EKS 6120 ... ... ..."

> Don't know who CMX are, though.

I saw CMX Citation series references early on, but I never found that
they made a 408/816/1224 box.  I saw the 308 and 616 ones.


Carl

------------------------------

From: Al Gillis <alg@aracnet.com>
Subject: Re: What is a CKS 408/816/1224?
Date: Tue, 19 Mar 2002 18:41:59 -0800
Organization: http://extra.newsguy.com
Reply-To: Al Gillis <alg@aracnet.com>


While the numbers look very much like a key system capacity statement
(4 trunks by 8 stations, or 8 trunks by 16 stations or 12 trunks by 24
stations) it could also be a telephone number: (408) 816-1224.  Just
for fun (my fun, that is!) I called it - Rats!  An intercept
recording!

Burkitt-Gray Alan <ABurkitt@EUROMONEYPLC.COM> wrote in message
news:telecom20.198.6@telecom-digest.org...

> Brian C wrote: "We are moving into new office space.  Mounted in the
> phone closet, and connected to the patch panel is a 16"x16" grey unit
> called CKS 408/816/1224.  It looks like some kind of a phone system,
> but we're not sure what it is.  Doesn't look very old."

> Not an alarm system, as Kenneth P. Stox suggested. The simplest way to
> find out what it is is to type it into Google. You get a single hit --
> a reference to a VPB-260 battery back up supply, including the
> following text: "Applications The VPB-260 is known to be compatible
> with the following systems: Telephone Systems: CMX CKS-308 CKS-616
> CKS-408/816/1224, Gaitronics Cohort 616 (see Application Note), Sanyo
> EKS 6120 ... ... ..."

> Don't know who CMX are, though.

------------------------------

From: Paul Hovnanian <Paul@Hovnanian.com>
Subject: FCC Position on Cable Modem Service
Date: Tue, 19 Mar 2002 19:36:48 -0800
Organization: Software Conflagration Control
Reply-To: Paul@Hovnanian.com


In http://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Cable/News_Releases/2002/nrcb0201.html
the FCC establishes a position that cable modem service is 'not
subject to common carrier regulation'.

Now, I think I understand the basics of what a 'common carrier' is
(the telephone companies are common carriers) but does anyone have a
good summary or FAQ handy that describes the regulatory implications
of being considered a common carrier (of voice, data, television or
anything).


Thanks.

Paul Hovnanian     mailto:Paul@Hovnanian.com
send spam to:      mailto:postmaster@mouse-potato.com

exec /bin/laden

------------------------------

From: Alan Schnittman <schnitt@mindspring.com>
Subject: Re: Erlang Calculator for the Palm??
Date: Tue, 19 Mar 2002 22:55:41 -0600
Organization: MindSpring Enterprises


EvansInCa@msn.com (AlanE) wrote:

> Does anyone know where I can get an Erlang Traffic Calculator for
> my Palm ??

Claire Pieterek mentioned L3's ErlangB application which is available
from <http://www.palmgear.com>.  The L3 Solutions web site is
<http://www.L3Solutions.com>.

Another application to consider is "Erlang-P" from Erlang Software.
Their web site is <http://www.erlang-software.com>.

Also there is Marius Milner's freeware "Erlang Calculator"
<http://www.blueneptune.com/~maznliz/marius/palm.shtml>


Alan Schnittman  | Brainchild Evolution, Inc | schnitt@mindspring.com
    prototype design & development | computer interface 
embedded control | analog & digital circuits | software development

------------------------------

From: Mikalai Beliashou <belnik@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: Avaya Definity R10 Software
Date: Wed, 20 Mar 2002 14:50:28 +0200


Hello, Randy!
You wrote  on Tue, 19 Mar 2002 10:05:08 -0600:

> Direct from the mouths of the Avaya folks at the INAAU Conference

Hmm ... Where I can join this conference?


With best regards, 

Mikalai Beliashou.  E-mail: belnik@yahoo.com

------------------------------

Date: Wed, 20 Mar 2002 09:18:28 -0500
From: Monty Solomon <monty@roscom.com>
Subject: Mobile Telecoms / The Tortoise and the Hare


Mar 14th 2002 | LONDON AND SAN FRANCISCO
 From The Economist print edition

America has traditionally trailed Europe in the field of wireless
communications. Has it now caught up?

WHEN Ari Virtanen, a manager at Nokia, moved from Finland to 
California's Silicon Valley, he experienced a peculiar and unexpected 
form of culture shock. Like many Europeans, he is used to 
communicating with friends and colleagues via short text-messages 
sent using his handset. So he was horrified to discover that in 
America, text-messaging is almost impossible. Whether it works or not 
depends on the specific combination of the sender's and receiver's 
handsets, operators and so on-a telling illustration of the gulf 
between America and Europe in wireless communications.

For while the mobile telephone has quietly been assimilated into 
European culture, in America it has been held back by industry 
fragmentation and a quagmire of conflicting standards. Around 45% of 
Americans own a cellphone, compared with 75% of western Europeans.

http://www.economist.com/business/displayStory.cfm?story_id=1034659

------------------------------

From: RobTrueman@Technotects.com (Rob)
Subject: Panasonic vs. Siemens Phone Systems
Date: 20 Mar 2002 07:46:04 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


What are the pros and cons of the Panasonic KX-TG2000B and the Siemens
Gigaset 8825?  I'm looking at both as a phone system for our my house.
Both seem like they've been out for a while.  Does anyone has the
inside scoop on replacement models?


Thanks!

Rob

------------------------------

From: donrm@soco.agilent.com
Subject: Re: Wall Corded Telephone That Doesn't Use a Base
Date: Tue, 19 Mar 2002 21:50:35 UTC
Organization: Agilent Technologies, Sonoma County


Don Saklad <dsaklad@nestle.ai.mit.edu> wrote:
> a. Where would you find a wall corded telephone that doesn't use a
>    base and you can hang up or turn it off at the handset?

> b. What manufacturers or distributors have this kind of device?

Radio Shack Apollo phones do this.  2002 catalog shows them in
red, teal, cranberry colors.  I have two that are white, but 
guess that color didn't sell.

Flip open to off hook, flip closed to on hook. Switches to turn
ringer off and pulse/tone selection.  Last number redial and flash
buttons.

Only drawback is they seem to be sensitive to ring/tip to sleeve
(ground) leakage that produces 60 Hz hum with lots of harmonics.
Comes and goes according to your line integrity.  For $20 one
can't go wrong. 


Don Montgomery
donrm@soco.agilent.com

------------------------------

From: fedor@octet.com (Fedor)
Subject: Re: Cisco ATA 186 and Panasonic KX-T61610 Switching System
Date: 19 Mar 2002 12:45:58 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


Dave Phelps <tippenring@deadspam.com> wrote in message
news:<telecom20.195.3@telecom-digest.org>:

> Hmm. How about this. Forget the FXS and FXO stuff. If the ATA186 provides 
> a dialtone and provides ringing, then connect it to a trunk port on the 
> Pana.

Well actually that was my original plan ... but I wasn`t sure that it
will work well cause that's  not exactly my specialty. So thanks for the 
advice.


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note:  The only thing wrong with that
suggestion is if the Panasonic either randomly connects extension
users to an outside trunk or connects extension users to outside
in rotation through the available trunks, the some of the employees 
will unwittingly get placed on in appropriate outside lines for their
calls. After all, the Panasonic doesn't (or shouldn't) know one line
 from another. Can you place the 'special' line(s) in a restricted
group where users have to dial a special code to use them? For
example, caller making a 'regular' outside call dials '9' normally
and a trunk is selected for him. Caller desiring to use the 'special'
lines dials a 'special' code. For instance on my old PBX years ago,
I used '82' for selective picking of an outside line, and '9' to
pick just any line. I got an outside line either way, but overrode
the PBX making the choice for me. You need to do that also, to avoid
having the Panasonic make the choices for lines you don't want it
to choose.    PAT]

------------------------------

From: EvansInCA@msn.com (AlanE)
Subject: Re: Erlang Calculator for the Palm??
Date: 19 Mar 2002 15:57:43 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


It's OK. I found one called Erlang-P on www.erlang-software.com.
Looks good.

Cheers,

AlanE


EvansInCa@msn.com (AlanE) wrote in message
news:<telecom20.197.6@telecom-digest.org>:

> Does anyone know where I can get an Erlang Traffic Calculator for
> my Palm ??

------------------------------

Subject: Re: Last Laugh! What the Hell is "Double Rot-13 Encoded"
From: fgoldstein@wn.DO-NOT-SPAM-ME.net (Fred Goldstein)
Date: Tue, 19 Mar 2002 20:46:23 GMT
Organization: ATT Broadband


"Double rot-13" encoding is also a slam at the DMCA, which attempts to
make it a criminal act to break a vendors' copy protection.  Witness
the Skylarov case, where he was arrested after giving a tech talk in
which he exposed the weakness of some ebook encryption schemes.  One
of which was rot-13.

So by saying you're double rot-13 encoded, you're basically telling
the DMCA folks that this is a BIG SEEKRIT and you can GO TO JALE if
you try to decrypt it.  Even though it's really (warning: don't read
this if you dislike seeing your emperor not well dressed) plain text,
and almost as well hidden as some things that really do claim DMCA
protection.


Fred R. Goldstein   k1io   fgoldstein"at" wn.net 
These are my own opinions. You expect anyone else to agree?


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note:  So basically, the thing seems to be
that I can be a lot smarter than you, but you have 'developed' some
stupid 'encryption' scheme, and it has become against the law for me
to use my brain.  I wonder why the **stupid** people who passed that
law didn't go further and simply outlaw any original thinking at all;
any new protection schemes that they didn't think of first, would 
simply be outlawed. Maybe if there was a law against being smart, we
could all line up, take our lunches and a clean set of underwear and
prepare to go to jail.  Why, oh why, oh why do these commercial oper-
ations come along, not content to merely steal the internet from us,
but decide to punish us for not rolling over and playing stupid. They
have time and again taken the web and internet and *twisted* the 
founder's intentions around, and then punish *us* for not complying
with their perverted notions.   PAT]

------------------------------

From: Paul Hovnanian <Paul@Hovnanian.com>
Subject: Re: Last Laugh! What the Hell is "Double Rot-13 Encoded"
Date: Tue, 19 Mar 2002 19:28:17 -0800
Organization: Software Conflagration Control
Reply-To: Paul@Hovnanian.com


Chris N. Acuma wrote:

> "Good intentions will always be pleaded for every assumption of authority.
> It is hardly too strong to say that the Constitution was made to guard the
> people against the dangers of good intentions.  They promise to be good
> masters, but they mean to be masters." -- Noah Webster

> [TELECOM Digest Editor's Note:  Back about twenty years ago, when the
> internet was still a budding idea in the brain of its inventor, Al
> (the bore) Gore, many of us who were around had a method of dealing
> with off-color jokes, etc called 'rot-13 encoding'. It was simply
> swapping out one letter for another, 13 characters away. For example,
> an 'A' became a 'M'. 

[snip]

Just pray that the feds don't come after you for publishing the
technical details of the rot-13 encryption algorithm in violation of
ITAR. ;-)


Paul Hovnanian     mailto:Paul@Hovnanian.com
send spam to:      mailto:postmaster@mouse-potato.com

Power corrupts.  And atomic power corrupts atomically.


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note:  Just my luck.  Sometimes that's the
best they can do, as grasp at straws. Let's face it, if police make
up their minds you are guilty of something, then by God, you are
guilty.  No BS about any constitutional rights, thank you.  PAT]

------------------------------

End of TELECOM Digest V20 #199
******************************
    
    
From editor@telecom-digest.org  Thu Mar 21 17:24:25 2002
Received: (from ptownson@localhost)
	by massis.lcs.mit.edu (8.9.1/8.9.1) id RAA18112;
	Thu, 21 Mar 2002 17:24:25 -0500 (EST)
Date: Thu, 21 Mar 2002 17:24:25 -0500 (EST)
From: editor@telecom-digest.org
Message-Id: <200203212224.RAA18112@massis.lcs.mit.edu>
To: ptownson
Approved: patsnewlist
Subject: TELECOM Digest V20 #200

TELECOM Digest     Thu, 21 Mar 2002 17:22:00 EST    Volume 20 : Issue 200

Inside This Issue:                             Editor: Patrick A. Townson

    We Should be Overcoming ICANN by Listening to Paul Baran (J.Oppenheimer)
    Global Body Approves Version of Bluetooth Standard (Monty Solomon)
    Comdial DSUII CFOS (Diazville)
    Re: Cisco ATA 186 and Panasonic KX-T61610 Switching System (Dave Phelps)
    RFP's in New York Area (Jerry Minio)
    TV1 or Serial Component Video Service (ande)
    Wireless Faces Spectrum Shortfall (Marcus Didius Falco)
    Outlook Interface to Avaya Conference System (Pete Romfh)
    More Companies For the Business Directory (David B. Horvath)

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----------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Judith Oppenheimer <joppenheimer@icbtollfree.com>
Subject: We Should be Overcoming ICANN by Listening to Paul Baran
Date: Wed, 20 Mar 2002 23:03:57 -0500


On June 23, 1995 Paul Baran, the inventor of packet networks, gave a
talk at the MARCONI CENTENNIAL SYMPOSIUM Bologna, Italy. He ended his
talk with four paragraphs that seven years later, and after almost four
years of ICANN, read like prophecy.

REGULATION FOR THE FUTURE -- THE INTERNET MODEL

"The Internet provides an instructive model for the future of
telecommunications regulations. The Internet allows worldwide
communications at a far lower cost than any alternative; serving data
users inexpensively, and opening access to the world's information to
a greater number of people than ever initially imagined."

"In the Internet, there is no central node, and only a minimal
centralized management structure, limited to a few housekeeping
functions such as standards setting. Local decisions essentially
control the network. The independent pieces of the network operate in
a coordinated manner with a minimum of restrictions. This lack of a
limiting centralized structure has permitted the Internet to be
responsive to a very large unregulated constituency and allowing
explosive growth and with increasing usefulness to its users. Probably
the closest parallel structure to the Internet is the free market
economy. We know that works. Will it work for regulating the radio
spectrum?"

"The Internet is an organization of users sharing a common resource,
as appropriate to the sharing of a common band of frequencies by all
comers.  The Internet model for regulation would be similar to the
data network in which each user follows a simple set of commonly
observed rules. Which frequency to use and when, or which form of
modulation to use would be left to each user. The Internet model has
many of the characteristics of a desired communications regulatory
approach for the future."

"Such a direction does require a big evolution in the thinking of the
current communications regulatory agencies. The present regulatory
mentality tends to think in terms of a centralized control structure,
altogether too reminiscent of the old Soviet economy. As we know
today, that particular form of centralized system didn't work all that
well in practice and, in fact, ultimately broke down. Emphasis with
that structure was on limiting distribution, rather than on maximizing
the creation of goods and services. Some say that this old highly
centralized model of economic control remains alive and well today --
not in Moscow but, rather, within our own radio regulatory agencies."
See
http://www.interesting-people.org/archives/interesting-people/199507/msg000
23.html for the complete talk.

Baran foresaw the future. Only three months later ISOC, on October 1
1995, issued a plan by which it proposed to take control of domain
names.

http://dns.vrx.net/news/by_date/old/1995/Oct/isocplan.html">http://dns.vrx.
net/news/by_date/old/1995/Oct/isocplan.html

There followed the DNS wars. the IAHC, the Green paper, the White
paper, New co, IFWP and in October of 1998 ICANN. They were a battle
royal over the DNS which had become the sole single point of failure
for the Internet.  Among the key architects of ICANN were Vint Cerf,
John Patrick, Mike Roberts, Larry Landweber, Dave Farber and Scott
Bradner.

The ICANN that was created was precisely what Baran had warned against
39 months before. It bore a "regulatory mentality [that] tend[ed] to
think in terms of a centralized control structure. Emphasis with that
structure was on limiting distribution, rather than on maximizing the
creation of goods and services. As we know today, that particular form
of centralized system didn't work all that well in practice and, in
fact, ultimately broke down."

On March 18, 2002 David J. Farber, Peter G. Neumann, and Lauren
Weinstein issued a manifesto http://www.pfir.org/statements/icann
acknowledging the breakdown that Baran had warned against. It began

"Despite its best efforts, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names
and Numbers (ICANN) has proven overall to be a failed experiment in
Internet policy development, implementation, and management. ICANN's
lack of meaningful representation, and its continuing pattern of
drastic and seemingly arbitrary structural and policy changes (among
other shortcomings), have created an unstable and suspicion-ridden
environment that is detrimental to the interests of the vast majority
of Internet users around the world. The resulting overly politicized
situation not only threatens the stability of the Internet itself, but
also invites drastic and undesirable interventions by a variety of
vested interests."

They concluded: "First, as an immediate temporary measure, all
Internet policy, operational, and other Internet-related functions
currently performed by ICANN should be transferred, as soon as
practicable while maintaining continuity, to a different, already
existing non-profit organization (or organizations) on a
non-permanent, strictly stewardship basis. One potential candidate we
would suggest considering for this role would be the Internet
Architecture Board (IAB), although there are a range of other
possibilities of course. The process to plan and begin a transfer of
responsibilities from ICANN should be initiated immediately."

"Next, we recommend that an intensive, international study be started
at once, with a mandate to propose detailed and meaningful paths for
the Internet's development, operations, and management."

"Our third recommended step would be for the results of this study to be
carefully considered and, as deemed appropriate, to be implemented.
Internet-related functions would be transferred from the temporary
stewardship organization(s) to the entities developed from the study
results."

Put quite simply their manifesto shows they haven't pondered Paul
Baran's prophecy of June 1995. For they are proposing yet again to
create a set of central control structures for the Internet where none
are needed. And where by their own admission the first Internet
administrator offered but a "continuing pattern of drastic and
seemingly arbitrary structural and policy changes (among other
shortcomings), [that] have created an unstable and suspicion-ridden
environment." They now ask for permission to go out and do it all over
again.

They miss however the absolutely key point. What they did then, and
are getting ready to do again, by proposing ICANN 2 is shaped by their
control oriented view of the world. The phrase that was on many
peoples lips including Dave Farber's in the mid 90s: the Internet may
need to have "adult supervision" imposed upon it. ICANN was
constructed to do just that.  This is the paternalistic concept behind
computer networks of the ARPAnet era. An internetwork ... that is to
say a network of networks can have no central controller. TCP/IP
pushed verifiable end- to-end connectivity into the hands of the users
and made it possible to do away with central control. Vint Cerf
doesn't understand what he and Kahn did. And now Dave Farber, having
been one of the primary builders of the original ICANN, admits that
the first effort to bring the Internet under central control has
failed. Sadly, like the kid with his finger in the dike trying to hold
back the onrush of the North Sea, he proposes yet another study group
of elite industry and academic vested-interests to do over again what
he and EDUCAUSE and ISOC and IANA tried to do in 1998. The 1998
attempt failed. So will the 2002 attempt. So will the attempt of 2006.

You cannot adequately grasp what is at stake without an understanding
of the end to end architecture of the net. I can't emphasize this too
much because I am amazed at my own slowness to grasp these fundamental
issues.  The 1984 Saltzer, Reed, Clark paper first pointed them
out. They have been built on by Larry Lessig and Yochai Benkler. In
particular, I recommend the Benkler paper below.

 From Consumers to Users
http://www.law.indiana.edu/fclj/pubs/v52/no3/benkler1.pdf

Consider Benkler's statement: "Today, as the Internet and the
digitally networked environment present us with a new set of
regulatory choices, it is important to set our eyes on the right
prize. That prize is not the Great Shopping Mall in Cyberspace. That
prize is the Great Agora -- the unmediated conversation of the many
with the many."

If you place commerce as the most important priority of the Internet,
you are inviting outside regulation. Government may regulate
commerce. But it may not regulate speech -- the Great Agora. ICANN has
been underwritten by the GIP to make the Internet safe for global
commerce. While one cannot and should not attempt to ban commerce from
the Internet, one can also act to ensure that the Internet is not
surrendered to those who wish to use it not for many to many
communication but to build a better shopping mall. ICANN is there to
empower the Great Shopping Mall in Cyberspace. Any Farber, (PFIR)
inspired ICANN progeny will be there to do the same. Deal with it
people. PFIR's Overcoming ICANN essay merely proposes that a new group
of central architects come together to construct the Really Great
Shopping Mall in Cyberspace. ICANN failed because it was built in a
darkened smoke filled room. The ICANN for the Really Great Shopping
Mall in Cyberspace will try to use open meetings involved in the
National Academy process to put window dressing over a structure that
will drafted behind the scenes by the very interests who are horrified
that something like the Internet could exist without being under their
control. If you want the Agora and what Benkler calls users, and you
do not want consumers and the shopping mall, stay far away from the
Farber, Weinstein, Neuman effort. Removing ICANN is fine. It should
indeed be done immediately. But the rest of the prescription is
unneeded. The Internet has never been a monolithic unity.  There never
needed to be an authority to give permission to communicate.  Given
the many kinds networks that choose to connect to the Internet, it has
never been possible to reach from one point every single other point
on the Internet. Nevertheless, the Internet still works just fine
thank you.  The Overcoming ICANN manifesto hints at all manner of
sinister disasters waiting to happen. And yes those who favor the
total control model, the adult supervision model and the Really Great
Shopping Mall have reason to be afraid. Their vision is breaking apart
as it should.

The rest of us have no reason to fear. Not, as long as we wake up,
look at what the architecture is telling us and vote with our DNS for
the inclusive roots. The "adult" supervisors fooled us once. We now
have plenty of evidence not to let them fool us again. Should they do
so we would have proven ourselves to be the children they perceive us
to be. We must not permit them to replicate their previous errors, but
send them back instead to study the wisdom of the inventor of the
packets that started it all - Paul Baran.


The COOK Report on Internet, 431 Greenway Ave, Ewing, NJ 08618 USA (609)
882-2572 (phone & fax) mailto:cook@cookreport.com
Subscription info & prices at
http://cookreport.com/subscriptions.shtml">http://cookreport.com/subscripti
ons.shtml
Summary of content for 10 years http://cookreport.com/past_issues.shtml

The Future of the Industry - Googin & Odlyzko on telco viability - April,
May issue available at http://cookreport.com/11.02.shtml


Judith Oppenheimer
http://JudithOppenheimer.com
http://ICBTollFreeNews.com
212 684-7210, 1 800 The Expert

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 21 Mar 2002 14:59:41 -0500
From: Monty Solomon <monty@roscom.com>
Subject: Global Body Approves Version of Bluetooth Standard


Mar 21, 2002 01:17 PM

LOS ANGELES, March 21 (Reuters) - A global panel that sets electronics
standards has approved its own version of Bluetooth technology for
short-range wireless networks, the organization said on Thursday,
paving the way for wider acceptance of the standard that links cell
phones, computers and other devices.

The Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, an international
body that sets the standards for a range of electrical and electronic
systems, said its 802.15.1 standard for wireless personal area
networks is fully compatible with the Bluetooth 1.1 standard promoted
by an industry group.


http://finance.lycos.com/home/news/story.asp?story=26572818

------------------------------

From: diazville@yahoo.com (Diazville)
Subject: Comdial DSUII CFOS
Date: 21 Mar 2002 12:39:36 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


Tech Tips
TT #DSU000002 February, 2000
Product Line DSUII
Software Revisions 3A and above
Issue CFOS  Resolution  System Requirements:

1. Abandon Hold Release must be set to 350 msec on each line. To
verify this setting, from station 10 or 12, go to base level
programming, enter 38 and enter in each line port. The LED's should be
off for the 350 msec setting. If the LED's are on, this indicates
Abandoned Hold Release is set to 50 msec.

2. Disconnect Supervision must be turned on for all lines.

3. This feature will not work on phone model type 8112N, and 8212N.
   Activate CFOS in the system

1. From station 10 or 12, go to base level programming.
2. Dial 17, for Station Features.
3. Dial 14, for System CFOS.
4. Press 1 to enable this feature.
5. Press ** to return to the Configuration mode.
    Activate CFOS on the station port
1. From the Configuration mode, dial 53 for station feature.
2. Dial 42 for station CFOS.
3. Enter in the two digit station port number, that will be utilizing
he CFOS feature (ie. 10-57).
4. Press *** Speaker to exit programming.
   Activate CFOS on the telephone station
1. Press the Intercom button and dial *07.
2. Press the button on the phone to be programmed for CFOS.
3. Enter in the path for CFOS to dial out on by either: pressing a
   line button, dialing 0 for the prime
   line or last line used, or dialing 1-4 for the respective line group.
4. Dial in the telephone number where the call will be CFOS'd.
5. Press the Hold button or the Tap button for a pause, if necessary.
6. Press the Speaker button.

NOTE: If the station has hunt linking to another station, the outside
CO line will CFOS, but internal calls will follow the hunt link 
   programming.

To Cancel CFOS
1. Press the Intercom button, and dial #07.
2. Press the Speaker button.

------------------------------

From: Dave Phelps <tippenring@deadspam.com>
Subject: Re: Cisco ATA 186 and Panasonic KX-T61610 Switching System
Date: Wed, 20 Mar 2002 20:52:09 -0600
Organization: Posted via Supernews, http://www.supernews.com


The editor brings up a good point. I was assuming you were using line
buttons on each phone. If you are using trunk groups, you need to make
sure that the trunk ports connected to the FXS's are in a separate
trunk group from your POTS. If you use line buttons, just label your
new buttons appropriately.

In article <telecom20.199.12@telecom-digest.org>, fedor@octet.com says:

> Dave Phelps <tippenring@deadspam.com> wrote in message
> news:<telecom20.195.3@telecom-digest.org>:

>> Hmm. How about this. Forget the FXS and FXO stuff. If the ATA186
>> provides
>> a dialtone and provides ringing, then connect it to a
>> trunk port on the Pana.  
>> Well actually that was my original
>> plan ... but I wasn`t sure that it will work well cause that's
>> not exactly my specialty. So thanks for the advice. 

>> [TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: The only thing wrong with that 
>> suggestion is if the Panasonic either randomly connects extension
>> users to an outside trunk or connects extension users to outside 
>> in rotation through the available trunks, then some of the employees
>> will unwittingly get placed on in appropriate outside lines for
>> their calls. After all, the Panasonic doesn't (or shouldn't) know
>> one line from another. Can you place the 'special' line(s) in a
>> restricted group where users have to dial a special code to use
>> them? For example, caller making a 'regular' outside call dials
>> '9' normally and a trunk is selected for him. Caller desiring to
>> use the 'special'  lines dials a 'special' code. For instance on
>> my old PBX years ago, I used '82' for selective picking of an
>> outside line, and '9' to pick just any line. I got an outside
>> line either way, but overrode the PBX making the choice for
>> me. You need to do that also, to avoid having the Panasonic make
>> the choices for lines you don't want it to choose.  PAT]


Dave Phelps
Phone Masters Ltd.
deadspam=tippenring

------------------------------

From: Jerry Minio <jminio@nyc.rr.com>
Subject: RFP's for New York Area
Date: Thu, 21 Mar 2002 02:41:51 GMT
Organization: Road Runner - NYC


My request is to bid on any new RFP's for IT projects in the New York
Metropolitan Area. My question is "Are there any RFP Request's that
would require WAN's or Disaster Recovery?

Thanks,

Jerry

------------------------------

From: ahornig@yipes.com (ande)
Subject: TV1 or Serial Component Video Service
Date: 20 Mar 2002 16:11:24 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com/


Does anyone know how these are architectured ?

------------------------------

Date: Wed, 20 Mar 2002 19:51:43 -0500
From: Marcus Didius Falco <Marcus_D_Falco@yahoo.com>
Subject: Wireless Faces Spectrum Shortfall


Edupage, March 20, 2002

Government administrators are looking for 120 MHz of free spectrum in
the airwaves for the telecommunications industry, which said it needs
the extra capacity for new high-speed wireless Internet
services. Previously, industry officials had asked for as much as 200
MHz but lowered the requested amount after the Sept. 11 attacks
because most of that spectrum seems likely to come at the military's
expense, which would have to relocate its resources to different
spectrum. Pentagon leaders have said they must be allocated the same
amount of capacity elsewhere, and the Bush administration has proposed
using the monies from the sale of the airwaves to pay for that
relocation. Currently, the burden for assessing the situation and
finding a resolution falls on the FCC and the Commerce Department's
National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).
(Reuters, 18 March 2002)

------------------------------

From: Pete Romfh <promfh@texas.net>
Subject: Outlook Interface to Avaya Conference System
Organization: Giganews.Com - Premium News Outsourcing
Date: Thu, 21 Mar 2002 02:17:14 GMT


We're looking at upgrading our Avaya Conference bridge
and the new Outlook conference scheduling application has
been proposed. So far, our Avaya people can't provide us the
name of a company that has this product in and working.

If you have an ACS with the Outlook scheduling package
I'd sure like to hear about your experience with the product.


Pete Romfh,
Houston, TX
promfh@texas.net

------------------------------

Date: Wed, 20 Mar 2002 21:36:31 -0500
From: dhorvath@cobs.com (David B. Horvath, CCP)
Subject: More Companies For the Business Directory


More companies for the business directory:  I may have submitted these
before, but they keep advertising...

HUMAN GROWTH HORMONE (HGH)???: Call us Toll Free at 1-888-248-4571,
Offer expires April 7th, 2002

(SPAM mailings) For immediate assistance contact World Reach
Corporation (An Authorized reseller and distributor of Empire Towers
Technology solutions), toll free at 1-800-877-1978


David


[TELECOM Digest Editor's Note: David, maybe the problem is they are
not kept busy enough answering the phones. Maybe some of our readers
will keep them a bit more occupied in the future.   PAT]

------------------------------

End of TELECOM Digest V20 #200
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