Debate on phone system: is U.S. falling behind?

Article Abstract:

Debate in Washington has been heating up over the condition of the country's telecommunication system, and whether it poses a threat to America's industrial competitiveness. The seven regional Bell holding companies are attempting to convince congress to let them include a hike in their basic rate to allow for replacement of older equipment with fiber-optic cable and digital switching capabilities. The Bell companies warn the US telephone system will soon fall behind other countries unless the upgrades are made. The holding companies also want Congress to allow them to enter the telephone equipment manufacturing business, something they have been barred from doing by court order. Opposing the Bell companies are AT and T, as well as consumer groups and big business, all of whom charge the claims of threatened competitiveness are exaggerated.

Political activity, Design and construction, Regional Bell Operating Companies, Competition, Foreign Competition, Upgrading, Replacement Policy, Bell Regional Holding Companies

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U.S. bars a Soviet phone deal; fiber-optic system by U S West called a risk to security

Article Abstract:

The United States Department of Commerce has told US West Inc that the government opposes its proposed $500 million fiber-optic telecommunications system that would run across the Soviet Union and link Japan with Europe. The Commerce Department cited national security reasons and indicated that it would be oppose the release of any high-speed telecommunications transmission technology to the Soviet Union by any country. US West is leading an international consortium that is planning to build a system that would carry international calls and computer data between Japan and Europe and provide long-distance service within the Soviet Union. The consortium had agreed on safeguards that would prevent the use of the telecommunications system for military or intelligence purposes.

United States, Laws, regulations and rules, Contracts, Political aspects, International trade, U S WEST Inc., USW, United States foreign relations, Soviet foreign relations, Soviet Union, United States. Department of Commerce, Activism, Political protest, Technology transfer, International communication, Political Issue, International Communications

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The phone company untangles its lifelines

Article Abstract:

Telephone companies are using sophisticated and expensive computers in digital cross-connect systems to relay and sort telephone calls around severed cables and central office breakdowns. These new systems, which represented a market of about $425 million in 1989, are more expensive than older systems, but new equipment will save money by improving the reliability of equipment. Modern digital cross-connect systems, which can simultaneously break apart more than 100 signals of 672 lines apiece, cost around $500,000. Vendors believe that systems capable of handling 20,000 signals will become available in the 1990s.

Communications Equipment, Usage, Innovations, Computer industry, Equipment and supplies, Telephone companies, Telecommunications equipment industry, Exhibitions, Technology application, Telephone equipment, Telecommunication switching equipment, Telecommunications switching equipment, Telephone Company, Fiber Optics, Cross-Connects, Computer Museum

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