Jim.Redelfs@uunet.uu.net> (06/03/91)
R. Kevin Oberman wrote: > Craig Watts of Pacific Bell is quoted > that 23% of California households have rotary phones. (First time > I've heard that number. I wonder where he got it.) That figure doesn't surprise me AT ALL. As a residence repair technician for US WEST Communications in Omaha, I still see rotary sets regularly - frequently, in fact. The fact that they are the most durable telephones ever made is certainly the primary factor to their longevity. > I wonder when COs will start dropping support for rotory phones into > electronic switches? I suspect it's coming now that tone dialing is > "free" in California. Don't hold your breath. The Telephone Company has been committed for YEARS to providing "reverse compatibility" and the above "23%" is an excellent reason. Also, I suspect that accomodating pulse dialing is one of the least sophisticated functions required of an ESS Central Office. Providing pulse capability probably doesn't increase the cost of an ESS on iota. The Nebraska Public Service Commission ordered telcos to stop charging for TouchTone(tm) several years ago. It has been long enough that I am going on foggy recollection, but I remember that they ordered our company to PROVE how much of the Local Monthly Service amount went to cover the ACTUAL cost of providing TTS - for which we were charging $1.20/line. As I recall, the best we could come up with was SEVEN CENTS!!!!! Boom! With the rap of a gavel and the stroke of a pen, everyone got it for "free"! HA! [Disclaimer: These are MY words and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and/or policies of my employer.] JR Tabby 2.2 MacNet Omaha 402-289-2899 On loan from Mrs MacWidow (1:285/14)