TELECOM@Usc-Eclb.ARPA (03/16/83)
TELECOM AM Digest Wednesday, 16 March 1983 Volume 3 : Issue 15
Today's Topics:
MCI Fiber Optics Purchase
GTE "Demon Dialer"
Direct Digital Connections
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 14 Mar 83 20:35:53 EST
From: Chuck Weinstock <Weinstock%TARTAN-20@CMU-CS-C>
Subject: MCI Fiber optics purchase
It is common knowledge (at least among rail buffs) that MCI intends to
string circuits utilizing fiber optics along the northeast corridor
right of way owned by Amtrak, as well as along the right of way of CSX
(a railroad holding company whose properties are in the Southeast,
Northeast and Midwest. They intend to shift substantial traffic from
microwaves to these channels. The railroads will share usage for
their internal signalling needs.
------------------------------
Date: 14 Mar 83 17:56:59 PST (Monday)
From: Hamilton.ES@PARC-MAXC.ARPA
Subject: GTE "Demon Dialer"
cc: Hamilton.ES@PARC-MAXC.ARPA
Didn't we just have this big discussion about how MCI, Sprint, etc.,
can't distinguish between busy, no answer, and call completion, until
they get TSPS supervision, or whatever it's called? Then how come
this month with my General Telephone phone bill I get a brochure
pushing their "Demon Dialer":
"$99.95
- Stores up to 93 phone#s, up to 55 of up to 32 digits.
- Listens for and detects both dial tones and computer access tones.
- Redials busy numbers repeatedly at high speed until it hears the phone
ring!
- Automatically redials unanswered numbers every 10 minutes for up to
10 hours!
- Plugs into any modular jack in seconds.
order toll-free 1-800-352-5151"
Is this a total crock or what?
--Bruce
------------------------------
Date: 14 March 1983 2320-mst
From: Paul Schauble <Schauble @ M.PCO.LISD.HIS>
Reply-to: Schauble%M.PCO.LISD.HIS@MIT-Multics
Subject: Direct digital connections
My last message contained the observation that someday soon we could
expect direct digital connections into the telephone network for home
computers and terminals. The basic argument is that using an analog
audio channel to carry a low rate data stream is too inefficient and
too expensive.
So, any thoughts on when this will happen? When will I be able to get
a direct digital connection to a nationwide switched network from my
home at a cost comparable to that of a second voice line? Guesses?
Also, what will that connection look like? Does anyone have any reason
to think that it won't be X.25?
Paul
------------------------------
End of TELECOM Digest
**********************
-------