On the Impending Doom of the Land Line

Many of us grew up with the telephone as a central appliance in our homes, around which much energy and attention revolved. The days of the land-line telephone, however, are numbered.

1 minute read

February 7, 2014, 7:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell

Brendan Sasso and Reena Flores report on a fact of modern life that might surprise many of us born before the '90s: “In a few years, the telephone may be as outdated as the telegraph.”

The multi-media report by the National Journal examines all that’s left standing in the way of the full transition from the old land line to the new Internet Protocol (IP) network, which is the issue of which of the old telecommunications regulations should apply to the new networks. For instance, the need for 911 service to work in the event of a power outrage.

The FCC is gathering data to help decide which rules should apply or not, but the networks are ready to complete the switch and abandon the old infrastructure. Consumer advocates, however, are urging regulators to be thorough about preserving safeguards.

Read the full story: Why the Land Line Is About to Die

Thursday, February 6, 2014 in National Journal

Infrastructure Technology United States Telecommunications Internet Protocol

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