AboutSpencer Holcombe Expertise Hi, thanks for checking me out, I have several years in the telecom industry, working for Pacific Telephone,American Bell,AT&T,AT&T Communications,AT&T Information Systems, and Pacific Bell-SBC. I can answer most questions regarding Telephones,wiring,jacks,PBX, Local and Long Distance,Billing,Custom calling services, Customer Service,and Fraud. I can`t answer Cellular questions.
Expert: Spencer Holcombe Date: 6/4/2007 Subject: USA Telecommunication Infrastructure
Question Hey there,
I am wondering who owns the telecommunication lines that run across the USA. I am researching the topic of Network Neutrality, and I am interested in finding out who has control over the specific cables that Internet traffic goes through to get from the serving website to the home user. I suspect that several companies own their own lines in specific parts of the country, and that they have agreements with other telecommunications companies who want to use their lines, but I really don't know.
Do several companies own different lines and have useage agreements with each other?
If not, how do telephone and Internet service providers allow subscribers from different companies to communicate with each other?
I realize that this is a large topic, and ANY help you can provide will be greatly appriciated.
Answer Hi Oran,
You're correct in thinking that several telecoms own their own lines, and that they have agreements with others to use and connect to them. (a good place to start, to look for info on line would be: AT&T, bell system, long lines as AT&T started the whole system of long distance communications in north america) It's changed alot since the early days,(in 1984 AT&T broke itself up, but the basic setup still applies). This is a large topic to cover here, but if you search online, using the above key words, you should not only get your questions answered but also some great insight on telecomm from its begginings thru today.
