[GTALUG] Landline and Bell revisited.

[James Knott]

On 2023-09-07 11:51, Don Tai wrote:
> Karen is not alone. Accommodations are needed for the good of the 
> greater society. I also see this in our election system as well. We 
> must not leave anyone behind. We are smart, we just need to find an 
> adequate solution.

I am having trouble understanding what her issue is.  She complains 
about whatever service is provided, claiming that she has to have an 
analog phone line.  As I mentioned, the entire phone network has been 
digital for decades, more recently over IP.  The basic "toll quality" 
digital call uses a G.711 CODEC, which has been in use for over 50 
years.  This provides a standard voice channel, with specified frequency 
response and noise level, etc..  She has no doubt had many, many calls 
using it.  There is no difference in G.711, whether delivered via TDM or 
IP.  It's a standard CODEC.  Why is she hearing something different?  As 
I mentioned, other CODECs have been used.  The 2G and 3G phones used 
CODECs designed to squeeze multiple channels into the bandwidth of an 
analog cell call.  These could cause audio distortion.  These days, the 
trend is in the opposite direction, with the CODECs providing better 
than toll quality calls.  You may see terms such as HD Voice with them. 
This provides greater bandwidth than toll quality, over both "land line" 
and cell phone calls, which means more life like and natural call quality.

Now, assuming she is able to get an analog line.  It is unlikely to go 
back to the Bell office and will terminate somewhere near her home.  
There is absolutely no difference in what is delivered, as it will be 
copper to the point where the call is converted to digital with G.711 or 
better CODEC.  Same with services that are digital to the hojme, either 
over fibre or coax cable.  Digital is digital is digital, with the only 
difference being IP or the old TDM.  So, where is her problem occurring?