The introduction of digital telephone exchanges, among other factors, is causing telephone operators worldwide to set their standards for the new systems. The UK is following a slightly different path from most other countries. The main differences cover equipment specification and approval, and the installation, operation and maintenance of new equipment. British Telecom has opted for a strategy based largely on the hierarchical technique-a separate digital overlay network of 53 main switching networks interlinked by CCITT Number 7 signalling. The author discusses how this differs from the digital-island technique used in other countries. The UK regulatory situation, standards and administration practices are also discussed.
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