Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!sdd.hp.com!ucsd!casbah.acns.nwu.edu!accuvax.nwu.edu!nucsrl!telecom-request From: rborow@bcm1a09.attmail.com Newsgroups: comp.dcom.telecom Subject: Re: AT&T Cordless Phones, Security, Flexible Antennas Message-ID: <16507@accuvax.nwu.edu> Date: 28 Jan 91 18:27:55 GMT Sender: news@accuvax.nwu.edu Organization: TELECOM Digest Lines: 53 Approved: Telecom@eecs.nwu.edu X-Submissions-To: telecom@eecs.nwu.edu X-Administrivia-To: telecom-request@eecs.nwu.edu X-Telecom-Digest: Volume 11, Issue 76, Message 5 of 9 Michael Ho had queried about flexible antennas for cordless phones. I, too, have seen them. My father has one on his Panasonic two-line cordless, and let me tell you that phone has way too many static problems! I don't know if it's the antenna or the phone itself (methinks it's the combination of both); nevertheless, the clarity leaves much to be desired. Basically, the question of flexible antennas is a matter of personal preference. I am not a technician, nor do I admit to having much knowledge of this realm of telecommunications; however, most of the people whom I know prefer the regular, metal, retractable antennas. Re: AT&T's security code for its cordless phones: the higher model numbers (5300, 5400, 5500 series, etc.) have many more security channels available. From what I know, these models scramble a security code every time you put the phone in its base or hang up. I have never been the victim of mysterious calls (even when I had AT&T's atrocious 4000 series cordless phones), nor have I ever known anyone who experienced this problem. Anyone out there ever been the victim, or know someone who has been a victim, of such? I'm curious to know. BTW, one unrelated item of interest: several issues ago, our esteemed Moderator explained about Illinois Bell's accomplishments (first in....., etc.). I would just like to give credit where credit is due. We all, including myself, too often complain about telcos: their reps, policies, etc. While I sometimes wish Illinois Bell would do this or that differently, I commend their people with whom I have dealt. I continue to be amazed at their technological advancements, accomplishments, nifty little telecommunications toys (Caller ID, auto ringback, call screening, etc.). One problem, though: I wish in my home area all this stuff was available. It seems like in Pat's it already is up and running. So far, all we have of the new stuff is distinctive ringing. I can't wait for the Caller ID, ringback, and screening. My harassing calls are getting more than annoying. Randy Borow Rolling Meadows, IL. [Moderator's Note: Several years ago I knew someone whose idea of a good time on Saturday night was to take a cordless handset and go out 'cruising for dial tone'. He'd drive around in his car and whenever dial tone was heard he'd stop and make a call or two. Real upstanding character. Regards CLASS in 708/312: It was just about two months ago that we were able to order *some* features. I have Call Screening and for all I know may still be the only subscriber or one of the few in the Chicago-Rogers Park office to have it. The business office is still not actively marketing it. About 70-80 percent of 312 is now equipped, and a somewhat smaller percentage of 708. Just keep asking for it. :) PAT]