Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Could PSTN Go Away By 2018?

Posted by timothy on from the hullo-operator dept.

An anonymous reader writes "If current rates hold, only 6% of the U.S. population will still be served by the public switched telephone network by the end of 2018. Tom Evslin reports that the 'Technical Advisory Council (TAC) to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recommended last week that the FCC set a date certain for the sunset of the PSTN rather than let the service fade slowly into oblivion as it is doing now.' Since doing 'nothing' isn't really possible, he suggests: (possibly) end(ing) the Universal Service Fund subsidies, ensuring PSTN-dependent services like E911 work on new technologies, and assuring that everyone who now has PSTN service has access to either a broadband or cellular communication alternative."

2 of 305 comments (clear)

  1. a comm. alternative by just_another_sean · · Score: 5, Insightful

    and assuring that everyone who now has PSTN service has access to either a broadband or cellular communication alternative.

    I'd rather they work on making sure we have multiple broadband and communication options. I don't like the words "a" and "or" being used here.

    Not that the PSTN was much better in that regard but here we have a chance to do it right.

    --
    Creationist Textbook Stickers Declared Unconstitutional by CowboyNeal
  2. Too bad by Cornwallis · · Score: 5, Insightful

    I happen to like and trust PSTN. It just works. Always has. And it is simple. Sometimes simple is good.

    For those comparing this to the switch to digital TV - yeah, I hear you but you know what? The promise of digital TV was over-sold. The picture may be great *most of the time* (not going to discuss the programming - crap, alway was/is/will be - see "Four Arguments for the Elimination of Television" by Jerry Mander) but it isn't reliable either. My beautiful HD tv breaks up as often, if not more, than the analog signal I used to receive.

    I don't have any confidence in cell or IP service. There are too many ways to make it not work for me to feel comfortable - especially on a "dark and stormy night"...

    Luddit? Maybe. I've been an IT manager for over 20 years, use all the toys at work, but still don't trust them. Sometimes simple is good.