SBC's history is just as rich as at&t's. They were a part of the original "Bell" system. The new at&t is made up of SBC, Pacific Bell, Ameritech, SNET, at&t and now BellSouth. Pacific Bell, Ameritech and BellSouth were also all original big "Bell" members. I don't think that they are being phony. They're doing what makes sense, by going by the most recognizable brand name. Everyone knows who at&t is. The name at&t has more of an impact than SBC. It is true that traditional phone lines are no longer the bread and butter of the phone company. Phone companies are still subject to federal and local regulations that cable companies and VOIP companies are not. They are required to share their networks with thier competition at (often times) below cost. With so many people using cell phones and VOIP as their primary lines, the company realizes that the real money is going to come out of business, HSIA, and "total packages". You're going to see a lot more telephony companies trying to deliver what's called the "triple play" packages. They're trying to offer HSIA & TV integrated with phone service including POTS and VOIP.
Slashdot Mirror
SBC's history is just as rich as at&t's. They were a part of the original "Bell" system. The new at&t is made up of SBC, Pacific Bell, Ameritech, SNET, at&t and now BellSouth. Pacific Bell, Ameritech and BellSouth were also all original big "Bell" members. I don't think that they are being phony. They're doing what makes sense, by going by the most recognizable brand name. Everyone knows who at&t is. The name at&t has more of an impact than SBC. It is true that traditional phone lines are no longer the bread and butter of the phone company. Phone companies are still subject to federal and local regulations that cable companies and VOIP companies are not. They are required to share their networks with thier competition at (often times) below cost. With so many people using cell phones and VOIP as their primary lines, the company realizes that the real money is going to come out of business, HSIA, and "total packages". You're going to see a lot more telephony companies trying to deliver what's called the "triple play" packages. They're trying to offer HSIA & TV integrated with phone service including POTS and VOIP.