Public telecoms networks. Is the UK on the right line?

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.<>