Telephone switching offices have progressed through noted types of switching such as:

• Step by Step (electromechanical)
• Panel (Several in metro areas)
• #1 Crossbar (Several in metro areas)
• #5 Crossbar
• #1 Electronic Switching System “ESS” (analog)
• #1 Electronic Switching System (digital)
• Soft switch - next generation of switch that has been available for several years, but only now are they being provisioned with the quality of service and calling features needed by the Incumbent Local Exchange Carrier (ILEC) your Local Telephone Company

All of the local switching offices in Nebraska have been converted to Digital switches and in some locations these switches have been replaced and updated with new designs that have additional abilities and features. Included in these programmable switching services are calling features such as conference calling, call forwarding, call waiting, voice mail, etc. These digital switches working in conjunction with upgraded digital transmission facilities have greatly increased the speed and efficiency of call processing.

Nebraska is one of the first states in the nation if not the first to achieve 100% digital switching. One hundred percent digital switching was achieved around 1999 when a non- digital switch co-located with a digital switch was replaced. “Greater Nebraska”, outside of metropolitan areas, had achieved 100% digital switching in the early 1990’s.

Check with your local Telephone Company and inquire about the availability of the above-mentioned services.

7/18/05