On 2023-09-07 12:35, Evan Leibovitch via talk wrote:
On Thu, Sep 7, 2023 at 11:40 AM James Knott via talk <talk@gtalug.org> wrote:
 
> Bell faces human rights complaint over allegations of inaccessibility for blind customers
> https://globalnews.ca/news/9373449/bell-human-rights-complaint/

This is about what Bell is not providing, even though other companies do. However, this is current technology, not obsolete, which Karen seems to need.

I call shenanigans on that perspective.

Given the nature of our group it is natural that some here will see the issue as merely one of choice and pace of technology, but IMO it must be seen as a broader issue of problem-solving. If Karen's accessibility needs require analog service in 2023, then that service is not obsolete merely because it's convenient for Bell to declare it so. In making a transition to digital it is Bell's responsibility to either:
  • provide a complete working solution to Karen's needs that can be accomplished purely digitally
  • use whatever means required internally to maintain (what is seen in her home as) analog service
Given its regulated monopoly in last-mile connectivity, the onus is on Bell to provide a solution to the problem that it caused.

I hate sticking up for Bell or Rogers.
REALLY REALLY hate it.

But James is right our phone system has been digital for decades now and likely over 5 decades.

So the problem that Karen is facing is likely not an issue with the signal being digital but is an issue with the way the signal gets attenuated and modified by the up to several KM of twisted pair cable.

Think of this a bit like the difference between vinyl records and CDs.
Some people really dislike the much better quality and swear that their old LPs sound "warmer".

Likely Karen's problem can be cured by some appropriate signal conditioning and I would not be surprised if there were not some products out there for the hearing impaired that could to that task.

I believe that Bell/Rogers et al can be forced to keep providing existing services like my party line but they are not likely going to be forced to provide the old services to new installations.

Karen is kind of caught between a rock and a hard place.
She has moved into a new location and is trying to get an old service which Bell may not be obliged to provide.

I get the impression that Karen is also not rolling in cash so that any kind of solution that will be a major expense will be a problem.

The conversation has become stuck in the mode where some say Bell should fix everybodies problems no mater what and others are saying new tech is good no mater what.

Clearly Karen has a problem with the newer digital phones but she does not have the same problem with her old location where she was on a phone at the end of several KM of copper cable.

The question is what are the differences and how can the signal quality, or lack there of, be recreated in a digital phone line.


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