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Panasonic KX-T vs. Panasonic DBS

Panasonic KX-T vs. Panasonic DBS
Until 2003, Panasonic had two competing phone system divisions. The product lines were designed by different people, sold by different people, and were even made in different countries. It seemed strange to us, but apparently someone important preferred it this way.

AbleComm concentrates on the Panasonic KX-T phone system product line, but we also sell phones for DBS systems.

Phone equipment with model numbers beginning with "KX-T" is the responsibility of Kyushu Matsushita Electric Co. ("KME"), based in Fukuoka, Japan.

Products are made in Japan, Wales, and perhaps other countries. In the US, they are distributed by Panasonic's Communication Systems Division ("CSD"). Many people refer to the organization by its former name, Business Telephone Systems Dep't ("BTS").

Panasonic is a huge, constantly shifting, bureaucracy.

On July 23, 2003, Panasonic said that KX-T phone systems "are marketed in the United States by the Panasonic Business Solutions Group of the Enterprise Sales Group of Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company." 

Just one day later, they said the products are "marketed by the Commercial and Residential Solutions Group of the Panasonic Appliance and Commercial Group of Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company."

Next, it might Sony or Viacom.

 Phone equipment with model numbers beginning with "VB"  is the responsibility of Matsushita Communication Industrial Co. ("MCIC"), based in Yokohama, Japan.

Products for the US market were made in the US, and distributed by Panasonic's Digital Business Systems division ("DBS").

Panasonic stopped American DBS production and distribution at the end of March, 2003.

DBS repair work is now handled by the same facility that does KX-T repairs, in Suwanee, GA. Phone number is 770 338-6550.

Some DBS equipment continued to be made in Japan, and distributed in the US by Abrivo Communications, which was formed by two former DBS executives.