Telephone Repair Advice

Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share
1

I have a question about my phone.

Brief Details:

I live in an older house, built in 1931. I live in a smaller town outside of Houston Texas. I do not use Southwestern Bell but another company.

Last week my phone started having a lot of static and you had to click the receiver over and over MANY times then you might get a dial tone. I could not receive calls (it just forwarded straight to my voice mail) No ringing.

So, I called the phone company and they told me to unplug the phone for 15 min. to see if it would clear and also go outside and plug a phone in the jack available to see if the line was clear there. Well, the wiring is so old it is just a metal box on the house with the wires hanging out underneath… no jack.

So, I told them that and they said fine they would send a technician. Also, because of that I should not be chareg a fee even if the problem was inside.

He showed up the next day. Came back to the door about 30 min later and said that it is all clear now, but it may be an inside problem and I would have to call back, and I would of course be charged.

Well, he added a little plastic cover over the wires and box and what ever else he did… but anyway there was no more static, I could make and receive calls.

Sunday it rained. Monday morning I woke up discovered no phone. But not only that… there was NO electricity going to the phone. Normally if you do not pay your phone bill and it is “disconnected” when you pick up the phone the buttons still make a tone. My phone was dead. No tones, nothing.

So, I have cable modem and I instant messaged my friend to call them for me. They said they would be here today. Well, 2:40 and still no technician. I went next door and called and they said it would be before 5pm. So, at 4:45 I call again. They say before 5:30.

Then at 6pm I call and they tell me a technician said it was an inside problem.

First off— NO ONE CAME BY! But besides that, yeah and so what? Is there outside techs and inside techs? Can they tell this information with out coming to the house? I mean from looking in to the lines? When I called the other day they said there had been trouble in my area.

Does it seem logical that the rain could have caused a short, and so wouldn’t that be outside?

I have agoraphobia and I am on disability. I do not have extra money for them to fix this. Evidently to come out is $50.00.

Also, I rent the house. I never bother my landlord with petty things because I have lived here 3 years with no increase on my rent. But is this there responsibility or mine.

I am sorry this is so long. I have a difficult time going places in the first place, then to go back and fourth with this is ridiculous and also I am getting really annoyed. I am paying for service and can not use the phone. Also, not having a phone increases my anxiety. I am getting so many different responses from them, but todays topped them all.

If anyone has any info on phones or suggestions please respond.
Thanks in advance

2

But is this* their** responsibility or mine.

Also, I wanted to add the phone company does not have an outside emailing system.

They ask for a contact number (my phone does not work!) and I do not have a cell phone.

They told me a tech would call me tomorrow after 10 am.
Uh huh, sure thats possible :rolleyes:

3

My only suggestion is to check and make sure on the off chance that you don’t have an “inside wiring” service plan, that you pay a little extra for every month on your local phone bill (in my area it’s called “Linebacker”). I remember from a prior conversation on this boards that this is generally a rip off, but if you happen to have it, you’re in the clear, no charge.

4

Moisture on the line can cause lots of problems.
And phone companies will try to get away with telling you that it is not their problem.
They can check there end to make sure that you are getting service from them. Dial tone to the D-mark, but after that they have to come out and check the lines.
Look into the linebacker because if you live in an older house with old wiring, a trailer or out in the sticks it can be a blessing.
Do you know anybody a bit more aggressive that you would trust to call them on this?
You need to find out who is responsible for major household repair. If the house needs to be re-wired for normal phone use you just might have to call the landlord.
I will ask my friend that I used to work with at the phone repair company if he has any ideas.
I was just dispatch and did pick up a little here and there but not enough to give more advice than I have. Sorry.
Hopefully someone will come along soon to help more. Good luck

5

The first service call was probably to update your wiring, check it ut and see if the wires are plugged in now. Anyways from that point on to the phone is your responsibility and they will charge for any work done. You can get a replacement phone pretty cheap at Walmart or whatever other store is in your area, or you can borrow your neighbors phone and plug it in at your service entry nto see if it will work. Since your wiring is old it could be the problem, now a days everything just plugs in so updating it won’t be much of a bother, you can do it your self. Hey, remember the Douglas’ phone? things can always be worse.

6

If you’re renting, I’d call the landlord and let them deal with it. I think part of renting includes working utilities- heat, hot water, etc.