atcomsystems.ca/forum Forums General General Telephone & Systems Information Have dial tone, but Can't dial out - Why? From a consumer

Hello

I'm merely a land telephone service consumer. I found this forum while searching for an answer to a question on Google. I'd be grateful if someone here would be good enough to give me an explanation.

I moved into this apartment building in New Jersey about 2 years ago, and have been getting telephone service (land line) through Verizon since then. There were no problems with the telephone service for about a year. Then, the problem started.

About once a month, when I pick up the phone, there is a dial tone, but when I dial numbers, the dial tone doesn't go away. This condition lasts for a day or two, then the problem disappears for no apparent reason.

I had reported the problem to Verizon almost every time. But, each time, the problem cleared itself before Verizon's scheduled repair visit.

It happened again this past weekend. It probably started on Saturday - didn't notice it until Sunday. I scheduled a Verizon repair for Tuesday. Then the problem disappeared late Sunday evening, so I cancelled the Verizon repair visit. Verizon then calls me on Tuesday morning to tell me that the problem with inside wiring has been fixed, but that there will be no charge. Did they fix it on a Sunday evening?

I checked my 2 telephones to be sure that they are set to tone-dial.
During the first few occurrences of this problem, I had tried moving the telephones to different jacks, to no avail. Now, I just leave the phones alone and wait for the problem to disappear.

I'm not sure about this, but, I think, on one occasion, the problem disappeared immediately after I Received a call. (No, I don't have a cell phone to call myself with, drats!)

What is the cause of this? I wish I could have it fixed once and for all! Is the problem undoubtedly with my telephones or the inside wiring upto and including the "boxes in the basement"?

Thanks

Is the dial tone normal level and clear? You say the dial tone doesn't go away, if you have touch tone can you hear the tones? That's the only questions I can think of at the moment. There is a test call a 5 point test that may be helpful, but as you stated it's hard to find something that isn't broke. So if it's working when they get there it may pass the test. May still be worth while if they will do it, have them test from DEMARC unless you have wiring maintenance with them.

Do you know of any other residents of the apartment complex having the same trouble?
Also, check with apartment manager to find this out and if Verizon has been to the complex but not nessesarily to your apartment.
One more thing..try to keep an accurate record of when service was available and then not available.
Next time in contact with Verizon service, mention the call in possibly clearing the problem. If that info ever gets to a tech it will mean something.

Keep us informed.

Kind of tough to troubleshoot an intermittent issue. To me it sounds like a co line card issue, though I have seen crossed lines cause the same trouble. I agree with grider as well, keep as much info as you can for the techs to troubleshoot with. Check with building managemnt to see who maintains the buildings inside wireing..they may be responsible for the wiring to your apartment. Also if you have internet access next time you have the trouble you can run a test using verizons website, that may help you as well...good luck

Thanks for the advice. I'll keep this thread bookmarked.

When I have the problem, the dial tone sounds normal. I hear the key tones when I hit the number buttons - together with the dial tone.

Next time the problem happens, I hope it lasts long enough. So far, I haven't been able to get a repair appointment earlier than 2 days away (Once, the problem started on a Friday and lasted all the way to Monday. A verizon tech did call on Tuesday, but nothing was done.)

Try the remote test suggested by Anthony. If you can't break the DT it either has to be low line current or a bad card in the switch as stated, I can't think of anything else off the top of my head that would cause it, that wouldn't also affect the quality of the line. As in how it sounds to you.

Also, when you notice the problem, try switching your phone to pulse and dial a number. That should prove or eliminate your phones as the problem. If you can't even pulse dial, let Verizon know that too.

Even if it was crossed lines you still should be able to break dial tone on both of them. This isn't a wiring problem (your wiring) and since you have several telephones the chances of all having the same problem is impossible.

This is most definitely a Verizon central office problem. They shouldn't even have to send someone out to you.

About all you can do is keep complaining. Have you tried to switch your phones to pulse dialing when this happens? Old fashioned pulse dialing is always there and may work. If it doesn't either then you have another clue to give Verizon.

-Hal

Ha ha! Looks like Junkman and I type at the same time and think alike. :toast:

-Hal

Yup, loop current or the OE. Unless the ckt is part of a "Pair Gain" system. Then the problem will be the channel unit in the RT... or at least that is what the CO tech will swear. "Trouble's leaving here fine!"