Callers tell you the phone just rings and rings or they hear a recording or fax tones. Meanwhile, on your end, your phone doesn't ring at all. Clearly there's a problem.
There are a number of things you can check to solve this problem.
There are some common and easy-to-fix problems you can check:
If you've checked off all the points in the previous section and are still having trouble receiving calls, you can check your network service at the network telephone box (NID) on your property, using a standard landline phone.
Note: If you live in an apartment, ask your building manager for assistance.
If you DO NOT hear a dial tone when testing for service at the network box, or if the tone is faint or intermittent, then the problem is with our equipment. Request a repair visit through Troubleshooter, and we will send out a technician. You will not be charged for the technician's visit.
If you DO hear a clear dial tone at the network box, that means the service is fine and there must be a problem inside with your wiring or equipment. See the next section for some ways to check your equipment.
A problem with your phone, cords or jacks could be why calls aren't reaching you. There are some fairly easy ways to check the equipment inside your home:
To test your jacks:
You should hear a clear, strong dial tone when you test each jack. If you don't, and no other equipment is plugged in, you may have a problem with your inside wiring. Learn how to get your inside wiring repaired.
If you do hear a clear, strong tone, then continue to plug in additional equipment, one thing at a time, and listen each time. When you hear the noise again, you'll know you've either reached the maximum capacity for that line or the last piece of equipment you connected is causing interference. Try moving that equipment to a different line. If you're finding interference but don't want to unplug the offending piece of equipment, try installing a radio suppresser or radio/noise filter on your line.
If people report getting a recorded message when they call your number, they may be hearing a message associated with one of your calling features.
The party you are calling does not accept blocked calls. If you are calling from a blocked number, hang up, press *82 and redial.
Your call has been completed. However, the party you are calling is not receiving calls at this time.
Learn more about calling features that block calls and how to manage them.
Check for outages
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Troubleshoot problems with your home phone or internet service.
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