wrote:
I know I should have DSL. It's about twice that expensive here for DSL.

Is this what you have described?
http://www.inwap.com/inwap/chez/Phoneline.jpg

If so, this 30+ year old (obsolete) technology should be removed.
Best is to run a clean Cat5 wire from their new Network Interface
Device (NID) to a junction inside where all existing phone lines can
connect. Or even better, where possible, run a new Cat 5 wire to that
phone wall jack.

BTW, you wire must enter building within something like six inches of
the NID. Don't forget to create a drip loop before enters building.

This above obsolete device earths a phone line for transient
protection. That function (using superior technology) is now inside
the NID. Furthermore, this obsolete device will make DSL not possible.

Nothing magic about that obsolete protector. As it fails, it will
even create noise on POTS phones. Cut it out. Bypass it with new Cat5
wires that are even sold in Home Depot and Lowes).

Anything inside a building up to where your wire plugs into customer
side of that NID is your responsibility. And new wires must be Cat5 or
better. That obsolete transient protector is your responsibility.