In article ,
"Joseph Meehan" wrote:

I believe (at least in my area) the outdoor box where the homeowner's
lines connect to the providers lines has an earth ground requirement.

All protectors are (supposed to be) grounded. The latest practice is 10-gauge
solid copper of minimum length to the premises' multi-grounded neutral system.

I have no idea off hand if any
ground is carried into the home.

Not anymore. It was YEARS ago, but only to facilitate multi-party ringing
service and, later, a dial-light circuit. I don't know if the phone chassis
used those grounds or not.
--

JR