MRS. CLEAN wrote:
Do we have a phone expert in this group?

I know, silly question.

I have terrible static in my phone line. I unplugged everything,
bought a new wire phone, plugged it in, and heard the same old static.

Assuming it's my problem (phone company tells you that if it's house
wiring the meter starts running and running and running), what do I
do?

Re-wire the house?

I was thinking about ripping down the lines, blaming the city tree
pruners, then calling them out making sure phone company's connection
is proper...


Better yet just find your interface. On an older house it will just be
a terminal block with brass nuts wherever the phone line enters the
house. On a newer house or one that has had the phone service replaced
by the phone co. recently, it will be a grey plastic box outside the
house with a modular plug inside. Once you've found it, disconnect all
the field wiring in your house leaving only the service wire connected.
With the newer style grey plastic box that's done by just pulling the
modular connector out of its socket. You'll need a nutdriver or socket
to do it on the older style terminal block.

Once you've done that, take a known good working phone, and either plug
it in (to the new box) or take a short length of phone wire and a new
jack and connect it directly to the terminal block (old style.) If you
still have static, then call the phone company and tell them that you've
determined that it is definitely their problem and that you expect them
to fix it.

If you have Verizon, don't expect results however. I did this dance for
about 6 mos. and many service calls at my old place before I just gave
up and went all cellular. Those annoying radio/TV adds bragging on
their reliability make me mad all over again, they're the most
worthless, unreliable utility I've ever dealt with. (I had problems
with them at two other places I've lived, as well.)

nate

--
replace "roosters" with "cox" to reply.
http://members.cox.net/njnagel

Do we have a phone expert in this group?

I know, silly question.

I have terrible static in my phone line. I unplugged everything,
bought a new wire phone, plugged it in, and heard the same old static.

Assuming it's my problem (phone company tells you that if it's house
wiring the meter starts running and running and running), what do I
do?

Re-wire the house?

I was thinking about ripping down the lines, blaming the city tree
pruners, then calling them out making sure phone company's connection
is proper...

On Mar 9, 11:33 am, Nate Nagel wrote:
MRS. CLEAN wrote:
Do we have a phone expert in this group?

I know, silly question.

I have terrible static in my phone line. I unplugged everything,
bought a new wire phone, plugged it in, and heard the same old static.

Assuming it's my problem (phone company tells you that if it's house
wiring the meter starts running and running and running), what do I
do?

Re-wire the house?

I was thinking about ripping down the lines, blaming the city tree
pruners, then calling them out making sure phone company's connection
is proper...

Better yet just find your interface. On an older house it will just be
a terminal block with brass nuts wherever the phone line enters the
house. On a newer house or one that has had the phone service replaced
by the phone co. recently, it will be a grey plastic box outside the
house with a modular plug inside. Once you've found it, disconnect all
the field wiring in your house leaving only the service wire connected.
With the newer style grey plastic box that's done by just pulling the
modular connector out of its socket. You'll need a nutdriver or socket
to do it on the older style terminal block.

Once you've done that, take a known good working phone, and either plug
it in (to the new box) or take a short length of phone wire and a new
jack and connect it directly to the terminal block (old style.) If you
still have static, then call the phone company and tell them that you've
determined that it is definitely their problem and that you expect them
to fix it.

If you have Verizon, don't expect results however. I did this dance for
about 6 mos. and many service calls at my old place before I just gave
up and went all cellular. Those annoying radio/TV adds bragging on
their reliability make me mad all over again, they're the most
worthless, unreliable utility I've ever dealt with. (I had problems
with them at two other places I've lived, as well.)

nate

--
replace "roosters" with "cox" to reply.http://members.cox.net/njnagel- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Disconnect at box.

Hook up new wire phone, dial one number, and see if you hear noise.

If I heard noise, then I tell them that I ran the test, I know it's
you, and now fix it.

If the line is clear coming from pole to house.....

What do I do?

I think I am following so far, but stumped if the noise is in the
house. BTW, the wires were stretched on the outside coming into the
house when tree trimming, and the noise started thereafter.

I understand that I still must isolate and troubleshoot.

Thanks, Nate, and I am sorry you were screwed by verizon. I'm screwed
by Home Cheapo often so I know what it's like.

"MRS. CLEAN" wrote in message
oups.com...
Do we have a phone expert in this group?

I know, silly question.

I have terrible static in my phone line. I unplugged everything,
bought a new wire phone, plugged it in, and heard the same old static.

Assuming it's my problem (phone company tells you that if it's house
wiring the meter starts running and running and running), what do I
do?

Re-wire the house?

I was thinking about ripping down the lines, blaming the city tree
pruners, then calling them out making sure phone company's connection
is proper...

Many years ago my parents had an on-going problem with interference and
static on their phone line. It turned out to be squirrels were gnawing on
the lines at the pole and had chewed away insulation. It never was fixed
till the phone company finally replaced a major line that supplied the
neighborhood.

MRS. CLEAN wrote:
On Mar 9, 11:33 am, Nate Nagel wrote:

MRS. CLEAN wrote:

Do we have a phone expert in this group?

I know, silly question.

I have terrible static in my phone line. I unplugged everything,
bought a new wire phone, plugged it in, and heard the same old static.

Assuming it's my problem (phone company tells you that if it's house
wiring the meter starts running and running and running), what do I
do?

Re-wire the house?

I was thinking about ripping down the lines, blaming the city tree
pruners, then calling them out making sure phone company's connection
is proper...

Better yet just find your interface. On an older house it will just be
a terminal block with brass nuts wherever the phone line enters the
house. On a newer house or one that has had the phone service replaced
by the phone co. recently, it will be a grey plastic box outside the
house with a modular plug inside. Once you've found it, disconnect all
the field wiring in your house leaving only the service wire connected.
With the newer style grey plastic box that's done by just pulling the
modular connector out of its socket. You'll need a nutdriver or socket
to do it on the older style terminal block.

Once you've done that, take a known good working phone, and either plug
it in (to the new box) or take a short length of phone wire and a new
jack and connect it directly to the terminal block (old style.) If you
still have static, then call the phone company and tell them that you've
determined that it is definitely their problem and that you expect them
to fix it.

If you have Verizon, don't expect results however. I did this dance for
about 6 mos. and many service calls at my old place before I just gave
up and went all cellular. Those annoying radio/TV adds bragging on
their reliability make me mad all over again, they're the most
worthless, unreliable utility I've ever dealt with. (I had problems
with them at two other places I've lived, as well.)

nate

--
replace "roosters" with "cox" to reply.http://members.cox.net/njnagel- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -


Disconnect at box.

Hook up new wire phone, dial one number, and see if you hear noise.

If I heard noise, then I tell them that I ran the test, I know it's
you, and now fix it.

If the line is clear coming from pole to house.....

What do I do?

In that case, you'll probably have a homerun from each jack to a
terminal strip somewhere. (either where the phone line enters the house
or very close to it.) Hook 'em up one at a time and test each one
individually. Eventually you'll find the one that's causing the noise.
Just leave that one disconnected until you can rectify the issue.


I think I am following so far, but stumped if the noise is in the
house. BTW, the wires were stretched on the outside coming into the
house when tree trimming, and the noise started thereafter.


From that, I'm going to guess that your problem is probably outside the
house. Stretched wires could mean compromised insulation and water
getting in etc. and that could cause static especially if they are
wrapped around a support cable.

nate

--
replace "roosters" with "cox" to reply.
http://members.cox.net/njnagel

Talking about the phone company taking responsibility for a bad line
reminded me of the 5 or 6 year period back in the 80's when we had a
problem at our house. We lived in the country, and while the township
crews "ditched" our road one summer, the phone company dug up a buried
phone line...and left it un-buried in the grass alongside the road.
(They probably intended to come back and bury it after the project was
done)

Anyway - that un-buried phone line sat in the tall grass...for a year
or so, until the township came along and mowed the grass along the
road. (Those of you who have lived in the country are familar with
this process: ...A large John Deere or Farmall tractor pulls a brush
trimmer along the road to trim the overgrowth back). Without the
driver knowing, the blade cut up this line for a mile or so.
Afterwards - every time it would rain, the phone line would become so
full of static that it was not usable.

I could see the damaged line...with shreds of wire hanging from
it....but - every time I called the phone company to explain the
problem and to explain what was causing it ---- they thought I was
nuts...and told me "We don't leave phone lines like that just unburied
alongside the road". They ditched (pardon the pun) the situation for
5 years....with continual rejections of their responsibility.

Finally - it was time for the phone company to upgrade the wiring in
our area. They ran a new phone line...BURIED IT this time
around...and lo and behold --- the phone sounded like new again.

On Mar 9, 2:34 pm, "MRS. CLEAN" wrote:
Do we have a phone expert in this group?

I know, silly question.

I have terrible static in my phone line. I unplugged everything,
bought a new wire phone, plugged it in, and heard the same old static.

Assuming it's my problem (phone company tells you that if it's house
wiring the meter starts running and running and running), what do I
do?

Re-wire the house?

I was thinking about ripping down the lines, blaming the city tree
pruners, then calling them out making sure phone company's connection
is proper...


As others recommend, plug your phone into where it comes into the
house and if there is static it is the phone company's fault.
Verizon's customer service is awful and their standard response is to
tell you what it will cost if problem is in the house. My last
problem like this, they said they were coming to house, never came and
line cleared up. Static most likely came from source miles away.

On Mar 9, 3:35�pm, "Stanko" wrote:
Talking about the phone company taking responsibility for a bad line
reminded me of the 5 or 6 year period back in the 80's when we had a
problem at our house. *We lived in the country, and while the township
crews "ditched" our road one summer, the phone company dug up a buried
phone line...and left it un-buried in the grass alongside the road.
(They probably intended to come back and bury it after the project was
done)

Anyway - that un-buried phone line sat in the tall grass...for a year
or so, until the township came along and mowed the grass along the
road. *(Those of you who have lived in the country are familar with
this process: *...A large John Deere or Farmall tractor pulls a brush
trimmer along the road to trim the overgrowth back). *Without the
driver knowing, the blade cut up this line for a mile or so.
Afterwards - every time it would rain, the phone line would become so
full of static that it was not usable.

I could see the damaged line...with shreds of wire hanging from
it....but - every time I called the phone company to explain the
problem and to explain what was causing it ---- they thought I was
nuts...and told me "We don't leave phone lines like that just unburied
alongside the road". *They ditched (pardon the pun) the situation for
5 years....with continual rejections of their responsibility.

Finally - it was time for the phone company to upgrade the wiring in
our area. *They ran a new phone line...BURIED IT this time
around...and lo and behold --- the phone sounded like new again.

you tolerated that for 5 years?

I would of taken some photos and visited them or the media.

you are way too tolerant

In some areas, if you call the phone company, they will install a NID
(Network Interface Device) for you at no charge. They did for me and
I think it was when Verizon ran the phone compnay.

You can also call their repair service and ask them to check the line
WITHOUT coming out. There is no charge for that either, although I
don't know how many problems they can find or fix.

I would ask them about this, if you can reach a human, but it seems to
me the best time to this is when I only had one good phone connected,
and if possible connected at the NID. Then when they find a problem
it will certainly be their problem.

OTOH, the static problem may well be in your house. You may find this
out when you connect that one could phone and you have no problem with
it. If it is in your hosue, post back.


On 9 Mar 2007 11:34:11 -0800, "MRS. CLEAN"
wrote:

Do we have a phone expert in this group?

I know, silly question.

I have terrible static in my phone line. I unplugged everything,
bought a new wire phone, plugged it in, and heard the same old static.

Assuming it's my problem (phone company tells you that if it's house
wiring the meter starts running and running and running), what do I
do?

Re-wire the house?

I was thinking about ripping down the lines, blaming the city tree
pruners, then calling them out making sure phone company's connection
is proper...

You may not even need to hook up a test phone at the network
interface. Just call the phone company. They can run an automatic
test remotely that will uncover many problems. And they will send
someone out to test their line up to your house for free.

MRS. CLEAN wrote in message
.com...
Do we have a phone expert in this group?

I know, silly question.

I have terrible static in my phone line. I unplugged everything,
bought a new wire phone, plugged it in, and heard the same old static.

Assuming it's my problem (phone company tells you that if it's house
wiring the meter starts running and running and running), what do I
do?

Re-wire the house?

I was thinking about ripping down the lines, blaming the city tree
pruners, then calling them out making sure phone company's connection
is proper...


Where I am in CA you can call 611. They can put you on hold, run a test
on the house, and tell you if the problem is yours or theirs. A couple
of weeks ago, that happened. It was their problem, and I didn't have to
be home for them to fix it. I wonder if you have that available?

Cheri

Finding the keyboard operational
MRS. CLEAN entered:

On Mar 9, 11:33 am, Nate Nagel wrote:
MRS. CLEAN wrote:
Do we have a phone expert in this group?

I know, silly question.

I have terrible static in my phone line. I unplugged everything,
bought a new wire phone, plugged it in, and heard the same old
static.

Assuming it's my problem (phone company tells you that if it's house
wiring the meter starts running and running and running), what do I
do?

Re-wire the house?

I was thinking about ripping down the lines, blaming the city tree
pruners, then calling them out making sure phone company's
connection is proper...

Better yet just find your interface. On an older house it will just
be
a terminal block with brass nuts wherever the phone line enters the
house. On a newer house or one that has had the phone service
replaced
by the phone co. recently, it will be a grey plastic box outside the
house with a modular plug inside. Once you've found it, disconnect
all
the field wiring in your house leaving only the service wire
connected. With the newer style grey plastic box that's done by
just pulling the
modular connector out of its socket. You'll need a nutdriver or
socket
to do it on the older style terminal block.

Once you've done that, take a known good working phone, and either
plug
it in (to the new box) or take a short length of phone wire and a new
jack and connect it directly to the terminal block (old style.) If
you
still have static, then call the phone company and tell them that
you've
determined that it is definitely their problem and that you expect
them
to fix it.

If you have Verizon, don't expect results however. I did this dance
for
about 6 mos. and many service calls at my old place before I just
gave
up and went all cellular. Those annoying radio/TV adds bragging on
their reliability make me mad all over again, they're the most
worthless, unreliable utility I've ever dealt with. (I had problems
with them at two other places I've lived, as well.)

nate

--
replace "roosters" with "cox" to
reply.http://members.cox.net/njnagel- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Disconnect at box.

Hook up new wire phone, dial one number, and see if you hear noise.

If I heard noise, then I tell them that I ran the test, I know it's
you, and now fix it.

If the line is clear coming from pole to house.....

What do I do?

I think I am following so far, but stumped if the noise is in the
house. BTW, the wires were stretched on the outside coming into the
house when tree trimming, and the noise started thereafter.

I understand that I still must isolate and troubleshoot.

Thanks, Nate, and I am sorry you were screwed by verizon. I'm screwed
by Home Cheapo often so I know what it's like.

Nate gave you great advice on how to isolate the problem. If it is Verizon
then it might take a bit of persistance to get it fixed.
Ask the neighbors if they have problems, strength in numbers.
Your state Public Utilities Commision may be interested in your problem.
There are minimum quality standards that phone companies must meet.
Bob

--�
--�
Coffee worth staying up for - NY Times
www.moondoggiecoffee.com

On Fri, 9 Mar 2007 15:24:33 -0800, "Cheri" gserviceatinreachdotcom
wrote:


MRS. CLEAN wrote in message
s.com...
Do we have a phone expert in this group?

I know, silly question.

I have terrible static in my phone line. I unplugged everything,
bought a new wire phone, plugged it in, and heard the same old static.

Assuming it's my problem (phone company tells you that if it's house
wiring the meter starts running and running and running), what do I
do?

Re-wire the house?

I was thinking about ripping down the lines, blaming the city tree
pruners, then calling them out making sure phone company's connection
is proper...


Where I am in CA you can call 611. They can put you on hold, run a test
on the house, and tell you if the problem is yours or theirs. A couple
of weeks ago, that happened. It was their problem, and I didn't have to
be home for them to fix it. I wonder if you have that available?

Cheri

FWIW, my friend had a problem, that I tried to fix and failed (or at
least ran out of time and energy, since they go to bed early), and he
called the phone company, and they ended up doing something in his
kitchen, under the wall paper and I guess under the wall-phone plate
that is in many kitchens, and they didnt' charge him anything.
Somehow they decided it was their fault, even though it was well
inside his house. So it does happen, I guess, even though probably
not often.

On Fri, 09 Mar 2007 16:53:30 -0500, mm
wrote:

OTOH, the static problem may well be in your house. You may find this
out when you connect that one could phone and you have no problem with
it. If it is in your hosue, post back.

One place I always check are lines on a fax or PC with a modem. They
are notorious for collecting dust; causing static.

--
Oren

"Well, it doesn't happen all the time, but when it happens, it happens constantly."

On 9 Mar 2007 12:45:05 -0800, "
wrote:

On Mar 9, 3:35?pm, "Stanko" wrote:
Talking about the phone company taking responsibility for a bad line
reminded me of the 5 or 6 year period back in the 80's when we had a
problem at our house. e lived in the country, and while the township
crews "ditched" our road one summer, the phone company dug up a buried
phone line...and left it un-buried in the grass alongside the road.
(They probably intended to come back and bury it after the project was
done)

Anyway - that un-buried phone line sat in the tall grass...for a year
or so, until the township came along and mowed the grass along the
road. (Those of you who have lived in the country are familar with
this process: ...A large John Deere or Farmall tractor pulls a brush
trimmer along the road to trim the overgrowth back). ithout the
driver knowing, the blade cut up this line for a mile or so.
Afterwards - every time it would rain, the phone line would become so
full of static that it was not usable.

I could see the damaged line...with shreds of wire hanging from
it....but - every time I called the phone company to explain the
problem and to explain what was causing it ---- they thought I was
nuts...and told me "We don't leave phone lines like that just unburied
alongside the road". hey ditched (pardon the pun) the situation for
5 years....with continual rejections of their responsibility.

Finally - it was time for the phone company to upgrade the wiring in
our area. hey ran a new phone line...BURIED IT this time
around...and lo and behold --- the phone sounded like new again.

you tolerated that for 5 years?

I would of taken some photos and visited them or the media.

Asses would be jumping in the company; if a 911 call was not able to
be made, causing the loss of life. OTOH is might just be lawyers .


you are way too tolerant
--
Oren

"Well, it doesn't happen all the time, but when it happens, it happens constantly."

mm wrote in message ...

Where I am in CA you can call 611. They can put you on hold, run a
test
on the house, and tell you if the problem is yours or theirs. A couple
of weeks ago, that happened. It was their problem, and I didn't have
to
be home for them to fix it. I wonder if you have that available?

Cheri

FWIW, my friend had a problem, that I tried to fix and failed (or at
least ran out of time and energy, since they go to bed early), and he
called the phone company, and they ended up doing something in his
kitchen, under the wall paper and I guess under the wall-phone plate
that is in many kitchens, and they didnt' charge him anything.
Somehow they decided it was their fault, even though it was well
inside his house. So it does happen, I guess, even though probably
not often.


In my case the phone would work off and on for a day or so, lots of
static, and sometimes dead. They determined it was caused by some kind
of water damage outside, due to recent rains.

Cheri

On Fri, 09 Mar 2007 18:18:34 -0800, Oren wrote:

On Fri, 09 Mar 2007 16:53:30 -0500, mm
wrote:

OTOH, the static problem may well be in your house. You may find this
out when you connect that one could phone and you have no problem with
Dang, I meant that "one good phone"!

it. If it is in your hosue, post back.

One place I always check are lines on a fax or PC with a modem. They
are notorious for collecting dust; causing static.

In article . com,
" wrote:

you tolerated that for 5 years?

I would of taken some photos and visited them or the media.

you are way too tolerant

Agreed. A threat to complain to the state's public service commission would
have solved the problem.
--

JR

In article .com,
"MRS. CLEAN" wrote:

Do we have a phone expert in this group?

Nope. Not a one. big grin

I have terrible static in my phone line.

Particularly if it comes and goes, that is easily the most difficult to find
and fix. Automated tests usually "see" right through static and report no
trouble.

I unplugged everything, bought a new wire phone, plugged it in,
and heard the same old static.

If the trouble is on only ONE jack/outlet/phone, it's that jack/outlet/phone.
If the trouble is on ALL jacks/outlets/phones, it's probably the line before
it enters the house.

Assuming it's my problem (phone company tells you that if it's house
wiring the meter starts running and running and running), what do I
do?

Many phone companies offer a monthly, inside wire maintenance plan.
Minimally, this means the subscriber is not charged for a visit, regardless of
where the trouble is. If you do NOT subscribe to this optional service, the
phone company SHOULD (but is not required to) tell you when you report your
trouble.

In my service area (Qwest/Omaha/Nebraska), if a SNID (Standard Network
Interface Device) is NOT present, we do not charge if the trouble is inside
and we are supposed to install the SNID at no charge.

Again, in my area, if a SNID IS present, and the trouble IS inside, AND the
customer does NOT have inside coverage, we charge an $85 Trouble Isolation
Charge to simply TELL them the trouble is inside. If asked inside to continue
the repair, in ADDITION to the above-mentioned Trouble Isolation Charge, an
hourly rate applies. It's $120/hr. wow

Conversely, across the river in Iowa, even if a SNID is present, we are not
allowed to levy the Trouble Isolation Charge UNLESS we are asked to come
inside. These policies and practices vary widely. Ask your telco.

If the trouble is equipment-caused, we will isolate to that equipment and
simply hand it over to the customer like a dead toaster. If the trouble is
wire and/or jack-related, we will repair or replace it.

Re-wire the house?

Yeah, right.

I was thinking about ripping down the lines, blaming the city tree
pruners, then calling them out making sure phone company's connection
is proper...

You mentioned that the static trouble began AFTER tree trimming was done.
Given that, even sight unseen, I can almost guarantee that the trouble is
"drop"-related. The ASW (Aerial Service Wire) was probably somewhat
compromised to begin with (squirrel damage, branch abrasion, etc) and the
added abuse of pruned branches falling across the wire further damaged the
wire, causing the static.

Here's an easy test: Call a friend and, while on the phone, have another
person WHACK the drop wire with a broom or rake, causing stress replicating
high wind. If the static is noticeably worse, the trouble IS in the ASW.

Order your telco's inside wire maintenance plan, endure the static for a
couple more days after that, then call-in the repair. Done. Good luck!
--

JR

Climb poles and dig holes
Have staplegun, will travel

On Mar 9, 9:12 pm, mm wrote:
On Fri, 9 Mar 2007 15:24:33 -0800, "Cheri" gserviceatinreachdotcom
wrote:





MRS. CLEAN wrote in message
s.com...
Do we have a phone expert in this group?

I know, silly question.

I have terrible static in my phone line. I unplugged everything,
bought a new wire phone, plugged it in, and heard the same old static.

Assuming it's my problem (phone company tells you that if it's house
wiring the meter starts running and running and running), what do I
do?

Re-wire the house?

I was thinking about ripping down the lines, blaming the city tree
pruners, then calling them out making sure phone company's connection
is proper...

Where I am in CA you can call 611. They can put you on hold, run a test
on the house, and tell you if the problem is yours or theirs. A couple
of weeks ago, that happened. It was their problem, and I didn't have to
be home for them to fix it. I wonder if you have that available?

Cheri

FWIW, my friend had a problem, that I tried to fix and failed (or at
least ran out of time and energy, since they go to bed early), and he
called the phone company, and they ended up doing something in his
kitchen, under the wall paper and I guess under the wall-phone plate
that is in many kitchens, and they didnt' charge him anything.
Somehow they decided it was their fault, even though it was well
inside his house. So it does happen, I guess, even though probably
not often.



Year's ago I paid twice to have a phone line replaced even though it
was outside the house. It runs from the box, around the house into my
den. The second time it was replaced, within a year of the first
replacement, problem was due to installers putting a staple through
the wire outside the house. I was ****ed but fortunately a business
client was picking up the tab and I didn't fight it. This is the gang
that is now Verizon.

I also had a royal battle with AT&T. Will not go into details but it
took state AG's office to straighten out. I canceled long distance
service with them on 2 phones and they begged me to come back for
months.

Now they've run their optical cable in front of my house and are
begging me to hook up. Since my last problem with a Verizon phone
line was only a few months ago, it will be a cold day in hell before I
give Verizon any more business.

Frank

In article .com,
"Frank" wrote:

Year's ago I paid twice to have a phone line replaced even though it
was outside the house. It runs from the box, around the house into my
den.

That is still considered "inside" wire.

More accurately, it is customer-owned wire on the customer side of the
demarcation point/interface. It's all yours.
--

JR

On Mar 10, 7:45 pm, Jim Redelfs wrote:
In article .com,

"Frank" wrote:
Year's ago I paid twice to have a phone line replaced even though it
was outside the house. It runs from the box, around the house into my
den.

That is still considered "inside" wire.

More accurately, it is customer-owned wire on the customer side of the
demarcation point/interface. It's all yours.
--

JR


I know this, but considering choice between Comcast and Verizon cable
service:
I assume Verizon puts in interface box, extends to TV's then as with
phones makes homeowner responsible for line upkeep past box. OTOH
Comcast will come into house and straighten out bad connections - at
least they did this for me a couple of years ago.

Friend just made Comcast to Verizon switch but then switched back when
service was unsatisfactory.

Frank

On Mar 10, 7:45 am, Jim Redelfs wrote:
In article .com,
"MRS. CLEAN" wrote:

Do we have a phone expert in this group?

Nope. Not a one. big grin

I have terrible static in my phone line.

Particularly if it comes and goes, that is easily the most difficult to find
and fix. Automated tests usually "see" right through static and report no
trouble.

I unplugged everything, bought a new wire phone, plugged it in,
and heard the same old static.

If the trouble is on only ONE jack/outlet/phone, it's that jack/outlet/phone.
If the trouble is on ALL jacks/outlets/phones, it's probably the line before
it enters the house.

Assuming it's my problem (phone company tells you that if it's house
wiring the meter starts running and running and running), what do I
do?

Many phone companies offer a monthly, inside wire maintenance plan.
Minimally, this means the subscriber is not charged for a visit, regardless of
where the trouble is. If you do NOT subscribe to this optional service, the
phone company SHOULD (but is not required to) tell you when you report your
trouble.

In my service area (Qwest/Omaha/Nebraska), if a SNID (Standard Network
Interface Device) is NOT present, we do not charge if the trouble is inside
and we are supposed to install the SNID at no charge.

Again, in my area, if a SNID IS present, and the trouble IS inside, AND the
customer does NOT have inside coverage, we charge an $85 Trouble Isolation
Charge to simply TELL them the trouble is inside. If asked inside to continue
the repair, in ADDITION to the above-mentioned Trouble Isolation Charge, an
hourly rate applies. It's $120/hr. wow

Conversely, across the river in Iowa, even if a SNID is present, we are not
allowed to levy the Trouble Isolation Charge UNLESS we are asked to come
inside. These policies and practices vary widely. Ask your telco.

If the trouble is equipment-caused, we will isolate to that equipment and
simply hand it over to the customer like a dead toaster. If the trouble is
wire and/or jack-related, we will repair or replace it.

Re-wire the house?

Yeah, right.

I was thinking about ripping down the lines, blaming the city tree
pruners, then calling them out making sure phone company's connection
is proper...

You mentioned that the static trouble began AFTER tree trimming was done.
Given that, even sight unseen, I can almost guarantee that the trouble is
"drop"-related. The ASW (Aerial Service Wire) was probably somewhat
compromised to begin with (squirrel damage, branch abrasion, etc) and the
added abuse of pruned branches falling across the wire further damaged the
wire, causing the static.

Here's an easy test: Call a friend and, while on the phone, have another
person WHACK the drop wire with a broom or rake, causing stress replicating
high wind. If the static is noticeably worse, the trouble IS in the ASW.

Order your telco's inside wire maintenance plan, endure the static for a
couple more days after that, then call-in the repair. Done. Good luck!
--

JR

Climb poles and dig holes
Have staplegun, will travel

And, that sounds like a WINNER!

In article .com,
"Frank" wrote:

considering choice between Comcast and Verizon cable service:
I assume Verizon puts in interface box, extends to TV's then as
with phones makes homeowner responsible for line upkeep past box.
OTOH Comcast will come into house and straighten out bad connections
- at least they did this for me a couple of years ago.

Do you mean, for "free"? I assume that ALL companies will come into the house
to perform service. Whether they levy a separate charge for such service is,
of course, dependent on a particular company's policy and whether or not the
customer pays for "inside coverage".

Just remember that no one - NO ONE - is giving anything away for free. The
consumer is paying for the service one way or another.

As with my company, regarding the upkeep of CPE (customer-provided equipment,
including wire and cable), the customer pays monthly for an optional
maintenance plan or they are charged a fee at the time of service.

I have no doubt that the monthly subscription is more lucrative for the
company than the subscriber. However, $4.75/month (for example) is obviously
more palatable for many customers than a big (often HUGE) one-time charge for
a lengthy repair call.
--

JR

Climb poles and dig holes
Have staplegun, will travel

wrote in message
ups.com...
On Mar 9, 3:35?pm, "Stanko" wrote:
Talking about the phone company taking responsibility for a bad line
reminded me of the 5 or 6 year period back in the 80's when we had a
problem at our house. We lived in the country, and while the township
crews "ditched" our road one summer, the phone company dug up a buried
phone line...and left it un-buried in the grass alongside the road.
(They probably intended to come back and bury it after the project was
done)

Anyway - that un-buried phone line sat in the tall grass...for a year
or so, until the township came along and mowed the grass along the
road. (Those of you who have lived in the country are familar with
this process: ...A large John Deere or Farmall tractor pulls a brush
trimmer along the road to trim the overgrowth back). Without the
driver knowing, the blade cut up this line for a mile or so.
Afterwards - every time it would rain, the phone line would become so
full of static that it was not usable.

I could see the damaged line...with shreds of wire hanging from
it....but - every time I called the phone company to explain the
problem and to explain what was causing it ---- they thought I was
nuts...and told me "We don't leave phone lines like that just unburied
alongside the road". They ditched (pardon the pun) the situation for
5 years....with continual rejections of their responsibility.

Finally - it was time for the phone company to upgrade the wiring in
our area. They ran a new phone line...BURIED IT this time
around...and lo and behold --- the phone sounded like new again.

"you tolerated that for 5 years?

I would of taken some photos and visited them or the media.

you are way too tolerant"


or maybe a creative use of a sawzall may have garnered faster a response....
;-)

On Mar 11, 9:27 am, Jim Redelfs wrote:
In article .com,

"Frank" wrote:
considering choice between Comcast and Verizon cable service:
I assume Verizon puts in interface box, extends to TV's then as
with phones makes homeowner responsible for line upkeep past box.
OTOH Comcast will come into house and straighten out bad connections
- at least they did this for me a couple of years ago.

Do you mean, for "free"? I assume that ALL companies will come into the house
to perform service. Whether they levy a separate charge for such service is,
of course, dependent on a particular company's policy and whether or not the
customer pays for "inside coverage".

Just remember that no one - NO ONE - is giving anything away for free. The
consumer is paying for the service one way or another.

As with my company, regarding the upkeep of CPE (customer-provided equipment,
including wire and cable), the customer pays monthly for an optional
maintenance plan or they are charged a fee at the time of service.

I have no doubt that the monthly subscription is more lucrative for the
company than the subscriber. However, $4.75/month (for example) is obviously
more palatable for many customers than a big (often HUGE) one-time charge for
a lengthy repair call.
--

JR

Yes for free but of course cable is not cheap. I've got 6 sets on the
cable. Tech came in in corrected all my connections and took out the
Radio Shack boosters which she said were not needed.

Frank

"MRS. CLEAN" wrote in message
oups.com...
Do we have a phone expert in this group?

I know, silly question.

I have terrible static in my phone line. I unplugged everything,
bought a new wire phone, plugged it in, and heard the same old static.

Assuming it's my problem (phone company tells you that if it's house
wiring the meter starts running and running and running), what do I
do?

Re-wire the house?

I was thinking about ripping down the lines, blaming the city tree
pruners, then calling them out making sure phone company's connection
is proper...


I had intermittent phone static for a couple of years; I was second owner of
this six year old house. Finally got tired of it and paid the phone company
to come troubleshoot. Repairman said that he found original installation
wire connections (when the house was built) that were only lightly twisted
together with no wire nuts. He made all connections firm and I have not had
the problem again.

On Mar 10, 7:45 am, Jim Redelfs wrote:
In article .com,
"MRS. CLEAN" wrote:

Do we have a phone expert in this group?

Nope. Not a one. big grin

I have terrible static in my phone line.

Particularly if it comes and goes, that is easily the most difficult to find
and fix. Automated tests usually "see" right through static and report no
trouble.

I unplugged everything, bought a new wire phone, plugged it in,
and heard the same old static.

If the trouble is on only ONE jack/outlet/phone, it's that jack/outlet/phone.
If the trouble is on ALL jacks/outlets/phones, it's probably the line before
it enters the house.

Assuming it's my problem (phone company tells you that if it's house
wiring the meter starts running and running and running), what do I
do?

Many phone companies offer a monthly, inside wire maintenance plan.
Minimally, this means the subscriber is not charged for a visit, regardless of
where the trouble is. If you do NOT subscribe to this optional service, the
phone company SHOULD (but is not required to) tell you when you report your
trouble.

In my service area (Qwest/Omaha/Nebraska), if a SNID (Standard Network
Interface Device) is NOT present, we do not charge if the trouble is inside
and we are supposed to install the SNID at no charge.

Again, in my area, if a SNID IS present, and the trouble IS inside, AND the
customer does NOT have inside coverage, we charge an $85 Trouble Isolation
Charge to simply TELL them the trouble is inside. If asked inside to continue
the repair, in ADDITION to the above-mentioned Trouble Isolation Charge, an
hourly rate applies. It's $120/hr. wow

Conversely, across the river in Iowa, even if a SNID is present, we are not
allowed to levy the Trouble Isolation Charge UNLESS we are asked to come
inside. These policies and practices vary widely. Ask your telco.

If the trouble is equipment-caused, we will isolate to that equipment and
simply hand it over to the customer like a dead toaster. If the trouble is
wire and/or jack-related, we will repair or replace it.

Re-wire the house?

Yeah, right.

I was thinking about ripping down the lines, blaming the city tree
pruners, then calling them out making sure phone company's connection
is proper...

You mentioned that the static trouble began AFTER tree trimming was done.
Given that, even sight unseen, I can almost guarantee that the trouble is
"drop"-related. The ASW (Aerial Service Wire) was probably somewhat
compromised to begin with (squirrel damage, branch abrasion, etc) and the
added abuse of pruned branches falling across the wire further damaged the
wire, causing the static.

Here's an easy test: Call a friend and, while on the phone, have another
person WHACK the drop wire with a broom or rake, causing stress replicating
high wind. If the static is noticeably worse, the trouble IS in the ASW.

Order your telco's inside wire maintenance plan, endure the static for a
couple more days after that, then call-in the repair. Done. Good luck!
--

JR

Climb poles and dig holes
Have staplegun, will travel

Due to the excellence of your post, I am hereby granting you Mrs.
Clean's Very First Manly Man Award.

Congratulations, JR, you are a manly man!

Mrs. Clean

In article .com,
"MRS. CLEAN" wrote:

Congratulations, JR, you are a manly man!

Aw, shucks, folks. I'm speechless! (Truly a first)
--

JR

On Mar 12, 10:20 pm, Jim Redelfs
wrote:
In article .com,
"MRS. CLEAN" wrote:

Congratulations, JR, you are a manly man!

Aw, shucks, folks. I'm speechless! (Truly a first)
--

JR

I took your advice.

I went to the website and signed up for Wire Pro insurance.

Then, I made the call last night while hanging from the line.

Guess what... It's not the line to the house. It's the wiring inside
the house

But, I am seriously thinking that above ground utilities are so out of
date, plus my house is 50 years old... that I should go cellular and
be done with this nuisance.

So, I will have the repairs made, then cancel the service. I want
things in good working order if I decide later that I want to have a
landline.

I am going cellular... I never thought I'd come to that conclusion
either.