Facts About Purchasing Your Own Telephone
You are responsible for repair and maintenance of your own equipment.
You must disconnect any phone that is defective or harmful to the network.
TEC remains responsible for company-owned phones and maintaining network lines.
Common Causes of Phone Problems
Faulty or disconnected phones, answering machines, fax machines, or modems
Busy line caused by other devices (computers, fax machines, satellite boxes)
Improperly hung-up phones
Damaged wiring or loose connections
Incorrectly connected or faulty wall jacks
Who Can Help?
TEC Service Center:
If the issue is in our lines or switching equipment, TEC will repair it at no charge.
We can test your line remotely, but some problems may require a technician visit.
Customer-owned equipment:
If the problem is with your phone, follow the manufacturer’s warranty or contact the retailer. TEC cannot repair customer-owned telephones.
If the issue is with jacks or wiring inside your home/office:
TEC can repair these if you subscribe to the Wire Maintenance Program at no extra charge.
If you do not subscribe, a Maintenance Visit Charge plus labor/materials will apply.
You may also repair the issue yourself or hire an independent contractor.
Troubleshooting Checklist
Before calling the Service Center, try the following steps to isolate the problem:
Check all phones: Make sure every phone is properly hung up.
Inspect wiring and connections: Look for damaged, loose, or disconnected cords.
Test multiple outlets:
Move a working phone to each jack in your home/office.
If the phone works at one jack but not another, the issue is likely in your wiring or jack.
Telephone Network Interface: If installed, use this test point to isolate whether the problem is in your wiring or TEC’s lines.
Reset equipment: Disconnect and reconnect phones, fax machines, answering machines, and cordless phones. This can sometimes restore service.
Why Won’t My Phone Work?
Problems with your telephone service can come from several sources:
TEC’s lines or switching equipment
Customer-owned equipment, such as phones, jacks, or inside wiring
Identifying the source is important because it affects how the problem is resolved and whether any charges apply.
Why Can’t I Make Outgoing Calls?
Ensure all phones are properly hung up.
Disconnect any devices (fax, modem, satellite box) using the line.
Test your phone at multiple outlets to isolate the issue.
Why Am I Having Trouble Receiving Calls?
Make sure the ringer is on.
Confirm the phone is plugged into an active jack.
Verify callers are dialing the correct number.
Check that no other devices are monopolizing the line.
Connecting or Disconnecting Your Telephone
Standard wall jacks: Insert the modular plug into the jack. To disconnect, squeeze the clip and pull out.
Non-standard jacks: Use a converter to adapt the jack for modular cords.
Wall-mounted phones: Slide the phone onto rivets for installation; slide up to remove.