Unable to Make Outgoing Phone Calls

I'm Unable to Make Outgoing Phone Calls

1. Make a test call to see if you can dial specific calls types successfully
    
   • Local Calls
      
   • Regional Calls (aka Local Long Distance)
      
   • Long Distance Calls 
      
2. Once you determine the type(s) of outgoing calls you are unable to make, follow additional steps below

I Can Make Local Calls, but not Regional or Long Distance Calls

1. Make sure you are dialing the number correctly; some Regional calls require 10 digits
    
   • For difficulty dialing one specific number, please follow the Can't Call a Specific Number troubleshooting steps - #4 below
      
2. Dial 1-700-555-4141 to verify your Long Distance provider
    
   • If you do not have a Long Distance provider, one must be established before a Long Distance call can be completed
      
3. Dial 555-4141 to verify your Regional provider
    
   • If you do not have a Regional provider, one must be established before a Regional call can be completed
      
4. If you are receiving a recording when trying to place one of these calls:
    
   • Listen carefully to the message and write down the message and reference number at the end of the message
      
5. If the problem persists, contact us for further assistance

I Can't Make Any Calls at All

1. If you have a second phone line, or a cell phone, try calling the number you are tying to reach
    
2. Make sure your phone is set to Touch Tone - not Pulse
    
• Pulse dialing uses different signal pulses to indicate the phone number dialed by a caller, while DTMF dialing uses specific tones to indicate the number


If you are receiving a suspended service recording, check your balance and make a payment if needed to restore service
 
Unplug all additional equipment, such as cordless phones, answering machines and fax machines, leaving one phone - preferably corded - plugged into the wall jack
 
•  Try the call again; if you are able to complete your call, there may be an issue with one of the pieces of equipment you removed
   
• You can determine the issue by plugging each piece of equipment back individually - one at a time
   
If the problem persists, contact us for further assistance

I Can Make Some Calls, but am Having Trouble Calling a Specific Number

1. If you have a second phone line, or a cell phone, try calling the number you are tying to reach
    
2. Make sure you are dialing the number correctly; some Regional calls require 10 digits
    
3. If you are calling a cell phone number, the person you are trying to reach may be experiencing trouble with their cell service
    
4. If you are receiving a recording, listen carefully to the message and write down the reference number at the end of the message
    
5. If the problem persists, contact us for further assistance

I Can't Call Out to Rural Areas

1. Many calls require 10 digit dialing that includes the 3 digit area code and 7 digit number; dial the full phone number
    
2. If the call is long distance, you must have a long distance provider
    
   • Dial 1-700-555-4141 to verify your long distance provider
      
   • If you do not have a long distance provider, one must be established before a long distance call can be completed
      
3. If you receive a recording when calling a rural area:
    
   • Listen carefully to the message and write down the recording to give to us
      
   • If there is a reference number, be sure to take note of it
      
      
4. If the problem persists, contact us for further assistance

If You're a Service Provider

 

• Please contact:
   

  • Joseph Kahl

    VP Regulatory and Public Affairs

    609-681-2184

    Joe.kahl@astound.com