an unfortunate first

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I have had ATT (or Michigan Bell, or SBC) land-line service since 1971.

Today, for the very first time in over 40 years, our land line is down.  The ATT DSL line, through which we connect to the net, is, oddly, happy as a clam.

ATT's website has some nice videos to help you diagnose problems.  The first thing you are supposed to do is open up the plastic box on the outside of the house,  disconnect the phone connection, wait one minute "for the system to reset", plug a working phone into the jack, and see if you have a dial tone.  If you do, the problem is in your house.  If not, it's their problem, outside your house.

I did that.  Twice, since I hadn't noticed the part about waiting one minute the first time.  (Ed. note -- *&#$*&%^!!!!!!)

We got no stinkin' dial tone, not inside, nor outside, neither......   (This, of course, is assuming that the phone I carried out there actually works, and -- really -- how would I know?????)

I wrestled my way through the ATT voicemail system.  Wouldn't you think they'd have a really slick one?  I would.  But they don't.  (Ed. note -- *&#$*&%^!!!!!!)

Eventually (!!!) I was able to leave a "repair order."  I was told our problem would be fixed by 8:00 pm on Friday.  I never did speak to a person.  (Ed. note -- sheesh.)

Ah well.

They think there are an "unusual volume of calls" at present.  Maybe this is widespread?

I would be a lot more annoyed if we were without internet service!  (Ed. note -- !!!!!!!!!!)



Anyway.

If you are someone who usually calls us on the land line, it won't work.  You'll need to use one of our cells.

Hoping this is anomalous, rather than a sign of things to come.

On the other hand, the only reason we really still have a land line is that it has been SO reliable.  If that ceases, then what's the point of having a land line?  ATT, I know you aren't paying attention, here (if anywhere!), but I rather wish you were.......



I knew it was a mistake to tell Comcast, when they were trying to sell me internet service, that ATT *never* (ever) goes down (UNLIKE COMCAST, which is problematic on a weekly if not daily basis!) ......... 

Brought this all on myself, no doubt..............


Or maybe it's just squirrels, chewing on the wires.

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