Telephone Trouble

I have no dial tone on one or all of my telephones 

No Dial Tone on ONE phone:

It is likely that the problem is caused by telephone equipment failure. Disconnect the non-working phone and plug it into a wall jack that has a working telephone connected. If you still do not hear a dial tone after moving the phone, the problem is most likely in the telephone you unplugged. If you've elected the MANAWA TELEPHONE Protection Plan, MANAWA TELEPHONE will repair your telephone at no charge.

If you hear dial tone after moving the telephone it means that the problem is most likely in your jack or wiring to the jack. If you choose to contact MANAWA TELEPHONE please mention that you have already tried an "unplug" test. And, if you have the MANAWA TELEPHONE Inside Wire Maintenance Plan, MANAWA TELEPHONE will repair your inside wiring and wall jacks at no additional charge. If you do not currently subscribe to this plan you may incur a service charge for repairs performed by a qualified MANAWA TELEPHONE technician.

   Photo of NID or test box on outside oh home.

No Dial Tone on ALL phones:

These instructions may help you fix the problem yourself. Following these instructions first can help you better understand where the source of your trouble resides.

Testing at the NID: (if you are uncomfortable performing this test, skip down to the "Unplug Test")

The NID is usually attached to an outside wall in single-family homes, or in an indoor panel for apartments.

1. Open the NID box.
2. Remove the modular plug from the test jack.
3. Plug a working phone into the test jack.
4. Listen for dial tone. If you can hear a dial tone, the problem is inside the home.  If you cannot hear a dial tone, the trouble is outside the home and the responsibility of MANAWA TELEPHONE.

Unplug Test:

Unplug all of the following devices from both their electrical outlet and their phone jack: Phones, Fax Machines, Answering Machines, Personal Computers, Caller ID Boxes and Modems (including DSL modems)

After all of these devices are unplugged, wait 5 minutes to allow your line to clear. Then plug a corded phone into each of your phone jacks and try to place a call. If this does not work, write down any message/recording you hear, then try a different corded phone.

If the call does not go through, contact an MANAWA TELEPHONE Local Service Representative. Please mention you tried the "unplug test" and/or NID Testing and inform them of any message/recording you heard.

 I have dial tone, but also noise or static on the line

Try disconnecting each telephone and related equipment (answering machines, computer modems, FAX machines, satellite TVs, Web TV, burglar alarms, etc.) one at a time from the telephone jack. If the noise stops the static is probably associated with the last piece of equipment you unplugged.

If the noise continues throughout the process, there is a good chance the service problem is associated with your wiring or jacks. contact an MANAWA TELEPHONE Local Repair Representative to schedule a repair visit from a qualified MANAWA TELEPHONE technician. If you are enrolled in the Inside Wire Maintenance Plan and it is determined that the problem is in the wire or jacks you will not be charged. If you are not enrolled in this maintenance plan you may be charged a service fee for repairs.

Why does my phone cutoff during my calls?

If this happens with only one telephone, it can be caused by either a loose connection or a defect associated with that phone. If this happens on all of your phones, contact an MANAWA TELEPHONE Local Repair Representative. If you prefer, you may email us by completing the MANAWA TELEPHONE Online Repair Form.

Why can't I make long distance calls?

Several reasons may prevent you from making Long Distance calls. If you hear a recorded message when dialing a long distance number, follow the instructions provided in the message or make sure you write the message down.

You can also log on to the MANAWA TELEPHONE Customer Center to check:

• Your account status to verify your account is in good standing
• You do not have call blocking activated for long distance calls
• Your order status if you recently selected MANAWA TELEPHONE as your long distance provider. Select "Your Plans & Services" tab, then click "View Order Status"

If you are still unable to make long distance calls, contact an MANAWA TELEPHONE Local Repair Representative. If you prefer, you may email us by completing the MANAWA TELEPHONE Online Repair Form. Please provide the recorded message.

I cannot make or receive calls? (including trouble hearing or being heard)

If you cannot make and receive calls, see instructions above for No Dial Tone.

If your problem is trouble hearing or being heard on the line, please ensure the volume control is set correctly and that the batteries are good for cordless phones.

If you can make and cannot receive calls or can receive and cannot make calls, follow the "Unplug Test" instructions below which may help you fix the problem.

Unplug Test:

Unplug all of the following devices from both their electrical outlet and their phone jack: Phones, Fax Machines , Answering Machines, Personal Computers, Caller ID Boxes, Modems (including DSL modems)

After all of these devices are unplugged, wait 5 minutes to allow your line to clear. Then plug a corded phone into each of your phone jacks and try to place a call. If this does not work, please write down any message/recording you hear, then try a different corded phone.

If the call does not go through, contact an MANAWA TELEPHONE Local Service Representative. Please mention that you have already tried an unplug test, and let them know of any messages/recording you heard.