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JMHart's profile

2 Messages

Wednesday, March 6th, 2024 9:29 AM

Heavy static on all landline wall sockets

Over the past month or so, my landline has become more and more full of static noise. The dialtone is clear and incoming and outgoing calls connect and disconnect without a problem. The static starts only when the call connects. I have tested all three sockets in different rooms with the oldest and newest corded phones, one at a time. They all behave the same way.

When I called ATT, the agent tried to sell me the digital connection+internet even though fiber optic cables have not yet been laid in my area. When pressed, he admitted ATT is not repairing landlines anymore and the disturbance may be caused by the conversion from analog to digital.

I am in a condo, so I am one of the few residents who still have landlines. Before I contact them, I am hoping to get information and advice from the community. Thank you.

Accepted Solution

Expert

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19.7K Messages

4 months ago

Normally would tell you to test it from the NID with a known working corded phone, but since you're in a condo that would most likely be hard to do. All you can do is report it, it sounds like an outside plant issue, but should it turn out the problem is within the building you would be billed for a dispatch. If all else fails and AT&T doesn't respond to your request, file an FCC complaint.

Accepted Solution

Community Support

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232.9K Messages

4 months ago

Hey @JMHart, we understand that you have issue with getting static noise on landline, we’re glad to help.

 

Please check for outsides issues:

If your issue occurs on more than one phone, you can perform outside testing to find out if the issue is in your home or with the AT&T network.

  1. Locate the Telephone Network Interface. It’s usually located on the back or side of the house.
  2. Use a screwdriver to open the box. Look for a phone jack labeled customer access jack.
  3. Unplug the short telephone cord and plug in your corded phone.
  4. See if the problem still exists. If you:
    • Don’t have a clear dial tone: The problem is with the AT&T network. You’ll have to submit a repair ticket online at att.com/repair or call us. Be sure to tell the repair specialist about the troubleshooting steps you have take
    • Do have a clear dial tone: The problem is inside your home, and you should check for inside issues.
  5. Unplug the corded phone and replace the short telephone cord. Make sure you close and tighten the Telephone Network Interface cover.

Check for inside issues:

If the problem doesn’t occur when you’re connected to the Telephone Network Interface, the trouble is inside your home. It could be caused by a connected DSL filter or from interference from electronic devices in your home.

Check devices connected to DSL filters

If the problem occurs with one phone, and it’s connected to a DSL filter:

 

  • Check your DSL filters: Turn off or unplug your modem. If the issue went away, then a DSL filter is likely the problem.
  • Identify the failed DSL filter: Unplug one filter at a time from the telephone jack (wall). Leave the DSL filter you just unplugged attached to the device. Use another phone and DSL filter on a different jack to see if the problem still exists.
  • Test your devices: Plug in all of your DSL filters and devices, one at a time. Perform a test after each device is added. If you still have the problem, it is likely the phone, fax, or other device is defective. Remove or replace that device.

For more troubleshooting steps please visit our article about ⁠troubleshoot home phone issues.

 

Try the steps above and reach back out to us with any questions. Thank you for reaching out to AT&T Community Forums. 

 

Bruce, AT&T Community Specialist 

Accepted Solution

ACE - Expert

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24.9K Messages

4 months ago

Sounds like a line issue (corrosion, rust, water, loose wiring, etc). Those can normally be checked by yourself if you have access to the NID but, as @spoom2 pointed out, being in a condo you probably don't have access. If you could, you could at least determine if it was the inside wiring (your responsibility) or the incoming wiring (AT&T's responsibility). The only thing you can do is call AT&T and see if they will do a truck roll, but it will cost you.

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