AboutEric Miller Expertise I have over 10 years worth of experience in the telecommunications industry. I can give helpful information on virtually all aspects of telecommunications from residential installations to full size commercial installations. I have extensive experience in working with telecom media from CAT3 cable to fiberoptic cable. Be forewarned, hardware and software is not my thing, but I will give it my best to answer your questions.
Experience I have over 10 years worth of telephony experience, most of it in installation. I have extensive experience working with dial tone. I also have extensive knowledge in the installation/termination of all low-voltage cables, from CAT3 voice grade cable, to outside plant cable, to fiberoptic cable. I have used all types of test equipment ranging from CAT5 cable testers to OTDR's. I have experience in working with digital keys systems and PBX's.
Education/Credentials I have been BICSI certified. I have held certifications in digital key systems, voicemail, and other external equipment. I have held numerous certifications covering the installation of low voltage cable, including fiberoptic cable.
Expert: Eric Miller Date: 4/8/2008 Subject: Half rings and answering machine won't pick up
Question Hi, I read your answer to another person who had this problem, but our trouble started after we went digital. Is there new equipment we need? Thanks. Donna
Answer Hi Donna-
First, let me apologize for not answering your question sooner.
OK, I believe that there might be an equipment issue as well as a service issue. As far as equipment goes, the answering machine will not work with digital broadband service. Since it needs to see "ringing voltage", and since digital signal isn't voltage, the answering machine's not going to pick up. The only alternative I can think of is to use your service provider's voicemail service. Depending on the service provider, there could be a nominal fee attached to this service, but most service providers offer it at no cost.
Since your phone only rings half-rings, there could be an issue with the signal coming in to your home. I'm assuming that when you swapped services, you installed a broadband telephone unit. If that's the case, the phone should operate as it did before, just on a different type of signal. I would call your service provider and have a tech come out to check the signal (which they should do at no charge) and if everything is good there, return the unit to the service provider and have them give you another unit (which they should do at no charge also). If the problem still exists, there could be a problem with the inside cabling which would need to be checked by a trained technician. Since it is inside the house, you will probably be charged for that.
I do hope I was able to shed some light on the problem(s) and if I can assist any further, please do not hesitate to let me know. Thanks for the question!
