I live in Southern New Jersey outside of Bridgeton in a rural area. I've lived in this area for the past 7 years and long-time residents have concurred that the issue of reliable telephone/internet service is a serious problem for everyone within an 8-mile radius of this area. The issues involve utterly neglected infrastructure of ancient hard-wires that creates an incessant "humming" on the landline if the wires are exposed to any type of moisture, whatsoever: rain, fog, mist, heavy humidity. This "humming" continues until the ground has completely dried out - anywhere from 3-5 days after the wet weather conditions have subsided.
Additionally, Verizon does not offer DSL service to the Greenwich area. That's right - if you want internet service, you can either opt for using a dialup service and choosing a separate server (netzero, aol, etc), OR you can choose a satellite internet service which is obscenely expensive - 5G of bandwidth, and you're paying 25c per KB after the initial 5G's. With the dialup service, the obvious issues are: a> monopolizing the telephone line, unless you have a wireless service, and b> the incessant "humming" over the land-line creates such a distortion that the modem cannot recognize the dial tones and is unable to connect. Those are the only two options available in 2011 for internet service to the Greenwich, NJ area. I am unable to build and maintain a business website to present and sell my artwork from my own home on my own computer.
As for the wireless phone service, it is spotty, at best. I have been in the middle of intense business calls and have lost my signal for days. I can't use the land-line service because of the incessant "humming" and I can't use my wireless service because there's not ample signal. I could purchase a cell booster for a minimum of $300.00 so that I could maintain a cell signal. Yippee. I pay over $250.00 per month for 3 cell phones, and 3 data packages (since we can't check emails from our home using a computer).
Now, here's the kicker: Verizon is the ONLY phone company that services our area. I have contacted numerous other carriers, and Verizon is the only provider, period.
I have spoken to various Customer Service Representatives and there is absolutely NO REMEDY for my family, or for residents in my community to enjoy reliable, contemporary, and up-to-date telephone service. I would love to hear something POSITIVE from the Verizon Corporation to explain why a pocket of population in the most populated State in the USA cannot enjoy simple, basic, up-to-date services.
Hi-
I've escalated this message and a Verizon rep will be contacting you to discuss ASAP.
Thanks, hope this helps. Sorry for your frustration.
Doug
Having been a telecommunications plant technician I can almost assure you that noise caused on your line during moist conditions is probably caused by outdated defective plant. You say you live away from town, distance is a factor when transferring data, dsl etc., especially on faulty lines. Cell service is determined on the placement of towers, and is usually supplied where the most usage is going to be- in town near population. Best solution, (but very inconvenient) move.
Start a new topic or ask questions in the open forum.
