Why can't I make calls even though I have a dial tone?

Question

I have a new phone- I hooked it up to the wall. I have a dial tone but I can not make any calls. What could be the issue?

Answer 1

Couple of reasons for your condition.

The phone might be bad.

The company that provides the dial tone may have problems.

You would need to provide additional information for more correction: Does the dial tone stay there when you dial?
Have you paid you bill?

Answer 2

If you can hear dial tone press any digit, if you hear the "touch tone" then your phone is probably good but borrow your neighbors to be sure. If the neighbors or "known working" phone doesn't break dial tone go to the Network Interface Device or NID on the side of the house. It will be grey and have a stamp "Customer Access" using a flat screwdriver open it up and plug the "known worker" into the jack that says "Network". If you still cannot break dial tone, call the repair service and let them know it has been isolated at the "NID". If it works then your problem is inside and you need a technician to come repair the wiring. Look at the PennySaver for a retired tech picking up golf money. Otherwise it's expensive to have me come fix it $86.68 per hour. And the Inside Wire Maintenence plan is a scam. It only covers age, deterioration and corrosion.

Answer 3

Some phones require an electrical connection as well. Like handhelds or mobiles. Also if there is another line in the house, possibly that phone is off the hook. Check all lines in the house, make sure the new phone is properly connected and begin again. If all else fails, maybe the phone is bad and you can exchange it.
Good Luck!

Answer 4

If you are not breaking dial tone when you dial, reverse the leads on your phone line connection. This should fix your problem.