Rotary line problem?

Question

I bought my parents a new phone and answering machine for Christmas,GE Model 25846 5.8ghz.We can't get the phone to make a call.We have a dial tone,but after dialing the number,the operator comes on and says,"If you'd like to make a call......."
My parents are both in their 80's and still have a rotary line in their home.Their other touch phones work on the line if they put it tone,but this phone doesn't seem to have that option.Is this phone too advanced to use on the rotary line?Thanks for any info...

Answer 1

I'm confused about part of your question. You say they still have rotary service, but the other phones work if you put them on TONE? Do you mean they work if you put them on PULSE? Pulse makes the clicking noises like the old rotary phones do. If they actually make the tones and the calls go through, then they are paying for touch-tone service. If you meant pulse instead of tone, and the new phone doesn't have a pulse option, then the phone is, indeed, too advanced for their line, unless they want to pony up the extra monthly fee for touch-tone service.

Also, to correct the previous responder, all lines are NOT tone. All lines support tone, but you still have to pay extra for touch-tone service.

Hope this helps!

Polly

Answer 2

First off, every line is a tone line. Rotary or pulse dialing is still supported, but I don't think that's the problem.

First inclination is the phone set. Hard to believe that the phone can't generate the tones to make a call straight out of the box, though.

Two ways to make a call: 1) dial the number, then press offhook. That would spill the tones as soon as it hears dialtone.
Or 2) Press offhook, listen for dialtone, then dial number, like you always do.

Just a thought.

Answer 3

If the other touch tone phones work it is a problem with the new one. Check the user guide for troubleshooting, it is definitly not the line. We will nick you for about $87 bucks if you call it in. Feel free to email me and I'll do my best to help.